Summary

Empire Poker is a feature-packed online poker service based on the very Party Gaming network. This opens up for gaming against tens of thousands of players from all parts of the world. The software is of great quality and very high stability and matches the superb user traffic. The bonus and loyalty rewards aren't great, but instead you're offered plenty of competition at every possible stake, even including expensive sit'n'go games. You can also participate at the Million Dollar tournament, hosted by Empire Poker. If that's not your beef, then how about some of the great freerolls, or sidebets and Blackjack.

Software

Empire Poker has leased the skin of PartyGaming's software. In other words, you should expect a lot from this application. The lobby is very user-friendly and built so that you can choose from different limits and games and set the game stakes apart. The top menus provide for a great amount of functionality, too. The table is very clean and simple, but lacks the high quality graphics we're used to these days. But nevermind that, it's still above the average. Multi table play is supported.

Traffic
Empire Poker offers plenty of competition. It is hooked up to the Party Gaming network, so you can count on tens of thousands of simultaneously connected players at all times. Approximately one half of the players are to be found in tournament games. The rest reside in cash games. Multi tables, single tables, regular tournaments, special tournaments and shootouts. You name it, Empire's got it!

Tournaments

Tournaments are heavily populated at Empire Poker. Even high stake players join sit'n'go games as well as major multi table tournaments. Small stake players to medium stake players are obviously in majority. The top buy-in stays at $200, while the low stake player has options ranging from $5.

Game Variety
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The variety of games is surprisingly low, considering the amount of players this network attracts. Texas Hold'em and Omaha is obviously supported. Other than that, you will also find 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo. Omaha Hi/Lo is also supported. Unfortunately, there is no heads-up move, nor will you find any turbo games, which is a disappointment to many.

Soft Competition
Defining the softness of the competition is a difficult task. Empire Poker relies heavily on large ad campaigns, which in return boosts the network with users who are usually new to the world of poker. In other words, the competition is soft at times but once these campaigns are over, the competition turns rather tight once again. It does not necessarily mean that you can't a fish in the sea, but if you're looking for that type of competition, look elsewhere.

Sign Up Bonus

There are two variations of bonus codes for Empire Poker. The first one - also the most commonly used - is the $25 bonus with a 100% match. To claim this bonus, you are required to enter bonus code 25emp during signup and on your deposits. The second code grants you a $150 bonus with a 30% match and is available only with Empire Poker bonus code 150emp.

Loyalty Rewards

Empire Poker is low on steam in terms of loyalty bonuses. This is usually not a hot subject to most poker players, but as Empire Poker is exceptionally poor in this case, it must be mentioned that you will have to struggle to claim some of the merchandise that is offered here. Simply play on tables with raked hands and earn points. These points can be redeemed in tournaments as well as products.

Promotions

The biggest and best of all Empire Poker promotions is the Million Dollar tournament with $1,000,000 in guaranteed cash prizes, every month, only $215 in buy-in fees. A progressive bad beat jackpot is growing constantly, waiting for a happy winner who will earn the huge prize. A friend referral program worth $50 is also offered.

Support

Only e-mail support is available. This is below the industry standard, but fully acceptable since most users communicate this way with sensitive information anyway.

Deposit & Cashout Methods

Deposits: Credit Card, NETeller, FirePay, ePassporte, Citadel, eChecks, bank draft, cashier's check, money order and inter-account transfers.

Cashouts: eChecks, NETeller, wire transfer and checks.