Betfair Poker Bonus

Background

Betfair is one of the world's leading betting exchange sites, providing comprehensive sportsbetting options and also an online casino service. A licensed bookmaker in the UK (with licenses in Australia, Malta, Austria and Germany), Betfair launched its poker service in May 2004. In 2006, Betfair launched new poker software, delivering a polished and detailed online poker experience. This was updated yet again during end of January 2009. At Betfair Poker players of all bankrolls and abilities have the chance to play and Betfair Poker backs up their poker service with fantastic guaranteed tournaments and impressive ongoing promotions. Betfair Poker is the currently the sponsor behind the ever so popular World Series in Europe and the home of players such as Annette Oberstad and John Tabatabai (winner and runner-up at WSOP-E 2007), Sorel Mizzi and the recent added talent from Denmark, Peter “Zupp” Jepsen .

Limits and Rake

The limit structure at Betfair Poker reflects their desire to attract players of all abilities and bankrolls. Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit games all start at $0.02/$0.04 and increase steadily from there. Limit games extend all the way to a high-rolling $1000/$2000, whilst the Pot Limit and No Limit tables max out at a comparatively modest $100/$200.

The industry standard of 5% rake is generally applied at Betfair Poker. No matter what table or limit, the rake will never exceed $3. At the micro limits, through to $0.05/$0.10, a maximum of $0.10 is raked. The $0.10/$0.20 tables are raked at a maximum of $0.20 and all other tables are raked up to a maximum of $1 to $3 (at a rate of 5%). As is common in most online poker rooms, Betfair Poker does not collect a rake if no flop is dealt for a given hand.

Player Traffic

Betfair, as a standalone pokerroom, is today ranked at number 16 according to the PokerScout website. Traffic peaks with around 1200 cashplayers during high traffic with a 7-day average of around 600. In these numbers are only cash players, not including all the tournament players, which together would make these numbers jump considerably. Having been the sponsor of the two WSOP-E that's been played has drawn the attention of players around Europe and the World. That together with Annette Oberstad and John Tabatabai on their team the traffic at Betfair increases on a daily basis. This combined with some excellent tournaments and promotions will also play their part in keeping players coming back to Betfair Poker.

Playability

The hues of blue that dominate the design of Betfair Poker are very pleasing to the eye. They also help give the software an incredibly slick and modern look. The lobby is simple to navigate and locating a table, limit level and game is no trouble at all. The tables themselves are minimalistic in design and this is a welcome change. The focus is on the cards, the chips and the action. The cards are very easy to read when juxtaposed to the blue tables and large buttons and timers streamline the playing experience. The gameplay moves at an adequate pace and multi-table play is an available option for those seeking a more intense and thrilling online poker experience. The integration of Betfair Poker to the rest of the Betfair network is seamless and delivers first class cashier and customer support service.

Software and Extra Features

At the end of January 2009, Betfair launched new poker software making it more modern looking, easier to the eye for players with more contemporary colors. Included in the software is also easier navigation in the lobby, larger and much clearer buttons giving the players the best possible gaming experience. Upgraded was also the chat option, colorizing the text depending on who is writing, making it easier for players to distinguish players, railbirds and administrators chat from each other. Last but not least two additional languages were added, Russian and Greek, to the already existing English, Italian, Spanish, German and French languages.

Useful options:

• Multi-Table Play – Driven by additional DirectX software, this feature can deliver a staggering 15 table simultaneous play. Perfect for poker professionals.

• Player Notes – Collect comprehensive notes on players of all types.

• Player Search – Combined with the player notes, track down all the fish you've met.

• Player Location – Displays players current geographical location.

• Screen Resize – Customize the playing screen size, includes detachable windows.

• Multimedia Content – Streaming content directly through the software.

• Hand History – Review, analyze and improve your game with this excellent function.

• Show Folded – See what you could have had, if you had bet to the river.

• Timebank – An extra 30 seconds thinking time is allocated during tournament play, for use once only.

• Betfair Exchange Account – An account at Betfair Poker can be used at Betfair Exchange.

Customer Service

24 hour international and UK phone numbers are available to contact technical support directly. Email support is also available and Betfair Poker endeavors to answer all emails within two hours of receipt. Responses are accurate and build upon the excellent customer service that Betfair Exchange is known for.