The Quick Summary

Absolute Poker is one of the big names in online poker: established in 2001, it has remained one of the largest poker rooms, and it weathered the UIGEA storm by still allowing US players to deposit and play.
Absolute Poker’s software is top-notch, with options for different OS. Represented by the beautiful Serinda Swan and the lethal Liv Boeree, and endorsed by poker celebrities such as Annie Duke and Mark Seif, Absolute Poker balances attractiveness with poker power for an exciting poker experience.

Popularity: 7 of 10 - Good

The player traffic of Absolute Poker is substantial, with up to 20,000 players at peak times. Their ring games and tournaments are usually busy, which makes it easy to find games in almost any variant, level and betting structure. If you are looking for action this is a great site - their SNGs can be filled in less than 20 seconds!

Security: 8 of 10 - Excellent

At the time of writing, Absolute Poker is set to launch a significantly improved Security Center which will combine state-of-the-art technology and the input form the industry’s topmost experts to ensure the highest levels of security. Absolute currently uses a combination of DES and their own custom algorithm for encryption, along with 256 bit encryption to protect transferred data.

Player Competition: 7 of 10 - Excellent

In spite of being a large site, there is a high percentage of tight players in Absolute Poker – grinders who put in the hours to cash on Absolute’s attractive and frequent bonuses. But there are still plenty of fish in the sea, and at Absolute Poker they tend to concentrate on the tournaments rather than the cash games.
Absolute Poker offers a varied mix of play money and real money Tournaments, including regular tournaments, satellites, qualifiers, and the very popular guaranteed tournaments.

Site Software: 9 of 10 – Excellent

Absolute Poker’s software had a terrible reputation, but it has been improved through many an update and itis now functional and attractive. There is also a no-download java option which is ideal for users of other operative systems, such as Mac and Ubuntu, as well as for players on the road who do not want to download the software in a strange computer.

Table design is attractive, with several view options for tables and many skins to choose from, as well as large avatars that may be shown or omitted as desired. Multitabling is supported.
The software runs fast and is very user friendly, with an easy-to-navigate lobby and quick access to hand histories. An attractive new feature is “Absolute Buddy,” a contact list that allows players to find out if their friends are online and to quickly join them in any table.

Customer Support: 7 of 10 – Good

Customer support at Absolute Poker is only handled via e-mail, which can be a let down for players with pressing issues. If your question is not addressed in the FAQ, e-mail assistance is offered 24/7 with a response time of 24 hrs or less.

Company Ethics: 8 of 10 – Excellent

Absolute Poker strongly values building and maintaining goodwill with its players and they are committed to providing a safe and secure environment. This is why they are working on the upcoming Security Center, which will set the highest security standards in the industry. They also have developed a “Responsible Gaming Policy.”

Site Promotions: 9 of 10 - Good

Absolute’s $500 sign-up bonus is easy to clear, and they often offer re-load bonuses (sometimes up to 6 times a month). Their VIP and loyalty program are among the best of the industry: you can earn Absolute Rewards Points by playing for real money and use those points towards freerolls, VIP rewards or as cash in the Rewards store.

Absolute Poker also has a referral program, which rewards both the referring player and the new sign-up with up to $75.

Overall Review: 7.86 of 10 – Excellent

Absolute Poker has an excellent game selection, a reliable software package and good tournaments, and their loyalty and VIP programs are among the best around. Minor setbacks are the fact that support is only available via e-mail and that play can be very tight in cash games.

Final Result: We give Absolute Poker a final overall score of 7.86 out of 10.