Ultimate Bet Bonus

Background

Ultimate Bet has been hosting online poker since 1999. Ultimate Bet is the sole legal property of Tokwiro Enterprises Enrg, with headquarters located in Malta and gaming servers located in Kahnawake, Canada. UltimateBet is the online poker room of choice for top poker professionals Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, Antonio Esfandiari and Tiffany Michelle. After weathering a scandal involving various 'super user' accounts, Ultimate Bet has lost significant credibility and is working hard to rebuild its reputation and brand image. Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker (both owned by Tokwiro Enterprises) recently announced their intentions to merge their network platforms, combining the player base from both sites to create the third largest online poker network currently in the market. The new network, 'CEREUS' has been in development for over 12 months and launched in early August 2008. Ultimate Bet players will not notice any remarkable changes, as both Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet are keeping their own brands and significant identities, only sharing their customer base, in order to deliver greater promotions, competitions and guaranteed tournaments.

The Ultimate Bet software is stable and runs at a swift pace. After the online 'super user' scandal broke, UltimateBet made sure all efforts were made to correct any errors in the software that allowed such accounts to exist and operate undetected. It's understandable that traffic has dropped in the months since the scandal and it seems as though Ultimate Bet has its work cut out for it in enticing both new and existing players back to the felt. Promotions at Ultimate Bet are regular and present continued value to players. Satellites to the Aruba Classic, a strong loyalty program and an exclusive first deposit bonus for PokerNews players gives members many reasons to play at Ultimate Bet.

As for the exclusive PokerNews bonus, at the low limits, it can be very difficult to clear. However, with continued play, UltimateBet makes it easier for players to achieve their bonus - through the RAI$E system. A 'member' earns $1 in bonus for every 20 Ultimate Points collected. However once a player reaches 'Icon' status, they are required to earn 90 Ultimate Points for every $1 in bonus. This seems counter intuitive, however the 'Icon' player is earning Ultimate Points at five times the rate of the 'member.' Effectively, the 'Icon' player needs only earn 18 Ultimate Points to earn the bonus dollar.

Member - $1 Bonus Dollar released for every 20 UltimatePoints (multiplier = 1x)

Player - $1 Bonus Dollar released for every 40 UltimatePoints (multiplier = 2x)

Contender - $1 Bonus Dollar released for every 60 UltimatePoints (multiplier = 3x)

Legend - $1 Bonus Dollar released for every 70 UltimatePoints (multiplier = 4x)

Icon - $1 Bonus Dollar released for every 90 UltimatePoints (multiplier = 5x)

The multiplier addition to the bonus structure presents good value to those players willing to grind out their bonus, however it would take a lot of play to clear this. That said, the bonus, in addition to Ultimate Bet's other promotions present an enticing choice for online poker players.

Limits and Rake

Ultimate Bet is geared towards all limit players. Low stakes games as low as $ .02/.04 and high stakes games like $300/600, which are some of the biggest games on the net. In addition UltimateBet offer unusual formats for their structured games.

The Ultimate Bet rake system is complicated, with the exact rake determined by the limit level, number of players in the pot and amount in the pot. Low limit players can expect no more than a $1 maximum to be raked, whilst high limit players may hit the $4 maximum. Exact details can be found on the Ultimate Bet site - from the homepage, click on 'How to Play' and then the 'Rake Schedule' link. A 'no flop, no drop' policy is implemented at all Ultimate Bet tables.

Player Traffic

Ultimate Bet brings around 2,000 players to the tables during peak times. As the unification of the Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker players bases is completed, players can expect a potential player base in the tens of thousands. That said, Ultimate Bet will need a significant and continued marketing campaign to convince many players to return to the tables, especially after their image and reputation has been tarnished.

Playability

The Ultimate Bet software has always presented players with a sturdy, stable and enjoyable online poker experience. The mini-view is a welcome addition - allowing players to easily multi-table, without squeezing regular sized gaming windows. Swift play is maintained through the use of only basic animations and preset buttons assist players making quick decisions and keeping the games moving. With a reduction in player traffic, the fish value at Ultimate Bet is rather low, however expect that to increase when the CEREUS network hits full stride.

Software and Extra Features

Ultimate Bet already enjoys a few welcome features. The incorporation of the CEREUS network will no doubt assist in the implementation of even more features. Current features include:

• Mini-View – Shrink the table, but keep all the relevant information clear and legible. Perfect for multi-table players.

• Hand History – Keep track of all your cards and the moves you made.

• Central Seating – Prime position given once seated at every table.

• Player Stats – Obtain stats on you play and easily incorporate third party poker statistic trackers.

• Ultimate Buddy – The fastest way to find your friends at Ultimate Bet. This is a separate program from the poker room but is simple to use and great for finding your buddies easily.

Customer Service

Customer service is available through email, supplied on the website. Live chat is also available through the poker client. The response time could be better although it is easy to read.