Bet365 Poker Review

Bet365 offers one of the top rated poker rooms for international players. The product was launched in 2001 as part of the offerings for the UK-based company which is considered the largest, independently owned gambling site in the country. In addition to an admirable player base of recreational users, you will also have access to dozens of different tournaments and a large selection of tables when you sign up.

Bet365 has been active in the poker world offline as well by sponsoring several professional players which included 2008 World Series of Poker contender, Jesper Hougard. In addition to that, the company offers limited time promotions like their Viva Las Vegas freeroll tournament which awards winners a 5k prize package to Sin City. Of course these are just a few of the things you can expect when you play at Bet365 Poker.

The Poker Experience

When the site first launched, the poker rooms operated on the Microgaming Poker Network. Several years later, the site was switched to the third largest network online. The change occurred seamlessly with players welcoming the new, faster interface and its variety of special features. Bet365 is dedicated to providing a world-class experience with all of their products and that is no different with the poker offering.

The software used plays seamlessly. We experienced no delays or glitches while playing and were unable to find any reports of these issues happening on a regular basis. The mini-mode feature allows you to shrink tables so that you can easily see all tables you are playing at on one screen. You can resize each one individually, as well. There are no flashy, distracting features to this platform. It is a truly no-nonsense interface perfect for the more serious player.

What poker network is this company on?

Since 2007, this site has been part of the iPoker Network which is powered by Playtech. This network is ranked as one of the best in the industry. It was developed with the help of leading professional poker players who sought to create a true-to-life experience over the internet. Playtech’s software was one of the first to offer tables in both 2D and 3D views. The most notable feature, and one that is certainly appreciated by players, is the sophisticated detection system for collusion that ensures all players are getting a fair chance. iPoker Network is open to international players in most countries and ranks those sites part of its network by tier to help keep the best sites and the most active players together with similar sites and players.

Are there any special features of Bet365 Poker?

There are a couple of different features which we really like about this poker site. The first is that the iPoker network and Playtech software is compatible with Hold’em Manager, Poker Tracker 3, and Clean Software programs. Any player who regularly participates in games online can use these programs to make notes, track plays, and later review the game and players. Analyzing the events of any game helps give the user a competitive edge during the next round.

The second feature we like is the designation between premium and beginner tables. This helps keep players grouped with those of their caliber. Meaning that users who play at premium tables will, ideally, be matched with users who are also serious about and skilled at the game.

Then there is the Sprint Poker tables which were launched in 2012. Reports indicate that iPoker was the first network to have these innovative, fast-paced poker games where players can quickly fold and move on to the next table during a game.

Tournaments

Bet365 Poker offers tournaments for every level of players. Daily games start with buy-ins as low as €5 and most do not exceed €50. . Four main tournaments give players a chance to claim up to €35,000 in cash in addition to the prize amount. The jackpots increase each week if they are not won.

Dirty Dozen: Buy in for €2. Win four consecutive tournaments and receive a €2,000 bonus.

Maui: This single table game consists of five players competing for the grand prize. If you win five consecutive jackpots then you will take home an additional €10,000 bonus. Players who finish first or second in these tournaments will also receive a €150 bonus.

Rio: Six-players compete in this Sit & Go tournament. If you win six consecutive tournaments then you will walk away with the prize money and a cool €20,000 bonus. Those in first or second place are eligible for €200 in poker credit.

Fort Knox: The hardest of these progressive jackpot tournaments is Fort Knox. It features six-player tables and a chance to win €35,000 if you win six consecutive tournaments. First and second place winners will receive €500 in credit.

Occasional satellite tournaments and special promotions are also available. Only members have access to information about limited-time-offers from this poker room.

Welcome Bonus

Sign up for an account in 2015 and you can claim the 100% match up to €100 plus €5 in tournament tokens with any deposit of €10 or more. The bonus is released in stages with €1 issued after you reap 50 merit points; €4 once you reach 300 merit points; and €5 for every 450 points after that.

In addition to this, you will receive entry into the €100 New Depositor Freeroll tournament that takes place every Wednesday at 19:30 GMT. The last part of the welcome package is €20 in tokens to use towards daily freeroll tournaments for every deposit you make. The winner of these tournaments heads to the 100K Big Sunday tournament. The top 25 players of the daily freeroll will qualify for a satellite tournament that awards an additional 10 seats into the Sunday event.

What are merit points?

Merit points are earned when you play at any cash table or in a tournament. Players receive 15 points for every €1 in tournament or rake fees. These points are calculated to determine your VIP status. Once you have been at a level for three months, you will be eligible to earn VIP rewards.

What are the VIP points levels?

There are four levels of the VIP scheme:

• Bronze (1,000 points)
• Silver (5,000 points)
• Gold (10,000 pts)
• Platinum (25,000 points)

Points can be exchanged for cash rewards, bonuses or tournament tokens. Loyalty rewards are given to platinum level players only.

What are the Platinum loyalty rewards?

Players who accumulate 25,000 merit points will qualify for Platinum level. At this level, they will have access to exclusive bonuses and cash rewards between €75 and €3750, depending on points accrued. For every 6 months a player remains at this level, they will receive €500 in cash as an extra bonus.

Final Opinion

Bet365 Poker is designed to appeal to all levels of players from all parts of the world. The site supports over a dozen languages including Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Romanian, Swedish, and Chinese. Players from most international countries are eligible to sign up for an account with this poker site, which is part of the iPoker Network from Playtech.

Playtech is known for providing high-quality software for various gambling products. The poker platform is just as impressive as any other development from this company. We prefer the way it takes a simplified, easy to use approach to its design instead of being filled with distracting features that take away from the heart of the game. With short-term promotions and plenty of daily and weekly tournaments, players have a shot at winning thousands in money, freeplay, tournament tokens, or bonuses each week.

We thought the welcome bonus was very basic and a bit drawn out to be awarded. However the free tokens to the daily and new player free roll games are what really make it worthwhile. The VIP scheme is nothing special especially when you consider that you have to reach the top level to even reap any real rewards for playing.

This is one site that sticks with the basics in an effort to appeal to new players and serious, loyal players alike. Their focus is really on the game and providing a dynamic experience for every player. With a long history as one of the best and most reputable companies online, we think anyone can benefit from joining Bet365 Poker, today.