World Poker Tour

Almost every poker player has heard of the World Poker Tour (WPT). The WPT began in late 2002 and has grown into one of the most respected and popular international poker tours around. The TV show improved on early televised poker formats, polishing the 'hole card camera' idea and injecting each show with expert commentary, tight competition and a number of respected professional poker players. Currently, the WPT is broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide, in over 150 territories. Now, 2007 sees the launch of WPT Online Poker, which is set to build upon the unique branding and promotional tie-ins that the WPT offers and create a rich, lavish, secure and attractive online poker room.

The World Poker Tour online poker room offers tables in USD, English Pound and Euro. As such, the limits for each game and type vary slightly depending on which currency is being used. For example, at the Limit Texas Holdem tables, the limits start at a low $0.50/$1 and move in steady increments up to $100/$200, but begin at £0.15/£0.30 through to £600/£1200 when playing in English Pounds. The No Limit tables begin at $0.03/$0.06 (£0.05/£0.10) and move up to $25/$50 and £100/£200. The Pot limit tables offer a smaller range of limits; from $0.15/$0.25 and £0.15/£0.25 to $5/$10 and £5/£10. All other games at WPT Online Poker fall within these limit ranges.

Following standard industry practice, World Poker Tour Online generally employs a rake of 5%. The maximum rake charged is dependent on the number of players in the pot, the game type and the limit level. In general, for heads-up play, the rake is set at a maximum of $1. For 3 – 4 players, the rake is capped at $2 and for 5 players and above, the rake is capped at $3. The only time the rake will be above $3 is when there are 5 or more players playing No Limit or Pot Limit at the 100/200 ($/£/€) limit level. In this case, the rake is capped at a maximum of $5.

For a site that has only recently opened, World Poker Tour Online already draws a sizeable crowd. Expect around 2000 players during peak periods. The focus is on the ever-popular Texas Holdem and many games can be found at the micro to mid limits. Tournaments and sit-n-gos are also popular however the Omaha and Stud tables are less populated. The curious game of Holdem Blackjack also draws interest but only on occasion. The strength and exposure of the WPT brand will help pull a greater crowd to their online poker tables in the coming months, so expect player numbers to steadily increase.

World Poker Tour Online is part of the Cryptologic Network which provides a solid and functional online poker platform. The lobby is well designed, with tabbed browsing automatically sorting games, types and limits, allowing for simple and quick access to the game, limit and type so desired by the player. The tables themselves are well designed, with a large playing table and big playing cards the main focus. Options are readily at hand, as are play buttons and menus. Gameplay moves swiftly, with simple animations and preset functions all welcome additions.

Aside from the standard feature set found on most of the online poker rooms, World Poker Tour Online also includes convenient options such as:

• Four Color Deck – Improve the visibility of the cards with this option.


• Time Bank – Extra thinking time permitted when playing in tournaments.


• Hand History – Instant access to review your play.


• Player Notes – Sort out the fish from the sharks and remember who took your money.


• Statistics – Fine tune your game with real-time play statistics.

World Poker Tour Online aims to deliver first class customer support, matching the quality of the associated TV productions. The WPT Online support is available 24/7 to respond to all queries and poker needs. Players can contact support through email or through toll free numbers (when calling from England, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Spain and Sweden). Other countries can also call another number, although it is not toll free.