What to Look for in a Poker Platform

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The explosion of the iGaming industry has resulted in a wealth of gaming and sports betting tools and platforms flooding the market. If you’re new to playing poker online and are searching for a good quality platform to play at, the options can be quite overwhelming. Digital poker is a huge segment and, depending on what your goals as a player are, there could be more than one site out there suitable for you.  

If you’re looking for the perfect online poker platform, the following tips will help you make a more informed decision.  

Where to Start 

To start your search for the perfect poker platform, you need to have a clear idea of what level of player you are. Are you looking for recreational games to play where you can brush up your poker skills and learn more advanced strategies? Or, are you a seasoned player looking for more challenging tournaments? Maybe you’re only looking for low-stakes games or games with a higher volume of players.  

A really useful way to find reputable online poker sites is to check the listings pages of industry sites like PokerNews. You can read reviews and articles from real players as well as access site listings.  

Legal and Licensed Gaming Rooms 

A really important factor to consider when choosing a poker site to play in is if it has an up to date gaming license to legally operate in your jurisdiction. Different countries have different laws regarding the regulation of gaming platforms, so not all sites are accessible to global players.  

To be granted a gaming and poker license, platforms need to be compliant with stringent regulations. This includes things like provably fair games, regular independent auditing and transparent player policies and terms of conditions. The most reputable sites are licensed through recognised bodies like the UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority or Nevada Gaming Control Board.  

Variety of Games 

Not all online poker operators provide the same selection or quality of games, so this is something to pay attention to when doing your research. While most platforms will typically offer games under Texas Hold’em rules, you may need to increase your search if you tend towards more obscure variants like Badugi, Razz or Five-Card Draw.  

Similarly, some platforms offer modernised gaming formats, such as sit n go poker, fast-fold tournaments, ring games and even virtual reality poker.  

The Bonuses on offer 

Let’s face it, a cheeky bonus offer can really make a difference to your experiences playing in an online platform – especially since iGaming is known for offering more promotions than brick and mortar gaming rooms. If bonuses and regular promotions are important to you, seek out those platforms that offer them with the best conditions.  

There are plenty of bonuses on offer at most gaming platforms, but they’re not all created equal. A no deposit bonus, for example, is a great way to try out a platform. When it comes to matched deposit bonuses, however, they’re typically more suited to experienced gamers due to the higher wagering requirements that are attached to them.