Online Poker Networks
You may have heard of the term poker network but never been too sure about what it actually meant. A poker network is a very complicated thing but thankfully for the users who get pleasure and enjoyment from the many sites on a poker network, it is not too difficult to use. A poker network should be viewed as software created by a company or firm that is provided (licenced) to a poker site at a price. The software makers earn money by licencing the poker products and the sites make money through attracting players to play on the site.
This may explain why you have seen poker sites with a similar layout or the same graphical interface. In fact, games, bonuses, promotions, features, the speed of the game may all be the same and this is down to the fact that the software behind the different sites is the same. This is a sensible way for poker sites to go about providing games and promotions for a number of reasons. Setting up a poker site, testing everything, ensuring the games are fair and that the site is fair can be expensive and time-consuming. There are always advantages to be gained from bulk production and then selling, which is the perfect model for the poker network business model. All of the sites on a particular poker network share the same player pool so a new site can instantly have a lot of players playing the games, which can make it easier to entice players onto their individual site. Knowing that there are poker players, primarily signed up to other sites on the same network, to make up the numbers means that a new site can provide good poker gaming options for new players right from the start.
There are a number of successful poker networks to choose from and many players will have a favourite. Some of these players will not know that they have a favourite but if you like playing on certain games that belong to the same poker network, there is clearly something about the model, design or gameplay that keeps you coming back for more. Of course, if you are a Mac poker player, you only want to consider the poker networks that provide a platform for you to play but thankfully there are a rising number of Mac friendly poker sites and networks. There are a number of Mac friendly poker networks to choose from, four of which will be considered here, the first being the Party Network.
Party Network
The Party Network is the backdrop for the Party Poker site and the Bwin Poker site. These are major names in the poker world and therefore it is likely that many players will have played on this network. The Party Poker Network is deemed as being one of the biggest networks available to choose from, comfortably sitting in the top 2 or 3 with respect to player usage. A common level of players to be found on the network is around 9:50 while the 24-hour peak is classed as 17:30.
The main site on the Party Network is easily the Party Poker site, which has been online since 2001, making it a veteran compared to many online poker sites. The site may have gone through many changes, both seen and unseen to the poker players at home but it has managed to retain its position and with over 30 million downloads of the Party Poker software since the site was in operation, it is a site that poker players trust. With the network having a very strong link to the WPT events and series, these two poker sites are loved and respected around the world (even allowing for the ban on US players) and it is easy to see why so many people play on this network.
Most players find the system to be easily accessible and the large multi-table support is very much appreciated by many online poker players. The network does lend itself very well to players of all levels and many online poker players agree that the sites on this network are amongst the best for finding fish. If you are not clued up on your poker terminology, a fish is the title commonly handed out to a bad or weak player. Quite often this will be a new player developing their skills and confidence but some poker players like to prey on the fish believing them to provide easy pickings! The Party Network provides tutorials and poker advice to help new players develop their skills.
We currently do not promote any PartyGaming Network related brands.
888 Network
Given the name, it is understandable to find the 888 Poker site located on the 888 Network! With around 3,700 players on average being on the network at any one time, there are reasonable numbers for poker fun. Some poker networks experiencing large spikes at certain times for their games and low numbers for others but the stats for the 888 Network indicate a more balanced number of poker players. If you are looking for a site where there will always be players, no matter the time of day or night, this could be an option for you.
The lobby software is not as clear on some other networks but the main focus for so many players is the fact that the games are so easy to play. If you want to roll up and have some cheap poker fun or want to devote a large amount of time to playing poker, the games on the 888 Network are perfectly suitable. It is natural that most people will gravitate towards the 888 Poker site on this network and there is a great deal of promotional activities carried out for this site. This means there are always plenty of bonuses to look out for so if you are in need of a boost to your bankroll, this is a network that looks out for you.
Poker Sites on the 888 Network
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Winning Poker Network
The Winning Poker Network (WPN) claims to be the most trusted US online poker network, which is going to grab a lot of attention from poker players. Security and trust are essential in the online environment and considering the financial aspect of online poker, not to mention the trials and tribulations experienced by the online poker community, you can see why many players will gravitate towards the Winning Poker Network. The WPN has been operating since 2001 so they have more than 15 years’ worth of experience in the industry and while there are networks that have been operating for longer, this is still a good starting point for any online poker network.
The 7 day average of players on WPN stands at 1,000 and the 24-hour peak of late has been 1,732. When you consider the difficulties that many US players have had in finding a reliable poker platform, it is no surprise that the figures are not as high as some other networks, but these are still viable figures for players looking for a busy site or challenging tournament play.
This is a platform that lends itself to lengthy real money tournaments and a lot of poker events so if you are looking for an opportunity to while away hours in major events, the Winning Poker Network is likely to be of interest.
Poker Sites on the Winning Poker Network
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Chico Poker Network
The Chico Poker Network may not have the name or prestige that some online poker networks offer, but it is still a great option to consider. There are games you can’t find elsewhere on this network, there are playing options that differ from other sites and you should find that the live action is fast, furious and very exciting. Some online poker networks drag out the action but with a limited number of late entry options, gaming on the Chico Poker Network is easier if you have limited time and want to remain at the heart of the action.
The platform provides a few poker and gaming options that are not commonly presented so if you are looking to play Pan, Chinese Poker or even Big2 Poker, this is a network that is worth checking out. The 7 day average of players is 650, which is lower than some poker networks but the 24-hour peak of 1,054 is comparable with many networks, so you should find that Chico Poker Network allows you to be as competitive as you would like to be.
Poker Sites on the Chico Poker Network
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iPoker Network
The iPoker Network, powered by Playtech, is one of the leaders in the online poker gaming community, with the network winning a number of awards. The network is committed to providing a blend of modern and classic poker games, which should ensure that every poker player is able to enjoy a fantastic gaming option that allows them to play safely and securely.
The iPoker Network is able to offer some poker games that are not commonly so if you enjoy playing Six Plus Hold ‘Em, Fast-Fold Hold ‘Em and 5 Card Stud, this is a network that is well worth checking out. The site boasts a 7 day average of 1,000 and if you want a site that provides an attractive 24-hour peak, the site can boast of 1,772 players.
Mac users need to take a bit more time to weigh up the poker network options but they should know that there are options and alternatives for them. The networks listed above all provide a strong and secure Mac poker option and there should be no great concerns over any of them. Every player will have a preference and some of the networks excel in some areas while failing in others but there is enough choice to suit most people. If you are a Mac user worried about the online poker experience, looking at these networks and sites will hopefully give you a great starting point to get involved with the online poker community.
Poker Sites on the iPoker Network
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Microgaming Poker Network
With a history dating back to 2003 and boasting of around 30 poker sites, the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) is a reliable name that provides a number of reasons to make this your home of online poker. The Microgaming name holds even more history in online gaming, dating back to 1994 with a range of casino games. If you are looking for a poker network that provides security, safety and a good way to play, the MPN is a strong option to consider.
The average number of players on the Microgaming Poker Network is 850 while the 24-hour peak is 1,331; so this isn’t a bad number of players for poker events and tournaments.
One thing that is in the favour of the MPN is the fact that they offer a number of poker games that aren’t always available on other platforms or sites. If you enjoy playing 5 Card Draw, 5 Card Stud or Razz, you will find that this network gives you exactly what you are looking for.
The network has started to create awareness of what they offer with a series of live events so if you’re looking for a poker platform that develops your online and offline poker skills, the Microgaming Poker Network could be ideal for your needs.
Poker Sites on the Microgaming Poker Network
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PKR has requested suspension from the Microgaming Poker Network on May 5, 2017, after admitting financial difficulties. This means that we currently don’t promote any Mac compatible poker sites on MPN.
Mac users need to take a bit more time to weigh up the poker network options but they should know that there are options and alternatives for them. The networks listed above all provide a strong and secure Mac poker option and there should be no great concerns over any of them. Every player will have a preference and some of the networks excel in some areas while failing in others but there is enough choice to suit most people. If you are a Mac user worried about the online poker experience, looking at these networks and sites will hopefully give you a great starting point to get involved with the online poker community.
