BetOnline’s new poker app for iPhone and Android is yet another addition to an already bloated market (if you’re playing from outside the US, that is). The same could be said, however, about almost any app released today, whatever its purpose. The truth is that the vast majority of apps – poker apps in particular – are poorly designed and not worth people’s time or money. However, after spending some time with BetOnline Poker for mobile, we can safely say that it isn’t one of them. Rather, it’s a well-built and good-looking poker app that provides hours of entertainment.
Features
BetOnline’s catalogue of poker games is larger than most mobile apps. This is because it’s a condensed version of the PC poker app rather than a dedicated mobile poker app. That’s not to say you won’t be able to get into a game quickly, but rather that the app isn’t a one trick pony. It offers cash games in No-limit Hold’em, Pot-limit Omaha and Pot-limit Omaha Hi-Lo as well as MTTs and Sit & Gos in No-limit Hold’em. Stakes start from 1c/2c for cash games and from 5c for tournaments and Sit & Gos. You can also create a private game if you only want to play with your friends.
The loyalty program offered is fairly good. If you ever find yourself attracted to live casino’s bad beat jackpots, you’ll be pleased to hear BetOnline has one of their own, and it’s usually pretty big: at the time of writing, it stands at $250,000, but its broached half a million before. To qualify for a share, you need to be sitting at a table where quad jacks or better are shown down and beaten. BetOnline also offers a 100% first deposit bonus if you send an email to [email protected] with the subject line NEWBOL.
Usability
The in-game interface is similar to PokerStars: it has a glossy design with no visual distractions. The design is intuitive and everything is where it should be. The action buttons (raise, call and fold) are large and color-coordinated so you’re less likely to make mistakes. Moreover, the app doesn’t pester you while you play. The lobby is easy to navigate, and uses roughly the same format as desktop poker clients. You can select whether you’re looking for a cash game, tournament or Sit & Go by clicking on the appropriate tab at the top of the screen and then selecting one from a list that can be filtered by stake and seat availability. Depositing and withdrawing funds from the cashier is quick and no-fuss; it’s easy to find and should only take a minute from logging in for the first time to completing your first deposit (assuming you need to enter in your details). Overall, the app has very fast loading times and you’ll rarely encounter any lag (this does, of course, depend on your phone, but most should manage just fine).
Player Pool
Because BetOnline Poker for mobile is integrated with the PC app, the player pool is fairly large, so you won’t ever have to wait long for a game. Cash games and Sit & Gos are running round the clock, and some of the larger tournaments pull in hundreds of players. In terms of skill, the player pool is surprisingly weak given its integrated with the PC app (which usually means the field will be tougher as you’ll be pitted against PC grinders). There are lots of limpers and far too many players seeing a flop, which is great if you’re fairly new to poker.
Verdict
All in all, BetOnline is a fantastic mobile poker app. The interface is nice to look at and runs smoothly, and the games are lively and diverse. If you’re looking for a new poker app, definitely consider trying this one out – you won’t be disappointed.
