Sun Poker Overview
Sun Poker has been around since the first poker sites hit the internet. It is an international site that offers games in Euros, Pounds and U.S. dollars. At the moment they do not allow US players, it is strongly advised that you play in US dollars so that you don’t spend unnecessary money in rake. Formerly know as Caribbean Sun Poker and later purchased by the Sun newspaper, they are part of the Cryptologic group so they share the platform with all sites on that network. Although most rake structures are the same on poker sites, on certain game tables of the Cryptologic Network rake can be painful.
Sun Poker is a great site for bonus lovers. Their bonuses are easy to clear and with no complicated release structures. Their monthly player bonus is usually outstanding. Sun Poker lacks in some functionality and features, but the graphics are nice. Sun Poker, as part of the Cryptologic Network, provides the best customer support in the industry and financial transactions are secure and reliable. Integrity is one of this network’s main pillars.
Sun Poker is a room on the Cryptologic network, along with other popular online poker rooms such as Poker Plex, Littlewoods Poker and Classic Poker.
Sun Poker Game Features
Sun Poker has a good game variety; they have all of the Texas Hold’Em variations, 7 Card Stud and Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo also. The heads-up table is very popular, where you get to meet one on one. The ring games offered are Texas Hold’em, Omaha hi-lo, Omaha, 7-stud, with stakes of fixed Limit from $0.25-$0.50 up to $150-$300. The pot Limit/No Limit Blinds range from $0.15-$0.25 up to $10-$20. The tournaments offered are Single Table and Multi-Table Hold'em (up to 10 tables), with buy-ins of $10, $30, $50, $100. They have been around for quit a while now and that, naturally, reflects on higher traffic. During peak hours they have approximately 5,000 players on the tables. This is enough to provide action for the ring games. However, player traffic is increasing due to satellites and live tournaments. One advantage is that, besides peak times and due to European players, there is a boost of action at night time.
The ring games at Sun Poker have always being the strongest traffic area. However, their tournament traffic is imporving due to new promotions and common player platform from Cryptologic Network. They have started to make new tournaments and new events that include lower buy-in modalities. These low stakes usually attract at least 100 players, so the previous issue of having tournaments being closed due to lack of participation is slowly starting to vanish. Also new participants are attracted to the guaranteed prize pool events.
Sun Poker gives players a monthly bonus to players for a low amount of raked hands. Sun Poker also has a very unique loyalty program. Each month, you're eligible to receive a $100 bonus directly from them by making a new deposit and playing each month. Bonuses are easy to clear by playing multiple hands at lower stakes.
Their prop player program is pretty interesting where Sun Poker pays you to start off new tables. You can make a maximum of $30 per hour of play.
Sun Poker offers a Bad Beat jackpot, a Royal Flush Jackpot and occasional special promotions to earn merchandise, such as player swag or poker books. MPPs are Sun Poker’s points that are earned by playing at their regular cash game or ring games. Players are awarded MPPs according to how much rake they earn. These points can be redeemed in merchandise or freerolls.
The percentage of players willing to see the flop is 30-40% at the mid stakes tables. The average pots are bigger than average, flops are not cheap so games are tight. If competition senses weakness they will be aggressive. Competition can be very soft if you take your time and know your table. At the no-limit $.15/.25-$.25/.50 tables there is plenty of fish.
Sun Poker Software Features
Sun Poker’s software is licensed from WagerLogic Network. After a history of operation, they have improved consistently, but do not offer an overwhelming array of features and functionality that the leaders in the industry do.
The layout of the tables is poor and the robotic voice of the dealer game pretty dull. However the “your turn” and “blinds please” announcements from the dealer are very helpful when you are multi-tasking, but they can be switched off.
Visually Sun Poker’s software is good. Their layout is easy on the eyes. The graphics are not at all original, but the most positive aspect is that the game speed is above average. It usually runs full tables 60+ hands per hour.
The lobby is average with fewer features than other sites. You have a regular menu, but sorting between stakes and limit types is not possible, so finding your type of game can be a real challenge. Although as a user, you will not face major problems. The download process is slower than the majority of other sites, but once downloaded the speed of games is good.
The games are smooth and efficient with out any major flaws. They have recently added a new Mac compatible no download poker client and a GBP cashier so you can choose which currency you prefer. Two features they do lack are that you cannot access the cashier if you are in a game, and you cannot resize the tables.
The graphics in general have a Caribbean beach theme, with a tropical appearance, which makes it colorful scenario. The interface is usable and simple, although the bright yellow color they use can cause a problem on really old monitors. Their effort to create the tropical mood and environment can be a little naïve, however.
Sun Poker claims to use the latest in 128-bit encryption technology ensuring that transactions are completely secure. Personal information from player’s account will not be shared with third parties or unauthorized entities. Regarding Game Fairness they use a random number generator, which claims to use the latest fraud and collusion detection software along with human monitoring of tables.
Sun Poker Support
Sun Poker offers support via phone, e-mail and live chat. On all three channels the information is accurate and fast. The live chat option is fantastic and you get immediate solutions to your queries.
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