Poker Networks for US Players

There are two types of poker sites, generally speaking. One is a standalone site, such as 888poker. It operates on its own software around the world, and it doesn’t have any skins – other sites that share the platform but operate under a different name. The other is a site that belongs to a poker network.

Essentially, a network is the group of poker sites that operate on the same platform or client. Some have the same parent company, but this is not a requirement. For example, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker operate on the same software and are both owned by The Stars Group. Others simply share a network for a variety of reasons, as there are many benefits

Sharing player pools enables smaller sites to offer more game choices and tables and bigger guarantees when players from various sites share those tables.

Networks enable bigger poker tournaments with more players and larger guarantees. Large tournament series are also possible on networks because the sites join to offer more options and money to make it worthwhile for players. Coordinating cashier programs enables quicker payouts and a wider range of deposit and withdrawal options. All sites on networks do not share cashiers.

Smaller poker sites are able to build their name, brand, and reputation without investing in new, proprietary software, which makes it more affordable for startup poker sites. Sites maintain individual brands on most networks, with their own graphics and designs. Some sites even keep their own promotions and VIP programs.

Players should choose poker networks as they do their individual poker sites, based on reputation, reviews, and opinions of fellow poker players.

American players’ online poker options include networks. Some sites open to the US market, like Americas Cardroom and Ignition are parts of networks. Even in states that now regulate their own online poker sites, such as in New Jersey, sites like BorgataPoker and PartyPoker share the same network designed for the new US market.

Poker Network Reviews

Horizon Poker Network The poker sites presently on the Horizon Poker Network were developed and previously associated with the now-defunct Cake Poker. That became Revolution Gaming, which also went out of business, but two sites survived. Through it all, the one site that never lost its reputation as a safe and honest poker site was Intertops, still open to American players.

PaiWangLuo Network Previously known as Bodog, PaiWangLuo is under new ownership as of 2019 through a Hong Kong-based company. It has expanded its offerings beyond Canada to various areas of the Asian, American, and European markets. Not all sites share player pools, but many do. The primary sites on the network that are open to American players are Ignition Poker and Bovada Poker.

Chico Poker Network – This is one of the smaller networks, but Chico has done much to grow through the years. One of the biggest improvements in the past few years is its upgraded software by Connective Games, which allows games on Macs or PCs and via iOS or Android mobile devices. The two most prominent poker rooms on the Chico Poker Network are BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag.

Winning Poker – What started as a relatively small poker network has grown exponentially in recent years, mostly due to its flagship site, Americas Cardroom. Its popularity with American players is almost unparalleled into today’s poker environment. With the increasing player numbers, WPN has upgraded its software, game variations, and tournament opportunities. The four sites on the network share player pools, which allows for large tournament series like OSS Cub3d. The largest sites that are a part of the network are Americas Cardroom and Black Chip Poker.

Separating Grinders From Recreational Players

Players have mostly become accustomed to the new online poker atmosphere that tries to even the playing field for all competitors. Network and site operators continue to implement changes to adapt to the evolving poker arena, which has largely brought all players to the same tables again. Grinders have found ways to make a living, and more recreational players have joined the sites to grow the market.

Biggest Differences From One Network to Another

Each network has taken its own approach to anonymous player pools and sharing player pools. But there are still differences that players may find among the networks.

Games and Stakes – Since Americas Cardroom’s latest growth, it has come to offer more poker variations and a wider range of stakes than most other poker sites that currently cater to US players. This site also has higher stakes than Ignition and Bovada, which previously dominated in that arena.

Tournaments – Americas Cardroom also dominates with regard to tournaments and series. Its first OSS Cub3d series of 2020 offered 220 tournaments with $13 million in guarantees. That’s only expected to grow in 2021. Ignition does well with its Black Diamond Poker Open, the event has offered more than $6 million. BetOnline has increased its offerings of late and has a great many benefits for those willing to play for somewhat lower stakes. Each network has daily, weekly, and semi-annual series.

Non-Poker Offerings – Some players choose a network based on the gambling and betting options available in addition to poker online. For example, Ignition players enjoy being able to use the same account for casino games, virtual sports, and online poker. Americas Cardroom has increased its offerings to offer more sports wagering options that most other US-facing poker sites.