Review of Absolute Poker

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Deposit Options

Ease of access is crucial if a poker site wants players to flock to their tables. Absolute Poker has ensured that punters don't fall at the first hurdle and offer a plethora of deposit options. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro Solo, Neteller, POLi, Click2Pay, PostePay are just some of the options. Further options include a variety of money transfer organisations and direct bank transfers.

Withdrawing money is just as easy and in the majority of cases, the way the money went in this way your money will come out. Simple. Even US customers can have their hard earned dollars transferred to any one of the various e-wallets or they can opt for a check or direct money wire.

Software

Without a steady engine a poker site will always fail, so how does the software at Absolute Poker run? In the old days Absolute's software was never going to set the world alight, however, the recent overhaul has added a lot more optional extras, making the overall playing experience much more enjoyable. The graphics have been sharpened and given a much lighter and crisper feel. Players can now add photos to their avatars and integrated statistics help develop a much more intensive poker experience. The tables can be easily tiled or cascaded and the resize option is a major bonus to those who have precious little desktop space. The graphics maintain their quality even at the lowest dimensions which is a testament to the overall quality of the software and the operating system.

Type of Games

MTT (multi table tournament)  and STT(single-table tournament) specialists will feel right at home at Absolute Poker with the selection of tournaments being seemingly endless. Single table tournaments come in the traditional formats, 6 and 9 players games, but also in the popular 18 player and above multi-table sit-n-gos are on offer. Absolute's weekly major tournament is a $500 buy-in $150K guaranteed tournament which, interestingly, is held on a Saturday. This is great for online tourney pros as it means one less major to grind on Sundays.

Cash games are varied and run from the smallest to the largest limits. Hold'em, Omaha, Stud and Mixed Games (such as HORSE and HOSE) are spread so even the most selective of players will be spoilt for choice. If playing poker gets too much then you can give lady luck a spin by playing blackjack and elimination blackjack.

Promotions and Bonuses

FAME, let your bankroll live forever. Absolute Poker's loyalty scheme, FAME, is aimed to make you feel like a poker star and the points you accrue will help build the bankroll of one. All players start at Bronze level and progress through, Silver, Gold and Platinum before reaching the top of the tree with Diamond Elite. Each time you move up the rankings you earn an ever increasing amount of benefits as well as your points per hand ratio. Absolute Points run parallel with Status Points and are awarded for every raked hand or tournament entry fee you pay. The higher your status level the faster you earn points which can then be used to buy items from the Absolute store; an outlet that resembles a mail order catalogue. The availability of items such as bikes and food blenders is certainly a break from the norm for a poker site gift shop.

As well as the loyalty scheme, one of AP's most lucrative promotions is their reload bonuses which range from 15% to 100%. The reload bonuses run at a rate of speed with, on average, 6-7 every month. This frequency far outstrips all other poker sites and will be an offer many players simply can't ignore. The bad beat jackpot is another profitable added extra and aside from creating a loose atmosphere in the cash games it gives players a chance to win some serious cash just for getting unlucky.  

Customer Support

A well informed FAQ section is the front line of support at Absolute Poker and the comprehensive answers will help rectify any minor problems you might have. If the problems are slightly trickier then email and live support is your next port of call. The 24/7 customer service certainly ensures that the site runs smoothly and any queries or fears players might have are dealt with immediately. This is big step in the right direction for Absolute and goes a long way to improving the transparency and reputation of the site.

Summary

Absolute has worked hard to rebuild its reputation within the poker community. New software, new game features and a new, more security conscious, management shows the past is firmly in the past and the site is gradually becoming the powerhouse it once was. The tournament offerings are superb and with extremely loose cash game action there is no doubt it is still one of the most profitable places to play. The security is now one of the tightest in the industry and players will be delighted with the software improvements that have reinvigorated a site that was on the decline. Absolute Poker is now a site that feels fresh, vibrant and ready to meet the needs of the modern online poker player.