Pokerstars

Poker Stars is probably the most famous online poker room in the world, thanks to having produced an incredible 3 World Series of Poker champions in the last 3 years. They are of course Chris Moneymaker (the first person to win the WSOP after winning a seat at an online poker room), Greg Raymer, and "Aussie Joe" Hachem. All 3 of them won their seats at PokerStars and are still the resident professionals here. You can play against them when you join PokerStars in special scheduled tournaments.

PokerStars is a hugely popular web site, with up to 70,000 players at peak tournament times. Due to this popularity the poker room does not feel the need to offer a first-time deposit bonus. However, there are reload bonuses that are offered from time to time. I personally don`t see this as an issue. I would rather get no bonus, but get immediate action when I`m looking for a game. The backbone of the poker room is tournaments, and there are a vast amount of lucrative tournaments on offer, including a weekly Sunday night $1 million guaranteed. There are all different types of players to be found, from newbies to very accomplished players.

The software is very quick and very reliable, which enables PokerStars to handle such large volumes of players. PokerStars is not about glitzy graphics. It is about playing poker, and there`s plenty on offer. All standard poker games are offered, and stakes range from 2c/4c to $100/200, which will suit any bankroll. There is no rake taken at micro-limit tables. PokerStars is one of the best choices you could make when looking to play online poker, and offers something for everyone.

Bonuses and Promos:

• PokerStars Millionaire Quest - win a seat at the World Series of Poker

• PokerStars Sunday Million - win $1 million every Sunday

• World Blogger Championship of Online Poker - an annual tournament for bloggers - $37,000 in prizes

• VIP Club - get access to online tournaments and World Poker Tour

Loyalty Scheme:

• Frequent Player Program - earn points and get free tournament entries, clothing, electronics and books

Rake:
The rake is slightly below industry average - players thus get to benefit from the economies of scale of having so many players. There is also no rake taken at micro-limit tables.

Traffic:
PokerStars is on one of the top 2 most popular online poker rooms. During peak periods, ring game traffic reaches an average of 11,000 players, and during peak tournament times, up to 75,000 players are playing. this makes Pokerstars the biggest tournament site on the net.

Software And Features:
As you would expect, with such player volume, the software is quick and reliable. It is graphically rich as well as feature-laden. You can make notes on players, and view their statistics, find players, and even transfer funds between players - something that most software does not allow. You can upload your own icons to represent you at the tables, which adds a nice personal touch.

Supported Games And Limits:
No-Limit, Pot-Limit and Limit Hold`Em are offered, plus Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud and 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo. There are micro-limit games available, and betting limits are between 2c/4c and $100/200.

Deposit And Withdrawal Options:
Deposit options: NETeller, instaCASH, eChecks, FirePay, CentralCoin, VISA, Delta, Electron, Gift and Prepaid VISA, MasterCard, Gift and Prepaid MasterCard, Diners, Solo, Maestro, Switch, Cashier`s Check, Money Order, Bank Draft

Competition:
The competition is varied, and there are plenty of loose games to be found, as PokerStars attracts thousands of new players all the time. However, at the mid-to-higher limits, games are tight and players are good. Pokerstars attract serious poker players.

PokerStars Player Services:
Player support is of excellent quality, even if it is only available by email. Support agents are knowledgeable and professional.
 

Downsides:
No sign-up bonus

Email only support (but it is very good)