Surfing the Online Poker Networks

The growing popularity of poker – fueled by TV coverage of such events as the World Series of Poker as well as the increasing number of online casinos – makes it difficult to find a good place to start. The media has also created major hype over the online world of poker, claiming that there are over 100 poker sites to choose from.

Experts point out, however, that the number of poker sites may be deceptive since many poker sites are actually members of a poker ‘network.’ Some online casinos create multiple sites or poker rooms (called ‘skins’) which are similar to franchises, in order to attract more players. Other casinos will band together to share a single poker room in order to build a larger overall room – so they will have similar software, same rules and have only minor differences in appearance.

Some of the More Popular Networks

Cryptologic Poker
Cryptologic is a poker network which operates sites such as Interpoker that is found at and Playboy Poker. It's medium-to-large sized poker room with what online players call “some of the best bonuses on the internet.” Interpoker games can be played in euros or British pounds, although observers note that Interpoker ‘taxes’ players who use these currencies.

Competition at Interpoker is considered “soft” with the no-limit games played for small stakes having a tendency to be fishy. This, combined with the bonuses offered, make the site fairly profitable.

Other poker rooms under this network are the William Hill Poker, and Poker Plex.

Ongame Network
If Ongame Network is a franchise, PokerRoom is its major ‘outlet.’ PokerRoom at www.pokerroom.com is a large network with what is estimated to be 6 million online players. It was once recognized as being among the best online poker places. PokerRoom offers both downloadable software to play their game, as well as a Java version for those with Macs and those who wish to play web-based poker games.

Competition at PokerRoom is considered average, with some of its games popularly considered to be loose-passive – although there are also some good players that pop in once in a while.

Playtech
Playtech’s major online poker sites are Titan Poker and Noble Poker (among others). Playtech is considered a relatively new site but it has grown quickly since the sites on its network (e.g. Titan Poker and Noble Poker) offer somewhat lucrative sign-up bonuses for new players.

One downside to playing at Titan Poker is that the gameplay can be distracting with its liberal use of colors and flashing lights. The software also has its share of bugs (probably because the network is still working this out). Competition is easy, although limit hold ‘em games can be fierce sometimes.

Apex
This poker network has a large number of poker rooms but observers believe that the network’s actual size is mid-size. Victor Chandler, www.vcpoker.com, is probably the best known site in this network, although the VC Poker website offers other games since the mother company has been in the gaming industry for some time.

Interestingly, Victor Chandler is a European corporation and has a wider range of games that can be played when compared to other sites. Victor Chandler allows players to play using play money or real money, with generous sign-up bonuses and the like.

There are, of course, many other sites and poker networks. What we've looked at is some of the most popular, for a full list of our reviewed rooms, see Poker Room Reviews.