Most Popular Online Poker Sites

How is the traffic monitored?

Poker traffic numbers are gathered a variety of ways and through a number of sources. Many poker sites make their traffic figures public through specific client software, on their website, or through special feeds provided specifically to poker websites. Some data is also simply gathered through tracking a poker site's lobby screen where it will typically tell you how many players are online in real time.

Most poker traffic stats simply measure the number of cash game players on a site at a given time. Others (especially numbers provided direct from a poker site) may also include players in tournaments as well as those just hanging out in the lobby.

Is this measure for traffic worldwide?

Yes, but different sites will have different peak hours depending on where they and their customer base are located. Keep this in mind when looking at poker traffic statistic websites, but most numbers you will see are based off 7-day averages as opposed to specific day and hour statistics. It's also helpful to figure out what time zone the traffic site you are looking at is based in.

Is there a benefit to playing at sites with higher traffic?

Yes! Because poker sites make a little bit of money off each hand played on their sites, the sites with the heaviest traffic are in turn going to have the most funds to kick back to you, the player. They do this in the form of bigger tournament prize payouts, loyalty and signup bonuses, as well as other special promotions.

Another benefit is that you simply won't have trouble finding action in the game of your choice and in your desired price range on these sites. This means no more waiting it out on tables with only one or two others hoping more players will join up. And even though it's technically more competition in terms of sheer numbers, the general rule of thumb is that the more popular a site is, the softer the competition is overall.

Should I opt for a site that has more traffic from my country?

One advantage of playing on a site based in your country is that the busiest hours will align with when you probably want to play the most. That said, if you play on a site based in a country located close to your own time zone, you'll also find heavy traffic at the same times. And if you work a night shift or a more uncommon schedule, try finding a poker site in a country with peak hours that match up with when you want to play.

Are the winning opportunities greater?

Yes and no. Of course with more traffic brings more competition, but this competition isn't always the best in terms of skill level. Casual players tend to drift to the same few online poker sites, meaning if you are an experienced player you can usually dominate these 'fish' pretty easily by taking advantage of their inexperience. But also with more players come more tournaments, more incentive bonuses for frequent players, and more unique promotions.

Will I find the best bonuses at these sites?

More often than not, yes. You will find that the most popular online poker sites typically have the largest bonuses and other incentives as well. This covers sign-up bonuses as well as great VIP loyalty programs that kick back great incentives to you based upon how much you play. These incentives could include entry to exclusive tournaments, cash prizes, and even vacation getaways.

What are the most popular poker games?

Thanks to the popularity of the World Series of Poker, Texas Hold 'Em is far and away the most popular poker game online and you will find it offered (in both limit and no-limit varieties) on just about every single poker site. Other popular variations that most sites offer include Omaha and 7-card stud variations. Beyond that, it can vary pretty wildly from site to site, but games like Razz and HORSE (which is actually five poker games in one) also have their own niche followings.

How should I choose between the above sites?

Every player is different and what is important in an online poker site will vary from person to person. But rest assured that any site we recommend on this page or any other will have heavy traffic that will bring you bountiful bonuses, a huge selection of tournaments, and opportunities to take advantage of plenty of fish. It is also our priority to recommend sites that have stringent security protecting both your money and personal information.

Knowing all that, try looking for a site that has the game types, bonuses, and tournament offerings that appeal to you the most. Also look at where a site is based, as typically the "prime time" hours for that location are going to have the heaviest traffic. If you prefer to play at nights and the site you are looking at is based on the other side of the world, it might be wise to choose a site whose peak hours align more closely with your playing patterns.