PokerView Review
As technology moves forward, so does the interesting and innovative concepts offered at online poker sites. PokerView is a perfect example of this trend since they offer webcam rooms where players can see each other. This is as close to a live experience as an online player can get, which is certainly one of PokerView’s more attractive qualities. In addition to this, another bonus is that they are on the Merge Gaming network, meaning they accept US players. If you are interested in finding out everything else about this room, read on.
PokerView Software
In the intro, we established that PokerView gives players the ability to see each other through webcams. But not all of the tables offer this feature, so you must be in a designated webcam room. Assuming you are, a small video screen of yourself and other players will appear on the poker table. Moving along, this site has changed from no-download, Java-based software, to making all players download the software; changes were made because the Java version lacked certain features. Luckily, both Windows and Mac users can download the software, and enjoy mini-table views, chat bubbles, stats, player notes, customizable deck colors, and hand histories.
Poker View Promotions
The promotions have definitely improved at this site because they now offer a weekly $100,000 Guaranteed tournament, $12,000 SNG Leaderboard, progressive bad beat jackpot, royal flush bonus, $20,000 Tourney King (MTT Leaderboard) and $40,000 in monthly freerolls. New poker players can definitely appreciate the latter because there are five different $200 freerolls running daily at PokerView, and anybody can enter them. As for the bad beat jackpot, this has reached $1 million in the past since it pulls all Merge network player bets.
Bonuses/VIP Program
To receive the top PokerView bonus of 150% up to $750, you should download the site through PokeronaMac and use the “macpoker” bonus code. The bonus is unlocked in $5 increments, and you need to get 375 VIP points to earn this amount. Every $1 in rake you contribute in cash games or tournaments earns you 10 VIP points. These points are used in the “Get Paid to Play” program, which consists of four different levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). As you move up the levels, you will receive more daily cashback, bigger monthly freerolls, and get a better points-for-cash exchange rate. It is important to note that Bronze level players only get the cashback perk, but the other three levels get all of the bonuses at some capacity.
Poker Traffic at PokerView
PokerView used to be on the Everleaf network, but they have since changed to Merge Gaming in hopes of generating more traffic. And the move has turned out to be a good one so far since the site has been able to expand their player base quite a bit. Once a strictly-low stakes room, you will now find action in the mid and high stakes now too. Putting things into a numbers perspective, PokerView features around 500-2,000 cash game players, and 3,000-6,000 tournament players depending on the hour. The competition is a little bit below average because some recreational players sign up here just to try out the webcam rooms.
Poker Games
Virtually every poker variation is offered at this site, which includes Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw games, Razz and Badugi. Both the Hold’em and Omaha tables are constantly full, while you can also find several tables in the other poker games at any time of the day. As far as tournaments go, there are Hold’em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, 2-7 Triple Draw, Badugi and H.O.R.S.E. events running around the clock.
Customer Service at PokerView
In comparison to other poker sites, the options for reaching customer support here are somewhat limited with just email and live chat being offered. However, most players do not use telephone or fax to contact poker sites, so this should not be much of a problem for the average player. When you do get a hold of a PokerView representative, you will have little trouble getting your questions answered since they are very knowledgeable.
Banking Options Available
There are plenty of deposit/withdrawal options available at PokerView with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Delta, Bank Transfer, EcoCard, Visa Electron, NETeller, ClickandBuy, Ukash, Western Union, Moneybookers, Click2Pay and WebMoney all offered. Players can also request personal checks when withdrawing money, which is an attractive option for US residents.