Poker Networks for US Players
There are a variety of poker networks offering a quality poker experience for US players. Poker networks allow players to enjoy a number of benefits that cannot be found in standalone sites, such as larger player pools, bigger tournament guarantees, and more!
In this article, we’ll be looking at the best poker networks for US players, the pros and cons of playing on sites in a network, and what to consider when choosing one.
Poker Network Reviews
To help you find the poker network that’s right for you, we’ve tasked our team of experts with evaluating the best options for US players. Our team has compiled a short review of each of the best networks for US players, so if you’re looking for somewhere new to play, take a look at one of the options below.
Horizon Poker Network
The Horizon Poker network has had a checkered past, but throughout the turmoil, EveryGame has still remained a safe, secure option for US players. The network currently focuses on the recreational player experience and is known for its easy-to-use interface. While the player traffic may not be as high as other networks, it offers a range of cash games and tournaments with good guarantees. However, those looking to play high-stakes games may be a little disappointed.
PaiWangLuo Network
The primary sites on the network that are open to American players are Ignition Poker and Bovada Poker; two of the biggest in the US market. This poker network boasts significant player traffic as it’s comprised of some of the most popular US poker sites. They offer a streamlined software experience, a range of games, and plenty of rec-friendly features.
Chico Poker Network
While one of the smaller networks, Chico has done much to grow through the years and is home to prominent poker sites such as BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag. 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 network receives a good level of traffic, so you can always expect to find a game.
Winning Poker
What started as a relatively small network has grown exponentially in recent years, mostly due to its flagship sites, Americas Cardroom and Black Chip Poker. Its popularity with American players is almost unparalleled in today’s poker environment. With the increasing player numbers, WPN has upgraded its software, game variations, and tournament guarantees. The four sites on the network share player pools, which allows for large tournament series like OSS Cub3d, offering $25 million in guarantees.
Poker Networks vs. Standalone Sites
When it comes to online poker sites catering to US players, there are two primary types: standalone sites and poker networks. Each type operates differently, offering unique benefits to players. Let’s take a look at what each option has to offer its players.
Poker Networks
A poker network is a group of poker sites that operate on the same platform or client. Igaming is a great example of a network; there are a number of poker sites all under different brand names that share the same site design and player pool. Players are free to choose the brand that they prefer, but they can easily hop from one site to the next and not have any trouble finding what they need.
Advantages
Poker networks offer several advantages that can’t be offered by standalone sites; let’s take a look at what those are.
- Shared Player Pools - Sites that are part of a poker network share a player pool, which means that the player traffic for a poker network is often going to be far greater than a standalone site. A poker network with 5 sites each pulling in 100 players will have double the traffic of a standalone site with 250 players.
- More Game Choices - Poker networks often have the resources to develop and implement a larger variety of games than standalone sites, catering to players who enjoy other variants such as PLO, Short Deck, and 7-Card Stud.
- Larger Tournament Guarantees - Part of the benefits that come with a shared player pool include larger tournament guarantees. Poker networks know that they’ll get the combined traffic to post large guarantees, giving you a bigger prize pool to play for.
- Quality Software - Another advantage of playing on a site that’s part of a poker network is that the software they offer is top-quality. It’s easy to use and allows you to find your favorite games without hassle.
Disadvantages
Despite there being a number of positives that come with playing on poker sites within a poker network, there are negatives that US players should be aware of.
- Lack Of Originality - Many of the sites within a network use identical software and lack a sense of identity that you get with standalone sites.
- Network Reliability - Issues that affect one part of a poker network can have consequences that affect the gameplay across all sites within it.
Standalone Sites
Standalone poker sites are sites that aren’t part of a larger network of poker rooms, they operate independently of others. While this can be hard, it allows sites to put their own stamp on their product and create a USP that isn’t offered anywhere else.
Standalone Poker Site Advantages
While networks offer a number of advantages, there are some advantages that come with playing at standalone sites.
- Unique Site Design - Standalone poker sites often have a unique design, allowing them to put their own stamp on the industry and give their software a sense of identity.
- Focused Promotions - As these sites don’t need to offer mass-market appeal, they’re free to focus their promotions in ways that can greatly benefit their target audience.
- Increased Reliability - Standalone sites aren’t affected by issues going on at other poker sites, which often means increased reliability and less downtime due to server issues.
Standalone Poker Site Disadvantages
However, there are downsides to playing at standalone poker sites that must be considered, such as the ones below.
- Limited Player Pool - Standalone poker sites find it harder to attract a larger player pool, which means they have fewer games on offer and smaller tournament guarantees.
- Reduced Game Variety - Part of the consequence of having a limited player pool is a reduction in game variety. Some sites cannot viably run niche game types and instead focus their attention on mainstream variants that are guaranteed to run.
What To Consider When Choosing A Poker Network
Players should choose networks as they do their individual poker sites, based on the site’s features, reputation, reviews, and opinions of fellow poker players. If you are having trouble deciding, consider what matters most to you. Take a look below for some of the most important features offered by a poker network.
- 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 in 2020 offered 220 tournaments with $13 million in guarantees. That’s only expected to grow in the coming years. 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.
Choosing Your Poker Network - Separating Grinders From Recreational Players
Your level of dedication to poker will change the factors that are most important when choosing a new network. Grinders and recreational players play the game for different reasons, so it’s only natural that they’ll want different things from a poker site. Whether you’re a grizzled grinder or a recreational recruit, we’re here to help you choose your network and offer suggestions on what to consider depending on your attitude to the game.
Poker Grinder
If you’re a poker grinder, you’re going to want a network that allows you to maximize your EV both on and off the table. This means poker software that’s easy to use, allowing you to waste as little time as possible setting up your session, as well as software that’s compatible with 3rd party apps such as HUDs and poker trackers.
You’ll also want to look for a network that offers a good rakeback program. The best networks for US players offer upwards of 40% in rakeback rewards; receiving 40% of your rake back, especially at low stakes, will have a huge impact on your overall hourly rate.
Recreational Player
If you’re a recreational player, you want a poker network that’s going to make the online poker experience as enjoyable as possible. Ideally, you want a site that bans the use of HUDs and other 3rd party software so you don’t have to worry about the grinders targeting you.
Another thing to look for in a poker network is game variety; you want to have the option of trying out a host of different games so you can find the one you enjoy the most. If your poker network only offers one game type, it could get boring very quickly! Finally, a healthy number of reload bonuses will help make your deposits go further, giving you better value for money.
Conclusion
Choosing the right poker network is essential for US players looking for a rewarding and enjoyable online poker experience. By considering factors like reputation, game offerings, and tournament opportunities, players can find the perfect fit for their preferences and skills.
