Golden Palace Poker

Golden Palace Poker is the poker room offered by the world famous casino operator that is responsible for the most innovative marketing ploys yet seen in the industry. Unfortunately their marketing does appear to be a little better than their poker room offering, as it has a few drawbacks compared to most other well-known poker rooms. However the software, promotions and tournaments are generally top-notch, with the devil being in the detail more than anywhere else.

The sign-up bonus offers a 25% deposit match up to $100. This is subject to earning Action Points, but to their credit it is not released in small increments like so many other poker rooms are starting to do. There are plenty of excellent and lucrative Freerolls on offer, as well as good Buy-in tournaments, with prizes like seats at the WSOP and World Poker Tour. Progressive jackpots for royal flushes are another ongoing promotional feature

The software itself is very quick, and graphically interesting, while not being distracting. Unfortunately there is no facility for player note taking. Only Hold`em and Omaha are offered, and betting limits are pretty restrictive towards the higher end. Combine this with the Golden Palace casino player base and you have a relatively easy poker room with many inexperienced players. This can be profitable if you`re prepared to grind it out at the lower limits.

Bonuses and Promos:

• 25% up to $100 - subject to earning sufficient Action Points

• Win a seat at the World Poker Tour Legends of Poker event

• 3 Seats at WSOP up for grabs in the Leaderboard race
  

• Progressive Royal Jackpots - win by hitting a royal flush

• Weekly Super Suits progressive jackpots - hit a royal flush of the nominated suit and win

• Sunday Guaranteed Tournament - win up to $100,000

Loyalty Scheme:

• Action Points earned for ring game play - redeemable for cash prizes

Rake:
Golden Palace Poker applies a standard industry rake structure of 5%. The maximum rake on the lower limit tables is less ($1) than that in the higher limit games ($3).

Traffic:
Traffic is a little low on the ring games, compared to what you would expect from an operator that has had as much publicity as Golden Palace has, at around 2,500 maximum. During tournament times traffic peaks at 7,500 to 8,000 players - also a little on the low side.

Software And Features:
Software is fast and efficient, although it has quite a few drawbacks, primarily the inability to save player notes. There is a Buddy List function that allows you to find other players, and the ability to create private tables. The Lobby is clear, but you are unable to see the Flops Seen percentage for the tables. Card sizes are nice and big, and the avatars can be switched on and off, which is a nice touch.

Supported Games And Limits:
Only Hold`em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo are available. Not many limits are offered, ranging only from 5c/10c to $10/$20. If you want to play at higher limits, up to $50/$100, you need to get approval, which seems to be unnecessarily restrictive compared to other poker rooms.

Deposit And Withdrawal Options:
Deposit options: NETeller, Mastercard, Visa, Citadel, myCitadel, FirePay.

Withdrawals: NETeller, myCitadel, bank wire, bank draft..

Competition:
Due to the proliferation of Golden Palace Casino players, competition is not very strong, as Golden Palace appeals to the novice player with its populist marketing campaigns. You have to grind it out on lower limit tables, however, as higher stakes are not readily available.

Player Service:
Support is pretty good, with both email and telephonic support offered. The email support can be a little slow, however.

Downsides:
No ability to make player notes.
Lack of game diversity.
Higher limit games only offered to selected players.
Limited deposit options.