Full review of Popular Poker

Popular Poker
www.popularpoker.com 
FREE DOWNLOAD!
Software size 9.4 MB

Special Features
Multi-lingual software
Free rolls every second hour
Private tables

Total score (out of 10) 5.25

 Sign-up bonus in $ $30
Deposit bonus in % 100%
Referral bonus per friend $0
Deposit free bonus $0
Paid to play ($/hour) $0

Hits
Low rake at low limit
Live, telephone and email support
Detailed lobby view

Misses
No traffic
No sign-up bonus
Low game variety
Not best look and feel in software
No pot- and no-limit
No note taking support

Summary
Since the launch in March 2003, there is still very, very low traffic, but the site should have a good chance to pick up as it seems committed to serve the players well with multi-lingual software, good support, private tables, many free rolls, low rakes, accommodating different time zones, etc. But in order to get some action it would greatly help with a sign-up bonus (which for some reason is not available today) and a prop player program. The software does not have the best look and feel, but it is OK.

Software and graphics
The software is mediocre, not offering the same feel and graphics as the top poker rooms. The download size is hefty with 9.40 MB. One advantage though is the multiple languages options of the software, with English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian.Players can upload their own images. The look and feel is somewhat similar to MicroGaming's PrimaNetwork.The software does not support pot- or no-limit at present. But the unique Big River limit games (see below). Presently there are multi-table tournaments.

Ring game traffic
The site was launched in late March 2003 and still has virtually no traffic in the real money games, including ring games.

Tournament traffic
Almost no real money tournaments. Currently, every second hour a free roll tournament is run, drawing somewhere around 75-250 players.

Game variety
Not good, with only hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo and five-card Omaha Hi-Lo - where only fixed limit games are offered as well as the unusual Big River version of all games. (In Big River the river bet can be five times the normal big bet) There are only multi-table tournaments. The highest limit tables are $10/$20, the lowest limit tables $0.25/$0.50.Players can set up private tables. Private tournaments can also be arranged with poker room management.

Rake
The rake is OK, at the average of the industry. All low limit games on $1/$2 and lower is raked at a maximum of $1. Higher limits with 6 players and more are raked at a maximum of $3. There is a "no flop - no drop" policy for hands not reaching the flop.

Soft competition
Too few real money games to make assessment on, we put it a par for now.

Sign up bonus
No

Loyalty bonus
Loyalty Points are earned for a number of activities, such as deposits, cash game play and tournament play. They can be used for special tournaments or ring games. The value in dollars is not clear.

Promotions
Tournament free rolls every second hour with prize pools of 80-160 "Poker Dollars" which can be converted to real cash after playing required number of raked hands. Loyalty Points tournaments are also held where up to 100-200 "Poker Dollars" can be won.

Support
There is 24/7 live online, telephone and email support.

Financial security
Should be secure from experience and the general impression, but it is still a new and small site. OK score.

Deposit & withdrawal options
Deposit options:
VISA, MasterCard, PrePaid ATM, NETeller, Western Union, international money order, bank wire, cashier's check, inter-account transfer (from friend).
Cash out options:
Not clear at site (credit card works though).