Ranking the Top Online Poker Sites

In an earlier article I discussed the five criteria I use as determinates to rank online poker sites. The five criterions are: rakeback, player pool, competition, deposit bonus and promotions, and software performance.

In this article series I will rank the online poker site, or poker network, on a scale of 1-12.

• A rakeback deal is worth 3 points; a rakeback deal over 30% is worth 4 points
• A sites player base is worth -1, 0, 1, or 2 points depending on the traffic
• A site is given either -1, 0, 1, or 2 point depending on the level of competition
• A site is given either -1, 0, 1, or 2 point based on their deposit bonus and other promotions
• A site is given either -1, 0, 1, or 2 point based on their software performance

A score of 5 or below is a site you should avoid at all costs. Anything below a 5 means the site has at least one major issue; whether it’s bad software, a non-existent player base, or another reason that will have a huge impact on your experience with the site.

A score of 6-9 is a strong score and a site you may want to add into your rotation. Sites scoring in this range are at least worth taking a look, and should be part of your rotation.

A score above 9 is a superior site. If a site scores a 10 or better you have hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, there currently are zero sites in operation that have scored a 10+ using my criteria.

PokerStars

Rakeback score = 0

PokerStars does not offer a rakeback deal through a poker affiliate

Player pool score= 2

PokerStars is the most heavily trafficked online poker site with double the number of real-money players as their nearest competitor

Competition score = 2

PokerStars has some really strong players, but the vast majority of their customers are casual poker players.

Promotions score = 1

PokerStars offers a highly competitive deposit bonus -100% up to $600-and has one of the best VIP Rewards Programs in online poker. They fall a little short of a perfect score for their lack of other promotions.

Software performance score = 2

PokerStars has extremely fast software and despite the incredible number of players on the site you will nary hear a word about disconnections and freezes.

Overall Score = 7

Overall PokerStars is a quality site, and if rakeback was taken out of the equation would be the #1 site hands-down. However, the fact that PokerStars doesn’t offer a rakeback deal really puts them behind the 8-ball when serious players are weighing the pros and cons of the different online poker sites. That said, even players who compete at other online poker sites often have accounts on PokerStars, whether to play in some of the site’s tournaments, or have a place to play when their main site(s) are off peak hours , and the table choices are few and far between -an issue PokerStars never seems to have!