Choosing an Online Poker Site

After I have clicked on a banner that is advertising a room, there are a few things I look at before I download the site and open a new account to play poker or gamble . Here are a list of questions that the House of Poker Blues recommends you answer when checking out any room/site for the first time.

Am I allowed to play?

First off check to see if the site allows your country to even play at their site. Since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), a lot of the sites will not allow the American Player. Here at the House of Poker Blues we believe in promoting reputable U.S.friendly poker rooms that allow people from all around the world to play.

Do I like the look and “feel” of the room or casino?

Just take a look at the homepage and see if you like what you see. Take a look around the site, see if it has what you are looking for, make sure it has the type games you like to play. Not all rooms offer a wide selection of poker games and not all poker sites offer a casino on the side.

While looking at the home page see if they are licensed. Most reputable poker sites will be licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or one of the following; Gibraltar, Malta and N. Antilles, depending on their jurisdiction.

Almost every site has play money tables and games to play. Use it to get used to the software after downloading and see how it “feels”. I never deposit on any site till I have played with the play money for a day or two to try out all the games and options the room has to offer.

What deposit and withdrawal options do they offer?

See what deposit and withdrawal options they offer and be prepared to maybe have to send in some documents for withdrawal and even to deposit before using a credit card. This is to protect you as well as the site. Most sites will not allow the U.S. player to use credit cards, so make sure they have an option that American can use if you are from the U.S.A..

What are the Terms and Conditions?

An important thing to read thoroughly are the terms and conditions of any bonuses the site offers and if there are withdrawal conditions. If you read something you don’t understand don’t be afraid to go to their customer support. As the old saying goes, the only stupid question is the question not asked.

How prompt is the Customer Support?

Check out the rooms customer support before depositing.You want to have 24/7 support available to you, and not have to wait days to get help if you need it.