ITH Poker Forum

[mchilger]

The big 3 poker sites have closed shop in the US, leaving very few options available to US players. Obviously, any deposits made to US-friendly poker sites are at extreme risk as I would think that all of these sites would be targets of the DOJ. On the other hand, the DOJ was very quick in making deals with the poker sites to allow them to pay back their US players. My personal opinion is that although these sites may eventually be closed down to US players, there is a pretty good chance you'll be able to get your money back within a few months. I don't think the DOJ has any agenda for preventing US players from getting their money back (their is also precedence with Neteller although that process took more than a few months). Whether or not you decide to play at a US friendly site is a personal decision, but obviously no one should keep very large balances at these sites. I personally have withdrawn my money from Bodog in the short-term, but may elect to deposit tourney fees in the future if I get the itch to play some.

If you decide to try a US friendly site, here are the ITH links. By using these links, you'll help support ITH which we need more than ever. By the way, I tried a few credit cards at Bodog in the past which have worked and I know some other who have been successful also, but you might need to try 2-3 different ones before you find one which works.

Bodog - http://poker.bodog.com/welcome/247300.html - 110% deposit bonus that tops out at $1100
Cake (Free Gift Offer) - http://cakepoker.com/?t=4134&Lang=en - 110% deposit bonus to $600 and Free Gift Offer (we recommend the rakeback link below unless you only plan on playing for a short time)
Cake (Rakeback) - http://rakeback.internettexasholdem.com ... poker.html - 110% deposit bonus to $600 and 33% rakeback
Carbon Poker (rakeback) - Merge network - http://rakeback.internettexasholdem.com ... poker.html - 200% up to $2,000 first deposit bonus plus 35% rakeback

Matthew

[bullmoose]

Has any one had any experience w/ cashouts on these sites ? How about Titan Poker ? I heard they may also accept US Players. I am willing to risk some small buy-ins as long as the sites are reasonable w/how they handle cashouts....

[philhux]

Titan is only euros I believe.

Your choice is basically Cake, Merge (Lock, Carbon etc) or Bodog.

I'm a euro and I did cashouts from each of these sites on Black Friday to neteller. Bodog was by far the fastest, then Carbon and then Cake considerably slower.

I'd be hesitant to deposit but I would understand you doing so. If you did then I'd probably go for Merge as that network is growing a ton and I've always liked the software. I know a few people in the board here who really like Lock Poker. I'm not sure how confident others are about these sites, but I would only deposit a small amount and try and spin it up.

I don't believe the DOJ has any agenda to take players money, but the risk is that DOJ action will cripple the sites, sending them bankrupt and you will lose your money that way. I don't really know the business models of each of the sites but I'd say Bodog, with its large sportsbook arm, has the least risk of this. Rizen is involved with Lock Poker and he has an exemplary record with regards to ethics in poker. And besides, I think it might be hard for the DOJ to go for Merge for example, as there are so many skins? Cake Poker has been dying for months and months. Personally that would be my last choice, but that's just me.

All three of the sites have fun Sunday tournaments which I sometimes play. I don't have a lot of cash game experience at them.

[superwomble]

According to a post on FB PokerView is open to US players.

[philhux]

What the heck is Pokerview?

[superwomble]

http://www.pokerview.com/ - poker with webcams. Not tried it so don't know if it's any good.

Edit - just seen they also have poker without webcams, and it says on the front page that they accept US players.

[bullmoose]

thanks philhux......yep.....small little buy in is all i would ever do online even before Black Friday. As long as a decent chance to cash out....well worth the risk IMHO to stay in action !!

[philhux]

I think Merge upped the guarantee on their Sunday 'major' to 75k - decent prize up top for a $109 buy in

[Bullajami]

Merge network is suspending rakeback to accounts signed up after June 1st, so you might want to sign up now just to be sure you get a rakeback account.

[bullmoose]

how about Doyles Room ? Is that included on one of the networks mentioned ??

[nsidestrate]

how about Doyles Room ? Is that included on one of the networks mentioned ??

I believe Doyle's Room is now on Yahtahay network. Volume is very, very low. PokerScout says typically about 200 players online.

[Doc T River]

how about Doyles Room ? Is that included on one of the networks mentioned ??

I believe Doyle's Room is now on Yahtahay network. Volume is very, very low. PokerScout says typically about 200 players online.

And not one of them is Doyle.

[nsidestrate]

how about Doyles Room ? Is that included on one of the networks mentioned ??

I believe Doyle's Room is now on Yahtahay network. Volume is very, very low. PokerScout says typically about 200 players online.

And not one of them is Doyle.

I know. I think he asked them to remove his name, but that is probably the only they own worth anything at all.

[Doc T River]

Options for US players are getting less and less. By the time I make a decision as to my new home, I won't have a home to go to.

[celavey]

Bodog, Carbon, Lock. That is where I play. It allows both US and Australian players now.