Online Casino Gambling

Absolute Poker Review

The popularity of Absolute Poker, like its sister site UltimateBet, suffered greatly in its early years due to an inside gambling scandal. While many players were initially reluctant to return to the site, its induction into the CEREUS Network has meant positive change.

The operators have worked hard to regain the industry’s trust by acquiring approval from the esteemed Kahnawake Gaming Commission and by having their randomization software independently audited by iTech Labs. Do we think their recovery efforts have earned them a second chance? Read on to find out.

Absolute Poker Bonuses and Promotions

Absolute Poker offers an excellent value with their sign-on bonus which offers a much higher than average match of 150%, good for up to an extra $500. Depositors will also earn a free entry to one of the site’s many $1000 guaranteed freerolls. While you’re at it, peg on an extra $75 for referring a friend.

Hopefully the site’s generous loyalty points program – FAME – will set a new trend in the online poker industry where most comp programs are notoriously stingy. Not only can you earn approximately 30% of your cash play back via FAME points, you can earn double points when you play during Absolute Poker’s dedicated Power Hours, and you can turn those points into cash, prizes or tournament entries, as you prefer. You can also use your FAME status to earn those oh so rare reload bonuses. In fact, Absolute Poker is one of very few large poker rooms that offer regular reloads (theirs vary in size from a modest 15% all the way up to a full 100% match).

Absolute Poker’s bad beat jackpot is progressive, which means it regularly tops a quarter of a million. The site also turns Texas Hold’em’s worst hand – 7-Deuce – into a new promo table that rewards players with enough confidence to ride a clunker to the showdown.

You can also earn money in more traditional ways, such as winning any of the site’s many guaranteeds, by climbing to the top of their weekly and monthly leaderboards, or by finishing in the money in one of their many special events. Their satellites aren’t too stingy either, most notably their annual $12,000 WSOP packages.

In fact, even fun money players can earn some cold hard cash via Absolute Poker’s special promotions. Hardcore play money competitors that earn a cool 10 million chips will also score a $50 bonus plus inclusion in the site’s Play Money Hall of Fame.

Banking

While we think that Absolute Poker’s claim to have more “real money payment options than any other online poker room” is dubious, they’re definitely in the top five when it comes to ease of depositing. Players have 21 of the most efficient and secure funds transfer services to choose from.

Depending on your home country, you will also have as many as 10 withdrawal options to choose from, though American players should be aware that most of their options come with a fee and a considerable delay.

Software

Many players choose either Absolute Poker or its subsidiary UltimateBet, assuming that because they’re members of the same network they offer the same experience, but if you have the cash to try both we highly recommend it. UB is a great site, but Absolute is commendable in its own right. The design is clear and modern but easy on the eyes and even easier to navigate. The lobby is likewise player-minded and the cool blue tables and sharp but subtle graphics will keep you awake but relaxed during those multi-hour sessions.

During peak hours the site supports in excess of 25,000 players at over 4,000 live and active tables. Game choices cover the most popular options – Texas Hold’em and Omaha – but also include some Stud and mixed game selections. Ring game players will be especially pleased to see the site’s amazing stakes spread. At the end of your bankroll? Finish it off or rebuild it at the $.01/$.02 micro-stakes. Hoping to make a fortune in one night? Then test your skills against other high rollers at the $500/$1000 tables.

If you’re tired of dealing with aggressive short-stackers then you’ll love Absolute Poker’s substantial minimum buy-in policy. The tournaments are equally inclusive with steps buy-ins starting at $.50 and direct entry to the $150,000 guaranteeds costing a cool 1K.

If you’re worried that Absolute Poker hasn’t learned its lesson when it comes to treating their players right, then all you have to do is check the middle of their home page where the site displays an entire list of fair and safe affiliations and responsible gambling links.

Summary

Absolute Poker offers a good all-around value for amateur players of every level. If you’re looking for a site that excels at everything but you’ve been letting old rumors prevent you from trying Absolute Poker, then our advice is to forgive, forget, and join today.