Summary of Poker Room

Ladbrokes presents a thoroughly engrossing online application that gives outstanding game play in a great format. Graphics are crisp and clear, and play moves with a style and elegance which many competitors would be hard-pressed to match. The lobby interface is fairly basic, but easily workable and most players should get to grips with it fairly quickly. Although there are many games on offer, including a freeplay mode, Ladbrokes is most highly recommended for those players who wish to play for real money. Depositing options, though not essential upon registration, are presented as almost part of the installation process. This fairly well sets the tone of the entire application, highly recommended though it is.

Promotions and Bonus Information

For every hand that you play in Ladbrokes real-money games you earn player points, which can be used to buy an assortment of extras, from qualifying for freeroll tournaments to buying Ladbrokes merchandise, from their online store. There is also the regular Rake Race along with prizes to be one in specialised tournaments and for appearing on the Ladbrokes leaderboard. Players can qualify for the Irish Open 2011 online, as well as receiving up to £675 as a first-time sign up bonus. The bonus itself is earned through points, and players have a maximum of 45 days to claim it in its entirety. Players will also have access to Ladbrokes online 'Poker School' on their website, making it a great place for those who wish to learn more about poker.

Poker Traffic

Ladbrokes uses a customised version of the Microgaming platform for their software, and while you won't find them among the world's top 10 most frequented poker rooms, they do have a small, dedicated following. Having opted to close their doors to state-side players due to the US gambling legislation, the peak times are around 19:00-20:00 GMT. Ladbrokes remains one of the most popular rooms among British online poker players, and after experiencing the quality of play it is not hard to see why.

Software and Graphics

Ladbrokes software may take slightly longer than usual to download and set up, but the end result is well worth the wait. Play is smooth as velvet, and flows effortlessly. The table layout is classical and minimalist, but this will no doubt appeal to the majority of Ladbrokes fans. Backgrounds are modest, but serve their purpose well. The movement of chips and cards is sublime, and the sound effects enhance play still further without being crude or irritating in any way. Game play is a sheer delight, and first time users will no doubt find themselves coming back again and again. Windows users will probably find themselves most at home with the Lobby interface, which operates as a series of folders, opened in order to narrow down the field of what you are searching for. Given the nature of Ladbrokes as a company, it is hardly surprising that their online poker room is geared mainly towards the serious gambler. Mid to high stakes players will find themselves well accommodated, but players who wish to participate only for fun way well find their gaming options somewhat limited.

Game Variety

Ladbrokes offers Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Stud, 5 Card Draw and Razz. Players should note that Freeplay is only included with the Hold'em and Omaha options.

Tournaments and Free rolls

The 'Who's The Daddy?' Tournament gives players an interesting twist, whereby aside from a share of the €1000 prize pot, the winner will have the next tournament named after their online alias, giving players a little online poker celebrity for €22 entry. New players also have three chances (over their first three calendar weeks after signing) to enter themselves in the New Player Freeroll games. Taking place every Wednesday at 18:30 UK time, players can boost their bankroll with a share of €500. The €7,000 Sit n Go Points Race takes place every two weeks, and cash prizes can be won for all players coming in the first 50 positions. This additionally allows players to be in with a chance of appearing on the Ladbrokes leaderboard, opening up new doors.