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PokerShare has introduced some fairly unique concepts into the
online poker world. Their loyalty program allows players to earn loyalty
points that can be converted in a number of ways. Most poker rooms allow
players to swap their loyalty points for prizes or cash that is added to
their bankrolls. PokerShare gives players the opportunity to convert
their loyalty points into donations to various charities, directly via
the PokerShare web site. In addition to this, players automatically
become members of the PokerShare Trust. This entity has a 40% portion
of ownership in the PokerShare company. Loyalty points accumulated by
players (called Frequent Player Points) earn them a corresponding
proportion of shares in the PokerShare Trust, thus giving them a part
ownership in the company. This increases the more they play, as Frequent
Player Points are rake-based. This company ownership bonus is in
addition to the other bonus payout options - players do not forfeit
their cash or prizes if they convert loyalty points into company shares.
It is innovations like these on which PokerShare has built loyalty
amongst its player base. It is effectively a player-owned poker room.
The idea behind this is to counter the well-known fickleness of online
poker players. Traditionally poker players move around the many poker
rooms in search of the best promotions and tournament opportunities.
PokerShare devised this method to try and ensure, while its players may
well play at other poker rooms, they always return to the PokerShare
rooms.
PokerShare began as a member of the Ultimate Bet
player network, but decided to become independent as a result of
witnessing the aforementioned player migration rates. They felt that
they could come up with an independent poker room that would be able to
better retain players. As a result PokerShare`s player base is growing quickly.
The emphasis on PokerShare tables is fast play. The majority of
tables on offer are shorter-handed tables, seating between four and six
players. Larger tables (up to ten-seaters) are available, but they are
in the minority. This means that more hands can be played by the
players, leading to more loyalty points being earned. As can be seen,
therefore, PokerShare`s entire operational model is built around the
company share concept. This type of consistency is encouraging in a
poker room.
Poker play is normally somewhat fast and loose, as the majority of
PokerShare players are quite new to the game. This of course means
relatively easy pickings for seasoned online players, which is another
attraction of PokerShare.
The software is of the usual high standard, with an engaging graphic
interface and smooth playing capabilities. Real-time chat is of course
possible while playing, and tables can be resized in order to fit
multiple poker games onto a PC screen - PokerShare allows one to play a
maximum of 4 simultaneous games. The Tain network is one of the most
established and widespread on the internet, so its abilities are proven.
The network also offers Freeroll and Buy-in tournaments that PokerShare
players have access to.
PokerShare also offers a Poker School on its web site. The
information is mostly basic poker knowledge, with some intermediate
articles thrown in. |
