Party Poker has been a leader in the online poker industry since 2001. The “Party” brand is recognized around the world as one of the top online gaming companies on the internet. Since they banned U.S. players back in 2006 they have regained much of the traffic they lost by offering superb promotions. The software is bug free with many unique extra features. When you play at any real money table you will earn “Party Points”, you can exchange these points for cash or tournament buy-ins. There is also a Bad Beat Jackpot that usually increases by $1,000 every hour. If you lose a hand with four 8’s or better you will win the huge jackpot. Even if your just playing at the table when someone else hits it you will still receive a large amount of money. There is also a casino, bingo and a backgammon room you can enjoy all from the same account.

Software

Party Poker’s software has been around for a long time. Over the years it has been regularly upgraded and improved. If you want to find a friend at the tables there is an easy to use Buddy feature. You can resize the tables so four of them fit on the same screen. Navigating through the site could probably be a little more streamlined but there is handy table filter that makes up for this shortfall. My favorite feature at Party Poker is the ability to make deals at the final table of a tournament.

Game Variety

Texas Hold'em – Fixed , pot and no limit
Omaha High – Fixed , pot and no limit
Omaha Hi-Lo – Fixed , pot and no limit
7 Card Stud – Fixed limit
7 Card Stud Hi-Lo – Fixed limit

Bonuses

Party Poker offers a decent signup bonus. They will match your first deposit at 30% up to $150. The bonus will be credited to your real money account after you have earned four Party Points for every $1 in bonus money. Also they have a standard $25 bonus no mater how much you deposit. This is perfect for getting started fast or for anyone depositing a small amount.

Tournaments

Party Poker hosts many quality tournaments with a wide variety of buy-ins. There are numerous “speed” tournaments along with regular and rebuy tournaments. You will also find cheap qualifiers to the ever popular “Party Poker Millions” tournaments. There are a lot of guaranteed tournaments to choose from and Party Poker also hosts special freerolls for new players and new depositors.

Traffic

Even without U.S. players Party Poker is still a huge poker room. There are around 70,000 players logged in during peak hours. Naturally the most action will be at the Hold'em tables but the Omaha and Stud variations are extremely popular as well.

Competition

Since Party Poker is the best known online poker room throughout the world it is only logical to say that more new and inexperienced players sign up there than anywhere else. The tables are very juicy across the board. You can even find super loose action at the higher limits. Some of the fish come from the world famous Party Casino. Some of these casino “whales” will sit down at a table and see every flop. Party Poker provides an excellent atmosphere for players that want to use their knowledge of the game to win money.

Customer Service

You can reach Party Poker support through email and the telephone. They offer support in many different languages and the staff is very quick to respond.

Deposit Options

You can deposit at Party Poker using Visa/MC, eChecks, Neteller, FirePay, WU Transfer, Bank Draft and money orders.