Empire Poker Summary

Empire Poker is on the same network as Party Poker, so this review is virtually identical to the Party Poker review. The two poker rooms are now owned by the same company and share the same ring games, single-table tournaments, and most multi-table tournaments. Currently, the only difference between these two poker rooms is that Empire Poker does not have as many bonuses and promotions available as Party Poker.

Empire Poker just has a 20% up to $100 bonus, whereas Party Poker has a 20% up to $100 bonus available and also a $25 flat bonus available (better for smaller first deposits). Empire Poker also does not currently have an elaborate Party Poker points system (it's not clear if they are carrying forward their old VIP program). Finally, Empire does not have a few multi-table tournament promotions that Party Poker has, such as Party's WSOP freeroll events.

Empire Poker Games Available

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.

Empire Poker Player Traffic

With Empire Poker being part of the Party Poker network, it has access to a huge player base. Very little waiting is required for sit and go tournaments and there are numerous cash games with plenty of action 24 hours a day. There were 21,000 players online at the time this review was written. Their marketing campaign has been extensive and continues to attract new players. The Empirepoker Sunday tournament is currently the best value online as they are adding prize money every week and currently has a guarantee of $1 Million.

Empire Poker Quality of Players

The competition is somewhat soft at Empire Poker. There are tens of thousands of players at this site. Many are beginners or casual players, but some are seasoned professionals. The games here are easier than at most sites. However, the games are harder than they once were.

Empire Poker Tournament Info

Tournaments are well supported and popular, especially the $300,000 guarantee scheduled every Sunday. Empire Poker features freezeouts, re-buys, guarantees and even turbo tournaments which are one of the fastest in the industry. You can also participate in Sit and Go games which also support Step tournaments. These give you the ability to play your way into bigger events which have increased prize pools, at a much lower cost. Also available are the Hellkat tournaments, which are signature events allowing players to play in 5 minute or 15 minute Sit and Go's. Empire Poker also sends their fair share of players to the WSOP and other land based events through qualifiers and satellites. All of these games are available within the tournament lobby and can be quickly accessed using a simple drop down menu.

Empire Poker Software

The software is great and performs just as well as all the major poker networks. There are no delays or lags and everything has been laid out to allow even a novice player easy access to such information as games, your account, the cashier, news and promotions among other things. You will have quick access to lobby stats although if you want more information you will need to click them individually. Multi-tabling is available for up to eight games with options on hand to help you organize your games. Empire Poker does not offer custom avatars, but they do feature 3 dimensional characters and a 3D poker room. The overall appearance is clean and user friendly. All in all it's a great platform and if you have ever played at Party Poker you will fit right at home here.

Empire Poker Bonus & 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.

Empire Poker Deposit & Withdrawal Options

Deposit Options: Credit Card, NETeller, FirePay, ePassporte, Citadel, eChecks, bank draft, cashier's check, money order and inter-account transfers.
Withdrawal Options: eChecks, NETeller, wire transfer and checks.

Empire Poker Customer Service

They have both email and phone support. Email support can sometimes take a frustratingly long time, and they don't always answer your question. The fact that they have phone support is nice, but some of the agents are not as helpful as you'd hope.