The WPT poker room is powered by software from Wagerlogic and as such players need to download the poker room client software in order to be able to play. A quick visit to the correct page of the WPT website is all that a player needs to do to obtain the 300ik installation programme. This installer then downloads and installs all the filed for the poker room to operate. Although this process can take a few minutes to complete it isn't complicated and once the installation process has been completed, the software remains on a player's computers for future play sessions.
Similarly, registration at WPT is simple and within a few minutes my 'olc32' user account had been created - I thought rather than calling myself "onlinecasinos" or similar, the olc32 username might bring an air of mystery to the table! I do find the whole psychology of player names quite interesting - although whether in reality players treat 'sweet_chick' any different to 'hardguy42' I am not so sure!
World Poker Tour does offer a selection of play tables. However, I never enjoy playing these and think even new-comers should perhaps think about avoiding them. The problem is that with no real money at risk, people make plays they simply wouldn't in the real game. As such, it's very hard to get an understanding of the subtleties of the game when everyone is going all-in every other hand! As such, I headed to the cashier to purchase $100 of chips. WPT's cashier is managed by E-Cash Direct and as such players can be confident that all their financial transactions are handled both securely and efficiently. WPT accepts the usual selection of e-wallets, credit cards and other deposit methods such as e-cheque and wire transfer.
All new players at WPT are able to claim a 100% match bonus worth up to $100 which is released when a player has accumulated enough player points (which in turn are earned through playing raked cash games). However, the free money doesn't stop there. Every week players can earn a huge $50 bonus simply by playing poker. This is a massive incentive to play at WPT and means that avid poker players can earn a huge $2600 each year. Of course, it takes a decent amount of play to earn these bonuses, but if you are going to play poker anyway why not choose a poker room that pays players to do so!
When it comes to game selection at WPT the usual selection of cash and tournament games are available. In terms of types of game available, Texas Hold 'Em is of course available but so too is Oamaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and 7-Card Stud. As such, players should be able to find a game that suits their tastes. Similarly, the range of games in respect of bet limits is huge. Limit Hold 'em games, for example, can be played at a $0.05 / $0.10 level all the way up to a $150 / $300 level. There's even a massive £600 / £1200 (around $1200 / $2400) table for the real big players. No limit and pot limit games offer players a similar range of options. Incidentally, although most games use the US Dollar currency, Euro and Pound games can also be found and a player's balance is converted as appropriate upon sitting at that table.
To begin my play I started at a $0.50 / $1 No-Limit game. I bought-in for the total $100 of my balance. Within literally a couple of hands I was dealt a hand I liked the look of - a pair of 7s. I raised a few dollars to begin with but when the flop also gave me an open-ended straight-draw I decided to throw caution to the wind and went all-in! A risky move to start my play with but I was in the mood for a gamble. Thankfully my power-play paid off and my balance rose nicely. In fact, by the time I'd finished at this table I'd hit around the $120 mark - not bad for a few hands of play!
The next table I sat at was a $1 / $2 Fixed Limit game. Again, a mix of forceful bluffing and lucky deals seemed to be working well for me. I was particularly lucky to catch a flush on the river in one hand but to be honest a win is a win and I don't mind too much how I get it!
In terms of the actual game presentation things at World Poker Tour really are faultless. The graphics used are of a high quality and the user-configurable sound effects further enhance the play. It's very easy to see dealt and hole cards and similar the user interface means players are unlikely to accidentally make the wrong play - even a brand new player should quickly find themselves comfortable with the poker room set-up.
Unfortunately my luck started to change when I began playing at a £1 / £2 Pot Limit table. I chose to sit at a heads-up table meaning that the games were just between me and my opponent. I like these games because they are really fast paced but it also means money can quickly move from opponent to opponent as happened very much in this instance. This table does highlight though the lengths the poker room management have gone to in order to make play enjoyable for all players - whether it's 10-set games or heads-up play you prefer, you are likely to find a game you enjoy at WPT.
Of course, not everyone likes Texas Hold 'Em and as such I also took part in some Omaha and Stud play. I did notice that far fewer players were playing these games but nevertheless a fun game can still be had. I took part in a $0.25 / $0.50 Pot-Limit Omaha game and despite haemorrhaging more money I still had fun playing.
As well as cash games WPT poker room also hosts a great selection of tournament games. These include regular Sit 'n' Go games which start as soon as the table is full as well as scheduled multi-table games which offer access to huge prize pools and even offer players the chance to win seats at the televised World Poker Tour tables and similarly the World Series of Poker. I took part in a couple of tournament games but by this time lady luck was well and truly gone and I walked away on both occasions with my tail between my legs!
Despite my good start my risky play ended up coming back to bite me and on this occasion I had nothing to cash in. However, withdrawals at WPT are processed quickly and efficiently with E-Cash Direct processing withdrawals within around 1-2 business days. Players should note that that a PIN system is in use at WPT meaning that players may need for the posted PIN letter to arrive before they are able to request certain withdrawals or deposit beyond preset amounts.
The only other thing to report on is World Poker Tour's customer support function. Support at WPT is provided by email and also toll free telephone for a number of different countries. This all works fine, although I did find that emails seem to take a long time to receive a reply. I think the problem lies with the fact that support is outsourced to a support company who deal with many poker rooms and casinos. As such I think it's likely the customer support staff are kept very busy! Generally though this part of the poker room all works well and I have no real concerns.
In conclusion I was impressed with the World Poker Tour offering. The management of this company clearly know a lot about poker and have applied this knowledge well in setting up their online poker offering. The game selection is good and I was impressed with the betting ranges of both cash and tournament games. The graphics, sound effects and general playability is excellent and with a large number of players connected at any one time it should be relatively easy for a player to find competition at any time of the day. Similarly, financial handling and customer support is also good and with a great sign-up and on-going bonus programme I really do have no problems in recommending the World Poker Tour room. Who knows - maybe it will be an Online-Casinos.com player that wins a seat at the next televised event!
World Poker Tour's cashier is powered by E-Cash Direct ensuring all player deposits and withdrawals are processed with excellent efficiency
A huge selection of games are available from the room's lobby covering Hold 'Em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud and more
I start my session at a $0.50/$1.00 No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em table
Reasonably early on I am dealt a reasonably decent pocket pair
I fancy my chances with my pocket pair and now an open-ended straight draw so decide to push all in
I try and bluff my way to a win at this Fixed Limit table
I make a Flush on the river and decide the best way to try and make some money from the hand
I love it when the dealer gives nice starting cards - here I get a lovely Ace / King starting combination
Heads-up play is available at the two-seat tables for those that like really fast action
I hold a Straight whilst playing at this Omaha table
Tournament play is also a big part of the World Poker Tour room with players able to grab some massive prizes
- Good selection of games available in both cash and tournament form
- E-Cash Direct ensure all financial transactions are processed quickly and efficiently
- Great sign-up and on-going bonus programme offering $100 at joining and $50 every week thereafter!
- Excellent graphics, sound effects and general playability make the gaming experience most enjoyable
- Email support team can be slow to respond on occasion
- A PIN is required for some withdrawal / deposit transactions but it should be remembered this is actually a tool to protect the player
