Full Review of Sportsbook Poker
Summary of Sportsbook Poker
Sportsbook is an established online sports book and casino operator. Their poker room, however, was launched only a couple of years ago and is part of the Cake Poker network. The player volume is in the global top ten and still growing at a steady pace, as other poker rooms also join the network. In Texas Holdem, most levels have good "liquidity" (there are many games running), and the tournaments attract lots of players.
This is one of the few poker sites that accept US players after the stricter legislation (except for certain states.)
Sportsbook Poker recruits a fair share of its players from their casino and sports book, resulting in many inexperienced players at the tables, and the games are often loose and passive.
The deposit and withdrawal options have been enhanced to normal industry standards. Remember though, that some e-wallets do not accept US players.
If you prefer tournaments, Sportsbook Poker has great variety on offer. In fact it's one of the best poker rooms in this aspect, with over $5 million every month in guaranteed prize pools. It is also known for its WSOP giveaway promotions, giving players the chance to win a seat in the Main Event for free. If you want to avoid the crowds at the freeroll satellites, it’s also possible to qualify through $10 buy-in sit-and-gos. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the generous sign-up bonus.
There are lots of special tournaments, and player points can be converted into cash prizes. Loyal players can participate in recurring sweepstakes. Sportsbook Poker players get to play a monthly $100,000 freeroll – very good value!
Poker Traffic
Cake Poker network has grown fast since launch, and it climbs ever closer to the top ten positions in the poker traffic toplists. During peak hours (usually around 7 PM PT), there are always ring-games available at most levels, and the tournaments are very well visited.
Software & Graphics
Let's face it - Sportsbook Poker and the Cake network has one of the least attractive poker clients in the business - at least on the surface. The outdated looks of the poker room is about to change, however, as Sportsbook is about to upgrade to the modern Merge Gaming platform. On the other hand, Cake is very functional and user friendly, if simplistic.
You start out by picking an avatar to represent you at the table. The avatars are "photo realistic"-looking, and there are quite a few to choose from. The lobby is easily navigated using tabs, letting you find your favorite game quickly.
The number of simultaneous tables you can play is capped at four. This is a small setback, but not a big one for most players, and four tables work very smoothly. You can watch an unlimited number of tables, though, if you enjoy some serious rail birding.
Overall, the software runs very smoothly. The in-game statistics provided are very comprehensive and useful, as are the instant hand history function. You have the opportunity to grade your opponents using different colors, and take notes on your opponents during play. Instead of inventing new, mind-blowing functionality, Sportsbook has tried to really make the basics work. Something that we, the players, applaud fiercely!
Game Variety
The poker variations offered at Sportsbook Poker include: Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud and 7-Card stud Hi/Lo. Most of the traffic is found in the low to medium stakes Holdem games, primarily at the no-limit tables, but the Omaha games are starting to pick up as well.
Several daily tournaments with
substantial guaranteed prize pools - sometimes with added value - are held at Sportsbook Poker, and there is always action to be found in the sit-and-go section. There are satellites to big live tournaments, such as the Irish Open, with buy-ins starting at $5, and a really exciting invention: cash game qualifiers!
Unfortunately, all multi-table tournaments are played out in Texas Holdem. Also no big problem for most players.
More About
Since its start in 1996, Sportsbook.com has been a leading player in the online gaming industry. Twice has it been named the "Best US Sports Book" by eGaming Review (2005 and 2006).
Sportsbook has set most industry records that you can imagine, from largest turnover to most active users and highest number of bets made – at fifteen bets per second! The company has been talked of on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal etc.
Huge numbers of people come to Sportsbook to bet on sports or horses, play poker or enjoy the thrill of blackjack and other casino games.
The latest craze is called Fantasy Sports (or owner simulation). Participants pick line-ups of players in various real-life sports and accumulate points depending on the players’ real-life performance.
Twenty million Americans join in this new fun, competing for bragging rights or even cash.
Read more about Sportsbook!
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