How We Rate Poker Sites
A Process Built Around What Players Actually Care About
Every poker site review published here goes through the same structured evaluation. No shortcuts, no rubber-stamping, no inflated scores because a platform has a generous affiliate arrangement. Our editors are seasoned professionals in the online poker space, and the process they follow is designed to give US players an honest, accurate picture of where their time and money will be well spent.
Here’s exactly what we look at and why each factor matters.
The Rating Criteria
Game Types and Traffic
A poker site is only as good as its player pool. We evaluate the range of games on offer, including cash game formats, the stakes available, and the variety of variants beyond standard Texas Hold’em. Crucially, we look at real traffic numbers: how many tables are running at peak hours, how many players are seated at off-peak times, and whether lower-stakes players can find action without waiting indefinitely. Thin traffic is a deal-breaker regardless of what else a site gets right.
Tournament Schedule
Tournament players have specific needs, and we address them directly. We assess the regularity and variety of the tournament schedule, the structure of events (blind levels, starting stacks, guarantee sizes), satellite availability, and whether the series caters to different bankroll ranges. A strong daily MTT schedule and well-structured weekly guarantees are signs of a platform that values its tournament player base.
Software Quality
Software affects every session a player has, so it receives close attention. We evaluate the client across desktop and mobile, looking at stability, load times, interface clarity, hand history access, and the availability of tools like multi-tabling support and note-taking. Poor software is a consistent frustration and a legitimate reason to look elsewhere, no matter how attractive the bonuses are.
Rakeback and Promotions
Rake is a real cost, and how a site structures its loyalty program directly impacts long-term value. We look at rakeback percentages, how rewards are calculated and distributed, the fairness of tiered loyalty schemes, and the quality of ongoing promotions beyond the welcome offer. We’re looking for genuine value, not headline figures designed to look good before the fine print takes most of it away.
Banking Options
Banking in the US regulated poker market comes with its own challenges, and we evaluate sites on how well they handle them. That means looking at available deposit and withdrawal methods, processing times, fee structures, and minimum and maximum limits. Sites that make it easy to move money in and out without unnecessary friction score better here. Those with withdrawal delays or limited options get flagged.
Security
Regulatory standing is the baseline. We only cover sites licensed and operating legally within their respective US states. Beyond that, we look at data protection practices, account security features (including two-factor authentication), and how platforms handle game integrity. Players need to know their money and their data are safe.
How the Process Works
Each evaluation follows the same sequence. Our editors work through every criterion systematically, gather data from direct testing and verified player reports, and assign assessments based on current conditions rather than historical reputation.
Reviews are revisited regularly. Conditions change, and a rating from a year ago may not reflect the platform’s current state. When something shifts, we update the review to match.
On Editorial Independence
This platform earns revenue through affiliate partnerships. We’re transparent about that. What we’re equally clear about is that commercial relationships don’t determine ratings. Sites are assessed on the criteria above, and the scores reflect our honest evaluation. A strong affiliate arrangement will not earn a weak site a positive review, and a site with no commercial relationship gets the same rigorous treatment as everyone else.
The goal, every time, is a review that a US poker player can rely on.