US Poker Networks
The chances are good that you’ve already played on a poker (or gambling) network. You just may not have known about it at the time. So I want to take a couple of minutes to tell you about them, then point you in the right direction as to what networks you should consider playing on.
What is a Poker Network?
A poker network is a company that helps other companies launch their gaming brands online. They provide them with resources like software, graphics, marketing tools, banking options and sometimes even licensing. They streamline the entire process.
Each partner on the network is also known as a skin. The reason why is because all sites on a network use the same software, ultimately looking alike. The only differences are the logo, colors of the site and sometimes the promotions offered.
Poker Networks That Accept American Poker Players
If you ask me the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Even taking the identical graphics into consideration.
The only thing that weighs on my mind is the possibility of running into a rogue poker site, or worse, a bad apple for a network.
Our goal is to help you prevent those companies. So what we did is review all the networks and hand picked the ones we felt comfortable recommending to you. You’ll find the summaries of each network below. I recommend reading each one, and then reading the reviews of the sites on said network. That will be the fastest way to finding a site you enjoy playing at.
Read US Poker Network Reviews
Ignition Poker Network – Ignition is a unique network in that they’re the only poker (casino and sportsbetting) site on it. They’re an extension of Bodog, a multifaceted entertainment company that also operates in the coffee and mixed martial arts industries. This network is known for their unique software, recreational players and Zone Poker – the only kind of fast fold poker for US players.
Merge Poker Network – The Merge Poker Network is known for their flagship site, Carbon Poker. More than that, though, they’re known for their sharp, video game like graphics, unique features and large variety of games. They’re easily one of the best networks for US players.
Revolution Gaming Network – The Revolution Gaming Network is known for their flagship site, Lock Poker. Lock Poker used to be on the Cake Poker Network, until they made the switch in 2010. However, they outgrew the Merge Network and ended up buying the Cake Network in 2012, rebranding it to Revolution Gaming. They ended up taking 40+ percent of Merge’s traffic with them, too.
Ultimate Gaming Network– This network is known for Ultimate Poker, the first legal poker site in the United States. Right now their poker site only serves players in Nevada. They’ve come a long way, though, in such a short time. Within 3 months time they’ve already upgraded their software to improve their graphics and add a VIP program. They’ve also already dealt their 10 millionth hand, a huge milestone to say the least.
Winning Poker Network – The Winning Poker Network was first known as the Yatahay Network and for skinning the poker site, Doyle’s Room. They were an unknown network, at least until Black Friday hit. Post Black Friday, however, their player based grew nearly 100% as US players had hardly anywhere else to go. In recent months they’ve added sites like Black Chip Poker to their network, further increasing their player base. That’s definitely a plus, and hopefully an indication of what’s to come in the future.
Pros and Cons to Playing on a Network
There are both pros and cons to playing on a network. Unfortunately, seeing as how most US accepting sites are on networks, there’s not a whole lot you can do if you don’t like them. Either you’ll have to put up with the downsides, or just not play online.
Anyway, lets take a look at those now.
Network Pros
The best part about playing on a network is that they pool their traffic together. So instead of a 5,000 person player base being spread across 5, 10 or 20 sites, these players will be sitting down at the same tables you are, even if you’re on 2 different sites. That means games will run more longer throughout the day and more consistently.
Another thing I like about networks is that since they’re the same, if one site works for you then there’s no reason the next site shouldn’t. This eliminates then need to review sites, other than for maybe reputation purposes. Assuming that is ok, though, you can then go from one site to the next, taking advantage of each bonus offer.
The last thing I like about networks is that there is some barrier to entry. They force you to pay fees, be licensed and take care of your customers to remain apart of their network.
Network Cons
There are some downsides, too.
For one thing, the policing (on behalf of the network) can only go so far. So it’s important that you realize that the credibility of the network is not necessarily indicative of the experience that you’ll have at any of the skins. It’s happened more times than we care to count – a skin goes rouge, takes all the players’ money and disappears into the night, never to be seen again. In most cases the networks shrug their shoulders, if they’re considerate enough to say anything at all.
Another thing you may not care for are the skins themselves. I know when I go from one site to the next I’m wanting a unique experience. You don’t get that with a skin, though, since they all use the same hardware and graphics. The games all look and operate the same.