Absolute Poker

Absolute Poker continues to forge ahead as one of the most innovative poker brands in the market today. Their software continues to improve and they certainly comes up with some of the most interesting tournaments around, like their "Living the Dream" tournaments with a massive $100 million prize pool . Since the fallout in the US, Absolute Poker has cemented its position as a major force, and is now a true, Tier 1 poker room, meaning you will get just about any game at any level around the clock.

Absolute Poker offers a variety of poker games, including Limit and No Limit Hold`em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud. Bet limits range from 25c/50c to $15/$30. The site has moderate traffic, with most players playing at the lower limit tables, where play is quite loose. This means that the more experienced player can make some decent money. There are plenty of Freeroll and Buy-in tournaments, with good cash prizes, as well as seats to the World Series of Poker, to be won. There is also a college tuition program allowing students to win the costs of their tuition by playing in dedicated tournaments.

Game play on the software is slick, and it is generally well-supported by the poker room. Players are able to upload their own icons to represent them at the table, which is a nice personalized touch. A wide range of deposit options is accepted, making it very convenient to fund your poker account.

Absolute Poker currently offers the following bonuses and promotions:

• 100% bonus up to $50 for initial deposits

• Daily Freerolls

• Win seats to World Series of Poker in tournaments

• Win Your Tuition tournaments for college students

• Refer a Friend - cash for referals, plus entry into holiday prize draw

• Annual TLB Leaders` Challenge - win a seat to the World Series Of Poker.

• Absolute Rewards Loyalty Program

• Very good VIP Program

Rake:
Standard 5% of every pot, with a maximum of $3 per pot. Maximums are lower if less players at a table.

Traffic:
Total traffic reaches the low to mid 1000s during busy periods, although it can be under 1000 at slower times. The majority of play occurs on the lower bet limit Hold`em tables, and the Sit & Go tournaments with lower buy-ins. Tournament traffic peaks at around 4000 players on average, which is very good

Software And Features:
The software has a high level of playability, although it tends to be a little too resource intensive. Play statistics are updated immediately. Cool features are the ability to insert your own icons to represent you at the tables, and to download different table skins from the Absolute Poker web site. Players have the ability to set up private tournaments.

Supported Games And Limits:
Limit and No-Limit Hold`em is offered, as well as Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud and 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo. Limits range from micro-limits (10c/25c) to medium limit ($15/$30). Most of the action is at the micro-limit tables.

Deposit And Withdrawal Options:
A good range of deposit options. Choose from: NETeller, Visa, Mastercard, Debit cards (Solo, Switch, Visa Electron, Maestro, Delta), ePassporte, Instadebit, electronic check, Click2Pay, FirePay, Moneybookers bank transfer, and CentralCoin bank transfers (US accounts only).
Withdrawals: NETeller, FirePay or check only.

Competition:
Competition is not very strong, especially at the low-limit tables, where most play occurs. The players here are generally pretty loose, so strict starting standards will pay off. Middle limit games can also be quite profitable, as the same loose players migrate to slightly higher limit tables. On the highest limit tables play is a lot tighter.

Player Services:
Support is by email only. This is not ideal, as live chat or a toll-free number provides a sense of more immediacy. However, email support is generally very responsive.

Downsides:
Tables limited to 9 players
Lack of live support
Traffic a little low