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To Pacific Poker’s credit, the site is simple, and fairly easy to navigate. That being said, it almost too plain, and doesn’t really have much of a welcoming feel to it. But this site runs, and customer support/responsiveness is at least average. They do have a multitude of deposit/withdrawal options. And although they advertise “prompt payouts,” I found my cash outs via Firepay taking three business days, which isn’t bad, but still slower than most other sites TPR reviewed. |
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When I mentioned the site not really having a welcoming feel, I think it has a lot to do with the software and graphics. I can’t say the site looks unpleasant, but I can’t say it looks pleasant either. But in reality, the way it looks does not affect my game, so I put up with it, but still scored the site the lowest in this category. While they do offer a no-download version, you still can’t play on more than one table at a time. You can’t even really peruse the site, lobby or other tables while you are sitting down in a game. To top it off, they have to worst buzzer sound warning you of your player clock running down. On a more interesting note, they offer a hand history function that allows you to go and see video playback of each hand played. [Mac users (actually, any user connected to the Web) may play via online/no download version.] |
Games: Variety/Action |
8.5 |
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ith the exception of the last category, I still enjoy playing on the site. It makes for a solid supplementary poker site while playing on other sites at the same time. They offer the usual Limit, Pot-Limit and No-Limit variations of Texas Hold’em, but only Limit versions of Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo. There’s a decent selection of 7-Card Stud tables, with 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo games available as well. And while not every table is busy 24-hours a day, there somehow always seems to be a balance of at least one or two low limit tables, and one or two higher limit tables going on for most types of games. A regular spread of Multi-Table and Sit & Go tournaments are also available, which maintain a steady flow of players as well. |
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Players: Variety/Action |
8.7 |
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Pacific Poker scored well in the last category, and we gave them a high score in this one as well. There is good blend of weak/passive and strong/aggressive players, with an above-average number of seemingly unskilled players daring the higher limit tables. There are certainly plenty of knowledgeable and skilled players at the tables. However, there appears to also be the exact opposite kind of player that can be found at all table limit levels. |
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The initial deposit bonus of 25% becomes average with a $100 limit. While the entire bonus amount is immediately credited for you to play at the tables with, there are still restrictions on cashing out prematurely. All bonuses may be cashed out only after wagering an amount no less than 20 times your bonus amount received (for $100 bonuse, $2000 must be wagered). Unless otherwise noted, players must complete the wager requirements within 90 days of receiving the bonus. The way we look at it, you get the bonus right away, and if you lose it, you lose. But, if you're winning and playing on a regular basis, the cashout requirements on your bonus amount are usually attainable.
Pacific Poker does have a regular schedule of various promos that show they do keep customers in mind. For every $10 bet on raked hands, you earn 1 Bonus Point, and every 100 Bonus Points is converted to $1, which can then be transferred to your player account. Also, one of their main tournament promos are the $100,000 Weekly Whopper and $200,000 Pay Day No-Limit Hold’em tournaments. |
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Having a simple, fair and low rake structure earned Pacific Poker the highest score for this category (tied with PartyPoker and Poker Stars). For their rake details, go to the Pacific Poker site, click on the “ Help” tab at the top of the page, then click on item no. 7: “ Limits & Rake.” |
