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BetOnline Poker Review
“Since 1991, BetOnline has been a trusted brand associated with gambling online. Its decades of dependable online poker action and payouts have cemented BetOnline Poker as one of the best providers for US players.”
Jennifer Newell, Author
Overview
Gamblers in the United States have depended on BetOnline for online sports betting and casino games since the early 1990s. Before most companies even thought of venturing into online gambling, BetOnline was in the mix, grabbing the latest technology to improve its wagering options, and adding online poker to the site.
With more than 30 years as a company and more than 20 years offering real money online poker, BetOnline has gone above and beyond to gain the trust of the gambling community. Its experience is second-to-none, and it takes great care in securing player data and account balances, upgrading to new technology to improve the poker action, and protecting its recreational players from predatory practices.
Add in top poker promos, as well as numerous regular tournaments and series with sizeable guarantees, and BetOnline is a reliable and recommended site for US players.
Pros & Cons
BetOnline is in the top 3 regarding US traffic in the poker room, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any cons to consider before signing up. Let’s take a closer look at both the pros and cons of BetOnline Poker.
Pros
- Consistent cash game and tournament action at many stakes and levels
- Weekly leaderboard competitions
- Personalized poker rewards program
- Caters to recreational and new players
- Refer-a-friend bonus offer
Cons
- Not enough non-Hold’em tournaments, especially in series
- Confusing navigation for first-time players using a browser
- Overall company focus targets sports bettors
How Valuable are the Promotions and Bonuses at BetOnline Poker?
Welcome Bonus
Every poker player is entitled to a welcome bonus to start a new account on BetOnline. New players receive a 100% match of any deposit they make up to $1,000, as well as eight days of complimentary tournament tickets to start playing. The tournament tickets are step satellites that can qualify the players to participate in the $100K guarantee Sunday Showdown tournament.
The bonus is released in $5 increments every time the player earns $50 in rake. It requires a $50 minimum deposit to get started, and the promo code is POKER1000 to be used in the cashier when signing up for the new account.
Bad Beat Jackpot
This unique offering rewards those when luck just isn’t on their side. Players who are participating at the Bad Beat Jackpot tables will share in this unique jackpot when a Four of a Kind is beaten by a better hand. The cash value of the prize is different every time, but the distribution of the prize is consistent and is as follows:
- 20% to the player with the Bad Beat
- 15% to the winner of the hand
- 5% to the players at the table
- 5% to the players at other Bad Beat Jackpot tables
- 35% reseed
- 5% fee
Weekly Boost Leaderboard
An ongoing promotion at BetOnline is the weekly leaderboard for Boost players. Those playing in the fast-fold poker variant earn points regardless of the outcome of each hand. The top 50 players at the Hold’em Boost tables every week win a share of $5,000 in prizes that are awarded after play closes every Sunday at midnight.
Players can opt in to the Weekly Boost Leaderboard promotion in the “My Missions” section of the main poker client (on desktop) or the contests tab (on mobile).
Reload Bonuses
When players need to reload their account with a new deposit, there is always a reload bonus available via BetOnline. If the player does not receive a bonus opportunity via email or in their online account, they can contact a customer service representative for options.
$500,000 Mystery Series
This annual series runs for one week during the latter part of July. This series offers players a variety of tournaments, and the chance to win over $500,000 in prizes. Players earn money and win prizes through two mediums:
- Mystery Boxes: These gifts give players tournament tickets which allow you to vie for more tournament prize pools if you didn’t cash any of the highlighted tournaments that day.
- Mystery Series Leaderboards: Even if you don’t win the tournament outright, players accrue points throughout the leaderboard. How many points you collect is determined by your ranking on the leaderboard, the buy-in amount of the tournament you’re playing, and the number of tournament entries.
Rise & Rewards Benefits at BetOnlinePoker
Players at BetOnline earn points through regular play on the site, via tournaments or cash games. Regular rake contributions earn points, and those earn weekly rewards in the form of random prizes with values of up to $500.
This is not a typical rewards program or VIP program for online poker, but many players prefer it for the weekly rewards and useful benefits. They receive cash, game bonuses for cash game action, tournament tickets, tournament money, or locked cash bonuses based on their play across six levels.
- Level 1: Must rake $25
- Level 2: Must rake $75
- Level 3: Must rake $175
- Level 4: Must rake $425
- Level 5: Must rake $925
- Level 6: Must rake $1,925
BetOnline Poker Game Selection
When a player is in the BetOnline poker room, they are focused on the game. While other sites often provide everything from live event satellites to new jackpot-style poker inventions, BetOnline remains focused on the games that matter to its players.
Cash Games
From the main poker lobby on BetOnline, players can choose cash games, the tried-and-true method of building a bankroll. Players will find No Limit Hold’em from $0.05/$0.10 stakes up to $2/$5, with the occasional interest in $5/$10 or higher. Most of the games have the straddle feature and the ability to run it three times, the latter indicating the ability to run out an all-in board several times to see the overall results.
Pot Limit Omaha players will find numerous versions of this cash game, from Omaha 5 to Omaha 6 to the split-pot H/L version. PLO starts at $0.05/$0.10 and runs up to $5/$10 frequently.
Boost cash games are available for NLHE and PLO players, and adds a faster pace to regular action. Boost tables move players quickly, as folding a hand immediately pushes the software to place them at a new table. It keeps the action moving and eliminates time wasted in waiting for others to act.
Sit & Go
The sit-n-go (SNG) is a popular way to play a single-table event in a shorter period of time than a regular tournament. Players will find a range of SNGs from $0.25 to $30 or $60 with anywhere from four to eight players. Some satellites are also in the SNG format.
Windfalls
BetOnline offers its proprietary Windfall tournaments in a separate tab in the game lobby. Windfalls are hyper-turbo speed three-person SNGs with the potential to win life-changing – or bankroll-changing – money. Players can buy-in for $3 to $30, and when the table is full of three competitors, the program randomly chooses a prize for the table from 2x the buy-in to 2,500x the buy-in.
Each Windfall option shows the top prize available. There are standard No Limit Hold’em Windfall events, as well as Open-Face Chinese Pineapple-style and All-In-or-Fold. The latter offer lower prize multipliers, and the players have no options in hands other than to move all-in or fold.
BetOnline Poker Tournaments
There are tournaments in almost every format thinkable, mostly in Hold’em and Omaha. There are tournaments that populate on demand from players, and others that pop up in the lobby based on the knowledge of what BetOnline players often want to see.
Of course, players can sort by numerous categories in the tournament lobby to find their preferred action, but there are also key events on the schedule around which players can plan.
Money Builders
Every day of the week, BetOnline runs Tournament Money Builder options with low buy-ins and guarantees. The tournaments take place every hour and serve as rebuy tournaments. They can be a low-cost option for working on one’s tournament game.
Progressive Bounties
PKO tournaments are all the rage in online poker today, as the option to win bounties for knocking out opponents is a way to make money during a tournament before the money bubble bursts. It adds new skill components to any event. There are Hold’em and Omaha options throughout every day and night, with most buy-ins ranging from $1.10 to $55, though an occasional $109 or $215 buy-in makes its way into the mix.
Sunday Majors
Most experienced players look at lists of Sunday majors for big buy-in tournaments with big guarantees. Thoe are certainly a part of the BetOnline options, with the following on the agenda every Sunday:
- $109 buy-in Main Event with $150K GTD
- $55 buy-in NLHE with $20K GTD
- $215 buy-in NLHE with $40K GTD
- $22 buy-in Mini Main Event with $10K GTD
There are many more, however, in the normal structure and for PKO fans. The formats vary from six-max to turbo, rebuys to reentries, and multi-entries to short registration times.
Week Days
Every day, BetOnline offers daily tournaments, reentry options that start on every hour and rebuys that start at half-past each hour. Buy-ins range from $1.10 to $215, and guarantees go as high as $25K. There is also a slate of satellites to offer cheaper entries into the larger buy-ins, which affords every player the chance to qualify.
Breaking Down the BetOnline Software & Download
Chico Network powers the poker room on BetOnline. The software on which poker players compete has been improved over the years, as technology has enabled one upgrade after another. It is now a very diverse platform that offers customers to play poker via any web browser or on a downloaded version of the software, and one that works ideally on desktop computers and mobile devices alike.
One of the most notable perks of playing on BetOnline’s poker software is the transparency. Players can see when each update happens and make note of the changes that may affect their play. Regular software updates happen all the time, and major upgrading is reserve for once or twice per year.
In 2023, for example, a major upgrade specifically benefited poker players. The entire lobby showed a redesign for the HTML web poker client. The tournament lobby saw the most changes, featuring a single-window version of tournament statistics, player search capabilities, game history access through a single button, new payout structure and prize details, and even new throwable objects for cash game tables. Windfall sit-n-go events became simpler, easier to find, and simpler options to view.
In the most current software version, there are numerous unique features that players will only find at BetOnline and its sister poker site.
Anonymous Observation
Poker players in the lobby cannot identify others by their screen names. This prevents more experienced players from preying on opponents they have deemed to be “fish” or soft players. Pros often have access to third-party software with which to analyze opponents’ play, and this gives them an unfair advantage if they can seek out certain players from the lobby. The anonymous observation feature only shows a player’s screen name upon taking a seat at a table.
All-In Cash Out
When a player in a cash game faces the decision to move al-in, he or she can do so, of course. For a fee of 1% of the value of the hand, though, the player can also see that value and decide to cash out instead of risking it all. The program will calculate each player’s probability to win the hand, and the “cash out” is then a clean exit from the situation.
Straddle
In a cash game, a player just to the left of the big blind can place a straddle bet. It puts them in the position to act last before the flop and increases the pot. This is a cash game feature, one that is becoming more common in live poker scenarios.
Poker Odds Calculator
A necessary skill in poker is to be able to calculate pod odds and outs in any given hand or situation. Instant math calculations are not always so simple for every player, though. BetOnline gives players access to a free odds calculator. Once downloaded, it automatically attaches to their cash game or tournament table and provides odds.
Throwables
In the last few years, some poker players have grown to enjoy playing poker with throwables. They are action emojis, of sorts, and allows players to express their feelings with amusing interactive actions. For example, one can clink beer glasses, set off fireworks, or throw a tomato at an opponent.
Web Version vs Poker Client
BetOnline has created software that plays the same whether in the downloaded software or through a web browser. There are only a few differences that primarily depend upon the player’s setup and preferences.
The downloaded version of BetOnline is its own entity. It operates separately from any tabs open on a computer or laptop, and it requires a different action to close than other tabs or windows. This prevents accidental closure while playing.
Performance of the client in its own download is also more dependable than in a web browser. The client remains free of web freezes, tab overloads, and other browser-related situations that could affect the speed of play.
It boils down to a personal preference for most players. Some prefer to download BetOnline to keep it separate from other programs and files open on their devices, and others like it to be open in the same browser in which they work on other tasks.
Mobile Options for BetOnline Players
BetOnline does have a real money poker app for their poker product, however it is only available for Android devices and not available for Apple. You can, however, play poker on your mobile device through a browser. Their mobile software is compatible with all the major devices including Android, Apple and Blackberry.
Downloading the app for Android devices is easy to do, and you can be up and running in just a couple of minutes. Simple click on the Android icon on the BetOnline website, and the apk file will start downloading. Once it’s downloaded, install the app on your phone and log in with your username and password. Once you’ve logged onto the app you’ll find it has a simple yet elegant design that’s easy to navigate around. You can also access all the features that are available on the desktop app, so you’re not missing out by playing on your phone.
While iOS devices don’t have a dedicated mobile app, they can play directly from their browser. Simply browse the BetOnline website and log in with your credentials, and you’re in! The mobile version of the site has been well-optimized for smaller devices and gives you easy access to the other forms of gambling they offer, such as eSports betting, casino games, and their sportsbook.
Operating System Compatibility
BetOnline has standalone downloads compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. You can read more about the BetOnline download here.
How Tough is the Competition at BetOnline Poker?
Competition is relative. In other words, how good a player are you? Since there are players of all skill levels, chances are that you’re better at poker than someone else, so long as you have the basics down. After that, it’s just a matter of finding those players/tables.
That said, some rooms are softer than others. Our BetOnline poker review found they’re no different. Here’s why:
- The sports betting and casino sections. People who like to bet on sports recreationally or play casino games like roulette, craps, or sic bo, aren’t looking to beat the games for a profit. They like to win, sure, but they’re looking more for the thrill, the opportunity to gamble. These are the types of players you want at your table.
- There are fewer pros. BetOnline has fewer players and a variety of games and games running, so you won’t see nearly as many pro players as you will on the larger sites. Fewer pros mean softer games.
- Freerolls and small stakes (guaranteed) games. BetOnline caters to the smaller stakes players with their freerolls, micro stakes games, and small buy-in guaranteed tournaments. These types of games (usually) attract weaker, less experienced players.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t have trouble turning a profit at BetOnline. And the competition is soft enough that you shouldn’t lose your shirt if you’re learning, too. More important is the number of players at the site or the site’s overall traffic. If there are more players overall, there will also be more soft players.
| Licensed | Panama |
|---|---|
| Bonus Offer | 100% to $2500 |
| Games Available | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, PLO |
| Banking | Bitcoin, ethereum, Litcoin, Visa, Wire |
| Payouts | 4 Days |
Game Limits
| BetOnline Poker Game Type | Minimum Stakes | Maximum Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| No-Limit Hold’em | .01/.02 | $5/10 |
| Fixed-Limited Hold’em | .05/.10 | $1.50/3 |
| Omaha | .01/.02 | $5/10 |
| Stud | .10/.20 | $5/10 |
| Americana | .10/.20 | $5/10 |
| 32 Card Draw | .10/.25 | $5/10 |
| Razz | .10/.20 | $5/10 |
Deposits and Cashouts at BetOnline
You can use the following methods to make a deposit or initiate a withdrawal at BetOnline:
| Deposit Method | Minimum Deposit | Maximum Deposit | Fees | Approx. Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Credit Cards | $25 | $5,000 | 7.5% | 90% |
| Skrill | $10 | None | None | 100% |
| Neteller | $10 | None | None | 100% |
| ecoPayz | $10 | $10 | None | 100% |
| Bank Wire Transfer | $1000 | None | Reimbursed | 100% |
| Cashier’s Check | $1500 | None | None | 100% |
| Bitcoin | $20 | $25,000 | None | 100% |
| Etherum | $20 | $25,000 | None | 100% |
| Litecoin | $20 | $25,000 | None | 100% |
| Dash | $20 | $25,000 | None | 100% |
| Bitcoin Cash | $20 | $25,000 | None | 100% |
Are There Any Fees?
Banking fees will depend on the method you use, and in some cases, how fast you want your withdrawal.
- Paper Check – $50/7 days, $35/2 weeks, $25/month+
- Bank Wires – $45-$75
- ACH – $20-$75
Keep in mind that in addition to the fees, each banking method will have minimum thresholds that you’ll need to meet in order to use it.
Payout Methods
| Payout Method | Minimum Withdrawal | Maximum | Fees | Frequency | Time to Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neteller | $25 | $9,900 | Free | N/A | Within 24 hours |
| Skrill | $25 | $9,900 | Free | N/A | Within 24 hours |
| Bank Wire Transfer | $500 | $24,900 | Based on Amount | Every 7 days | Within 15 business days |
| Bitcoin | $20 | $10,000 | Free | Every 3 days | Within 24 hours |
| Ethereum | $20 | $10,000 | Free | Every 3 days | Within 24 hours |
| Litecoin | $20 | $10,000 | Free | Every 3 days | Within 24 hours |
| Dash | $20 | $10,000 | Free | Every 3 days | Within 24 hours |
| Bitcoin Cash | $20 | $10,000 | Free | Every 3 days | Within 24 hours |
How to deposit on BetOnline Poker with Bitcoin
BetOnline Poker is an excellent option if you like crypto gambling sites. Our BetOnline poker review shows it only takes three easy steps to start playing online with Bitcoin on the site. All you need to do is buy some Bitcoin on a cryptocurrency exchange, get a wallet, and finally, log onto the BOL site and deposit.
It’s as simple as that, and it’s fast too. Deposits are nearly instantaneous, and withdrawals are always fast and free. If you have any problems, though, the site has excellent customer service and a Bitcoin FAQ page to answer any of your crypto-related questions.
Security
BetOnline follows the industry standard for keeping your information safe. All transactions are encrypted, and your personal information will not be sold or given to outside companies. There have not been any (major) known security issues/breaches to date either.
Other Products at BetOnline
Another perk to BetOnline is that you don’t just have to play poker. Our BetOnline poker review offers other products, including:
- Sportsbook – Bet on over 18 of your favorite sports, teams, players and props. Live betting is available.
- Racebook – Receive tips and bet on horses.
- Casino – Play a wide variety of casino games including blackjack, slots, craps, roulette, video poker and more.
You’ll be able to access these other products using your poker account. In addition, BetOnline runs promotions for these products that you can participate in.
BetOnline Poker Network & License Information
Our BetOnline poker review concluded it is a part of the Chico Poker Network, which was recently rebranded from the Action Poker Network in early 2012. BetOnline is headquartered and licensed in Panama City, Panama.
Customer Support
| Skype | Live Chat | Telephone | |
| Username: PlayerServices | From your poker software or in the cashier | 1-888-426-3661 | poker@BetOnline.ag |
Final Thoughts on BetOnline Poker
BetOnline is a great poker site for any player with online poker experience. They’re trustworthy, reliable, and have a pretty good reputation. So whether it’s just for fun or competing in tournaments, BetOnline is a great choice.
Is BetOnline Poker not for you? Here’s what other users recommended:
FAQs
For Bitcoin and Litecoin, $20; however, if you’re using Visa or Mastercard, it’s $50.
Once the tournament is finished, all winnings will be paid out.
BetOnline is licensed by a significant government-sanctioned gaming agency and is one of the most trusted poker sites for US players and considered one of the best online poker sites.
Afghanistan, Australia, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mali, Malta, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea (Republic of), Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
No, English is the only available language for game play and support.
Absolutely, BetOnlinehas been operating in the US for many years, help thousands of Americans get access to online poker.
