Chico Poker Network
The Chico Poker Network is an online poker network that connects three poker sites: BetOnline, SportsBetting, and Tiger Gaming. BetOnline and SportsBetting serve US players, while Tiger Gaming primarily caters to international markets. The network has operated under different names for more than two decades.
The three sites share a poker player pool, giving players access to cash games and tournaments through their respective platforms. Available games, bonuses, and promotions may vary by operator.
The History of the Chico Poker Network
When Action Poker launched in 1999, there was no indication that it would grow into a network of popular sites. Action Poker was one of the original poker options for players as online gaming grew and as poker blossomed courtesy of the poker boom, also known as the Moneymaker Era.
Playsafe Holdings bought Action Poker in 2006, and Julian International Holdings took it over in late 2011. Julian, in fact, bought the entire operating division of Playsafe.
It was Julian that rebranded the poker platform of Action Poker Network into Chico Poker Network in 2012. This was, in part, due to problems incurred by Action Poker before its absorption by Julian. The new owner had to contend with legal issues involving previously issued fraudulent checks and delayed payments. After a settlement that Julian entered upon its purchase of Playsafe and its affiliate sites, the new Chico Poker Network emerged as a new brand under new management.
Julian International Holdings continues to operate the network from its Seychelles headquarters.
Chico Poker Network Sites
There are three sites on the current Chico Poker Network: BetOnline Poker, SportsBetting Poker, and Tiger Gaming. BetOnline and Tiger were a part of the Action Poker Network when Julian acquired the company. SportsBetting.ag later moved from the Merge Poker Network to the Chico Poker Network. SportsBetting’s poker tables then joined those of BetOnline on the same poker platform, providing for greater poker liquidity and more offerings.
Tiger Gaming also operates on the Chico Poker Network and shares its poker player pool with BetOnline and SportsBetting. However, Tiger Gaming primarily targets international players and does not accept players from the US market. It also offers casino games and an online sportsbook.
US Poker on BetOnline and SportsBetting
BetOnline and SportsBetting are separate poker sites, both operating under .ag domains.
Chico’s shared poker platform gives BetOnline Poker, SportsBetting Poker, and Tiger Gaming shared liquidity. Players can join through different Chico skins while competing at the same virtual cash game and tournament tables. The higher number of players allows Chico to offer more of a cash game variety – both in stakes and poker variations – and bigger tournaments.
What is the difference between the two sites? The primary difference is the site itself, the ease of navigation and game selection, the color schemes, the advertisements and overall designs.
There are also some key differences in the setup of each poker site. SportsBetting Poker, for example, has fewer direct links to its poker software updates, while BetOnline provides more beginner poker player information, such as hand rankings, poker odds calculator, and easily accessible links to explanations for throwables and straddles.
Chico Poker Software
Chico periodically updates its poker software for BetOnline and SportsBetting, with changes to the lobby, gameplay features, and overall user experience.
One of the unique features of Chico cash games is “anonymous observation.” This keeps players’ identities anonymous on cash game tables as seen from the lobby. Screen names are only revealed when the players take a seat at a table. This prevents more knowledgeable (semi-pro or pro) players from seeking out weaker players and targeting them. It protects recreational players.
Chico restricts the use of some third-party poker tools, although compatible tracking software may still work with limitations. Players should check the current operator rules before using HUDs or other third-party software, as permitted features can change.
The lobby is continuously upgraded to provide easy navigation. Players can find the cash games and stakes they want, the ones that best suit their bankroll needs and skill levels. The tournament lobby can be sorted by date or buy-in, with the ability to filter by events that are in late registration periods and those that provide special structures, like turbo and even freerolls.
Players can navigate the tables themselves quite easily, with large buttons that clearly show the fold, raise, and call options. The ability to change their avatars, deck colors, felt and background design also give players the ability to customize their playing experience.
Software Compatibility
The poker skins on the Chico Poker Network are compatible with native PC and Mac computers. Players can easily download the software and install it within minutes (sometimes seconds) via the installation wizard. Action is available almost immediately after setting up a new, free poker account.
The best part of SportsBetting Poker and BetOnline Poker is that players don’t need to download any software if they choose. Both sites are accessible from any major web browser. The login process is the same, as a new window opens to provide full access to the lobby, cashier, and promotions.
Mobile Poker Options
BetOnline and SportsBetting offer mobile poker access, allowing players to use their phones or tablets to access poker games. Mobile access and installation options may differ by operator and device, so players should check the relevant poker site for current instructions.
Mobile poker for BetOnline and SportsBetting are smooth and easily navigable. Further, Chico is consistently updating its poker software for mobile users. All options are easy to see, especially when in landscape mode, and the “more” button in the bottom corner provides access to all parts of the poker website.
Players can do everything on mobile that they can on the desktop version of the poker sites. They can change avatars and backgrounds, sign up for a new account and bonuses, deposit and withdraw funds, and even chat with a customer service representative.
Poker Bonuses and Promotions
There are a number of promotions shared by BetOnline and SportsBetting for poker players. With shared online poker liquidity comes better promotions and more opportunities for bigger bonuses.
Welcome Bonuses
Our partnerships with BetOnline and SportsBetting Poker provide our readers with top welcome bonuses, no matter which site a player chooses to join.
BetOnline and SportsBetting each advertise a 100% first-deposit poker bonus of up to $1,000, with a $50 minimum qualifying deposit under their published standard offers. Bonus funds are released in stages as players meet each operator’s qualifying requirements. BetOnline uses Comp Points, while SportsBetting releases bonus funds based on rake earned.
BetOnline lists promo code POKER1000, while SportsBetting lists NEWSB. Players should review the current terms and any LUSPS-exclusive offers before depositing, as eligibility and promotional conditions may differ. Both standard offers give players 30 days to release their bonus funds, and any unreleased funds are forfeited when that period expires.
New players may also qualify for promotional tournament tickets or satellite entries, depending on the offer available when they register. Players should check the current promotion terms for ticket quantities, qualifying requirements, expiration dates, and eligible tournaments.
For a full breakdown of the top poker bonuses available today, visit our poker bonus guide.
Sit & Go Jackpots
Players around the world have grown to love jackpot sit-n-go action, as the SNGs move fast and present the potential to win significant money.
Chico Poker sites offer Windfall jackpot Sit & Gos, which are three-handed, fast-paced tournaments with prize multipliers determined before play begins. Jackpots start at just 2x the buy-in but climb to 2,500x the buy-in. There are also All-In-or-Fold jackpots for up to 1,000x the buy-in.
Bad Beat Jackpot
A favorite of many poker players is the Bad Beat Jackpot for cash game players. The most recent version of this promotion, “New Bad Beat Jackpot 2.0,” is available to players in No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha cash games. Now, players can participate at various stake levels, so pros and recreational players aren’t competing for the same jackpots. At the different levels, players can cash in on the jackpot when they take a particular kind of bad beat – a full house (aces full of kings) beaten by four of a kind (threes or higher) or a straight flush. (In PLO, the minimum four of a kind is sixes or higher.) At least four players must be dealt into the hand for the jackpot to qualify. Both players involved in the winning and losing hands must also use both hole cards, with additional requirements applying to qualifying hands.
At a table with a bad beat qualifier, the jackpot will be paid as follows:
- Player taking the bad beat wins 20% of the jackpot
- Winner of the hand takes 10%
- All other players at the table split 10%
- All players at other Bad Beat Jackpot (BBJ) tables split 20%
- Jackpot is reseeded with 35% of the jackpot
- Poker operator takes 5% of the jackpot as a fee
Weekly Boost Leaderboards
Boost is the brand of fast-fold cash games available at BetOnline and SportsBetting poker sites. This is available most months for No Limit Texas Hold’em cash game players.
Eligible Boost players may be able to earn additional rewards through leaderboard promotions. Prize pools, qualifying stakes, scoring rules, and opt-in requirements can change, so players should check the current promotion details before participating.
More Bonuses
Players can check their login page of the poker site on which they play for the latest promotions. Each month, there is the chance to reset any promotion or find new ones.
Most poker promotions cater to cash game players, but there are also sit-n-go and tournament options from time to time. Players that make the most money from promos are the ones who check the promos page at the beginning of each month to start on new ones right away.
Available Poker Games and Stakes
There are as many poker options as players can desire at Chico Poker Network sites. There are the standard Hold’em and Omaha variants, as well as stakes for all levels of players.
Cash Games
BetOnline and SportsBetting Poker cash games are available at a variety of levels and game types. No Limit Hold’em players can start at $0.05/$0.10 or $0.10/$0.25 and climb the ladder up to $5/$10. Omaha players will find everything from standard PLO to PL 5, PL 6, and Omaha Hi/Lo from $0.05/$0.10 to $2/$5 and $5/$10.
Experienced players and those who like new challenges can also play Pineapple OH for $0.10, $0.25, and $0.50.
Stud, Draw, and mixed games such as HORSE are not currently listed among the network’s main poker offerings.
Players can find some Six Plus Hold’em (also called Short Deck Hold’em) at times, depending upon player demand. This game is played with only 36 cards in a deck instead of 52, as all of the twos, threes, fours, and fives are removed. The hand rankings are a bit different, as a low straight is A-6-7-8-9. The rules are fairly straightforward, and it provides a new challenge for players.
Variations of cash games also offer features like straddles and Boost structures, many with the ability to run the board two or three times.
Tournaments
Most of the tournament options on Chico poker sites are of the Hold’em variety, though Omaha does offer some tournament action as well. Many tournaments offer guarantees on their prize pools, especially the daily, weekly, and series events.
The Chico tournament schedule includes regular Sunday Majors and other guaranteed events across a range of buy-ins. Guarantees and individual tournament schedules can change, so players should check the current tournament lobby for the latest events.
Chico offers guaranteed tournaments across different buy-ins, including progressive knockout (PKO) events. Some tournaments allow reentries, while selected events offer satellites where players can qualify for a seat at a lower cost.
There are also lucrative “Tournament Money Builders” hosted daily at buy-ins from $1.10 to $22, each offering rebuys and add-on options.
Players should always check the tournament lobby for specials and freerolls, the latter often putting hundreds of dollars in the freeroll prize pools.
Tournament Series
The Championship Online Poker Series (COPS) is one of Chico’s established tournament series, with events held at different points throughout the year. The series has featured a range of buy-ins and guaranteed prize pools, including larger Main Events. Players should check the latest series schedule for confirmed dates, buy-ins, and guarantees.
In addition, the popularity of PKO tournaments – progressive knockouts – prompted Chico to start offering a King of the Ring PKO series. These KOTR events take 50% of the buy-in for bounties and the other half for the prize pool. The typical structure gives players the chance to knock out an opponent for 50% of their bounty in immediate cash and the other 50% added to the knockout player’s bounty.
Players enjoy making money throughout the tournaments instead of waiting for the money bubble to burst, and the escalating bounties add more excitement to every hand.
There are also options for low-stakes players, such as the Micro Stakes Summer Festival. That presents dozens of tournaments at the $1.10 level and upwards to $11, with the Main Event offering the only high buy-in of $22 with its $50K guarantee.
Payment Options on Chico Sites
US players have a choice of payment options to fund their accounts on BetOnline and SportsBetting Poker. They can use credit cards or a variety of cryptocurrencies for deposits.
Available card and cryptocurrency payment methods vary by operator and player location. Players can use Bitcoin (BTC) and several other cryptocurrencies, although available methods, limits, fees, and processing times can vary.
There are many crypto alternatives to Bitcoin, including Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), Avalanche (AVAX), BNB, Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Solana (SOL), Stellar (XLM), Tether (USDT), TRON (TRX), and USD Coin (USDC). Withdrawal methods and availability vary by operator and player location.
Chico Trustworthiness and Reliability
One of the most important factors when choosing an online poker site is trustworthiness. A site’s operating history is worth considering, but payment reliability, account security, and player protections are equally important.
BetOnline has operated in the US-facing online gambling market for more than two decades, offering sports betting, casino games, and online poker. However, its operating history alone does not guarantee payment reliability or account security. Players should review current withdrawal terms, account protection measures, and operator rules before depositing.
Best Qualities of Chico Poker Network Sites
There are many features that bring players to the BetOnline Poker and SportsBetting Poker platform, in even greater numbers today than in the past two decades.
- Poker bonuses: welcome offers for eligible new players, plus ongoing promotions for qualifying players
- Omaha choices: several options in a range of Omaha cash poker games
- Software: easy to use and regularly updated to stay current and modern
- Payment options: several credit cards and a range of cryptocurrencies
- Anonymous seating: protection for recreational players
- Recreational focus: software features and third-party tool restrictions help support a recreational player pool
Of course, players may appreciate more deposit options for their online poker sites, but the current state of US poker prevents many financial institutions from handling funds for offshore poker sites.
BetOnline and SportsBetting give US players access to the Chico Poker Network’s shared cash games and tournaments. Players comparing the two sites should consider their current bonuses, software features, payment options, and withdrawal terms before choosing where to play.
