| Empire Poker is part of the largest online poker network (Party Poker) in the world. The ring game traffic is the same as Party Poker, but the multi-table tournament traffic of Party Poker is not included. The games at Empire Poker are very loose, and can get quite wild at almost any level. The software interface is somewhat mediocre and the customer support could be better. Overall, Empire Poker is a very good poker room. |
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Software (6)
The interface at Empire Poker is pretty much the same as Party Poker, with a different skin. The graphics are not the most attractive in the industry, but from a practical standpoint, the playability is quite decent. Lobby statistics for table action is fairly minimal, which can sometimes be a positive because it keeps looser games being from easily found and clamped up. |
Ring game traffic (10)
Being part of the largest online poker network in the world, Empire Poker has as many ring games available as you could desire. During peak hours, there can be over 30,000 players playing ring games - far more than any other existing poker room. |
Tournament traffic (8)
The tournament traffic at Empire Poker is not as high as its sister site Party Poker, because the tourneys are not combined. You can still find more tournament traffic here than almost any other site though, with often over 20,000 players in tournaments during peak hours. |
Soft Competition (7)
The games at Empire Poker are easier to beat than most poker rooms. Thanks to large-scale marketing efforts, a constant stream of newer and less-experienced players flows into the Party Poker network, making the games loose and winnable. |
Game Variety (6)
The variety of games at Empire Poker is decent. You can play 10-handed or 6-handed Texas Hold'em (Lim, PL, and NL), Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo (Lim and PL), 7-Card Stud and 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo (Lim). Party Poker does not offer heads-up matches or Draw Poker. |
Rake (4)
The rake at Empire Poker is not bad for mid to higher limit games, but is somewhat unfavorable for lower limit games. In $0.50/$1 and $1/$2 games, the rake can run as high as 10%, as 50 cents is raked when the pot reaches $5. Tournament house fees are also skewed against lower stakes tourneys, with a 20% fee for $5 tourneys and only 8% fee for $100 buy-in tourneys. |
Promotions (6)
Empire Poker offers a 20% match sign-up bonus (up to $100). It also has a VIP program for big players and many freerolls. Based on raked hands played, regular players are also rewarded with several other promotions. Empire Poker offers a member referral program as well. |
Support (4)
The support at Empire Poker is not the best in the industry. Email response times can be somewhat lengthy and responses are sometimes even irrelevant. 24/7 toll-free phone support and live online support are also offered. |
Security (9)
Excellent track record. No recorded problems. As part of the largest existing online poker network, Empire Poker is very reputable in the area of financial security. |
Deposit/Withdrawal (7)
Empire Poker accepts VISA, Mastercard, eChecks, Firepay, NETeller, ePassporte, Citadel, money orders and checks. Cash out process is not overly lengthy. |
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