Green Tie Poker is a new sister site of UltimateBet.com: they share the same players, games, management, and general software shells, but have slightly different graphics and marketing approaches. Endorsed by one of UltimateBet’s pros, Phil Hellmuth, and with a motto stating: “the green, the girls, the glory,” Green Tie has a more flashy virtual VIP promotional edge. Other differences between the two poker sites are insignificant in regards to our poker rating system, with an exception found in the Site/Services category. So unless otherwise noted, the detailed site review below will be identical to UltimateBet’s review.

Deposit/withdrawal options are slim, but the usual FirePay and Neteller are available. Withdrawal times seem average to above average, and they have a regular, responsive support staff. BUT, with essentially the same staff and system as UltimateBet, I still encountered some account issues because I already had an UltimateBet account open with the same email address. Well, I have to use the same email address for all transactions through the same 3rd party (whether FirePay or Neteller), and even though the account is held in the same cashier, UltiameBet/GreenTie did not have a system in place to combine or share cashier services for the same person with two accounts. After several emails, the only solution was for me to deposit into my UltimateBet account, then transfer (player to player) to my GreenTie account, but since withdrawals could not be done reverse (GreenTie account was too new, thus not allowing transfers), they had to cut me a check and mail it. Conclusion: too much explanation for an unnecessary snafu in their system, which ironicallly we decided to be insignificant in their scoring.

I do like the “mini view” table option, which works well for playing on multiple tables and/or sites. However, the mini view option is still not available for 7-Stud games (and it just might not be possible). Another unappealing aspect is when you sit down at a regular table, your seat’s point of reference is automatically moved to bottom-center. So in the upper-right table image above, no matter which seat you choose to sit down in, you would be moved to the bottom-middle of the screen, just right of the Dealer button. It seems like a minor nuisance, but without an alternative option, it’s still a nuisance, especially when playing on multiple tables. One last thing, there are slight stalls in the software, especially when clicking between the main menu and your account page. The pauses are short, but consistent, another unique characteristic that’s really more of annoyance. (Software may work with Macs using Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac software.)

A fairly decent balance in player types. I encountered a slightly above average number of loose players at times, which were manageable by playing smart, or by leaving the game, if necessary (during bad beats, especially!).

I think GreenTiePoker and UltimateBet have the best all-around initial deposit bonus, because of an above-average 40% (up to $200) rate that is reasonably attainable after playing money games and earning Ultimate Points. For every 10 Ultimate Points earned in raked games, your account will be credited with $1 from your bonus dollars. (Bonus dollars can also be earned back in increments of less than $1. So if you earn 8 points during a play session, your real money account will be credited with $.80) Also, there is no time limit to convert your bonus dollars. To check your bonus status, go to "My Account" and check "pending bonus dollars."
The UB Points can also be used for entry into regular freeroll tournaments, to purchase a variety of poker items, and can even be won or lost in Ultimate Point Ring Games!

GreenTie/UltimateBet ranked in the lower half of this bracket (but still scored 8 of 10) because of a slightly higher rake rate for middle limit table games. For rake details, go to the GreenTiePoker site, click on the “Help Desk” menu option at the top, then on the left menu, click on “Rake.”