 | Overview |
SkyPoker is a part of the British Sky Broadcasting Group which is one of largest, or perhaps the largest, Media and Telecommunications companies in the UK. They offer satellite broadcasting, broadband and telephony services and also online betting, casino, poker and bingo. With more than 10 million subscribers in UK and Ireland, one would assume that they could become a descent competitor in the online gaming industry as well.
SkyPoker is one of the most popular poker rooms in the UK and Ireland but is also a fast growing international poker room, especially in central Europe. Sky as a TV broadcasting provider has also a great impact on their online gaming products. As for their poker product, Sky offers the Sky Poker TV (Sky Channel 865) where you can have your hands reviewed. SkyPoker also offers a very active poker community where you can chat as well as enjoy a number of forums and poker blogs.
SkyPoker was first launched in 2006 and has grown out of their UK focused market and managed to become a recognized poker room in most of Europe. SkyPoker is licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and therefore offers a safe and secure gaming environment. SkyPoker does not accept U.S players.
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 | Software |
SkyPoker are using their own poker software which is available in both a downloaded version as well as a web based client. This means that you may enjoy their poker product without having to install any software, unless you wish to. The first impression of the lobby gives a clear and simple overlook on what’s on offers in terms of games, tournaments and current promotions but also a direct link to the other gaming products like casino, betting and bingo. You can also locate blogs and forums from within the client. The software is very easily navigated and you will not have any problems in finding a suitable table to join.
The SkyPoker software offers some nice features such as avatars to add to your poker profile and a notes feature to keep track of your opponents. You can also easily access your hand history and your game statistics so you can review and improve your play. A free play option is available for the new poker player so they can learn and get comfortable with the software without risking losing any real money before they master the software.
SkyPoker offers a pretty low number of poker game variations. You may play Holdem, Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo but perhaps they will add more game variations in the future.
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 | Traffic |
SkyPoker is still a medium sized poker room and by having their own independent software keeps the number of players pretty low in comparison to the biggest poker networks in the industry. However, it is worth to notice that the number of players during peak hours already compete with larger poker networks that hold a greater number of poker rooms.
Most of the traffic on SkyPoker is tournaments players that are attracted to the large selection of guaranteed tournaments and obviously the chance to be playing on TV. The ring game traffic is increasing and you will not have any problems in finding some good poker action at any time of the day. The highest chance in finding a decent high stake cash table is in the evening.
Due to the fact that Sky holds more than 10 million satellite subscribers and the fact that the poker room is more aggressive in their marketing activities, there is no doubt that SkyPoker will become one of the strongest competitors of the UK and European poker market.
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 | Opponents |
SkyPoker holds most variations of the player pool; there is plenty of fish that derives from the large customer base of Sky TV that wants to give poker a try and this attracts the sharks to swim in the same waters. The overall impression of the opponents at SkyPoker is still fairly low. There has been some increasing appearance from known UK poker players in recent years so don’t be surprised if you find yourself at the same table as Julian Thew and others.
SkyPoker will satisfy most player types in terms of competition. You will be able to find what you are looking for, whether it’ll be a brutal battle or a more of some good poker entertainment to pass the time.
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 | Tournaments |
SkyPoker are known for hosting some very popular guaranteed tournaments. Among the good selection of guaranteed tournaments you will find prize pools ranging from £25 up to £25,000. There are a lot of televised tournaments available at SkyPoker which adds another dimension of excitement to the tournament play; the chance to play on TV.
SkyPoker host live poker events such as the Sky Poker Tour which has a total of more than £250,000 in the prize pool. You may qualify for this tour online by participating in a good selection of satellites. SkyPoker also offer their players to win live tournament packages to larger poker events such as the WSOP.
SkyPoker offer the most popular types of tournaments like Sit-N-Go, freerolls, single and multi-tables and satellites.
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 | Cashgames |
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The cash games available at SkyPoker are available in Holdem, Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo. Like most other poker rooms you will find the Holdem tables to be the most popular. The stakes range from low to high and the best chance in finding a good cash game is during the evenings.
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 | Bonuses/Loyalty |
When you play at SkyPoker, on any loyalty level, you will earn player points by playing cash games and tournament play. The points you earn from tournament play depends on the buy-in. You will earn 10 Poker Points for every £1 in entrance fees paid, for example, if you enter a £10 + £1 tournament, the £10 is your contribution to the prize fund and the additional £1 is the "fee" that you pay. This means in this example that you will earn 10 Bonus Poker Points. All loyalty points earned will be credited to your account at the end of each hand or tournament and can be viewed by going to 'My Account'. You can use your hard earned Poker Points to enter certain Multi Table Tournaments.
SkyPoker has a loyalty program which is based on the poker points system. You are welcome to join their Priority Club as soon as earn at least 10,000 poker points per month. The membership gives you access to wide range of exclusive offers and other benefits.
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 | Transactions |
As a major poker room, you will not have any problems in finding a suitable method for your banking. SkyPoker accepts all major payment methods. These include Credit/Debit cards, e-wallets and e-vouchers. You will also be able to use a number of different regional bank transfer soluitions.
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 | Support |
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SkyPoker offers a very professional customer care approach where you, as a customer, feel very appreciated. SkyPoker’s customer service is available 24/7 and you may contact them by live chat, e-mail or phone. They also have a very good FAQ page where you can resolve the most common issues that might occur.
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