Summary (Rated 8 out of 10)

One of the relative elder statesmen in the online poker world, Paradise Poker remains one of the industry’s big players and it’s not hard to see why. Besides a few moderate flaws, the comprehensive games selection, comfortable and enjoyable playing atmosphere, and some highly competitive play make Paradise somewhat of a purist’s poker room. Don’t expect to make big money here though, as you may well be pitting yourself against some of the best online players around.

Game Selection (Rated 9 out of 10)

Paradise Poker’s biggest asset, one which is seldom rivaled elsewhere, is its vast game selection, with almost every game and player thoroughly considered. Cash games are particularly strong, offering a near complete choice of games, as well as providing options for low and high limit players alike. Limit, pot limit, and no limit hold’em, Omaha and 7-card stud (including their Ho/Lo variants), 5-card draw and stud, and Pineapple are all available in stakes ranging from micro-limit 1c/2c to high-limit $40/$80. Tournament play is similarly versatile, although perhaps not quite as thorough in its accommodation across the board. Scheduled games are excellent, offering an array of buy-ins from $1 to $1000 and, within that, offering variations in payout structures and player limits. Satellite choices are extremely good, including several to the WSOP, though there is a lack of freerolls which will leave many players without their favorite buy-in option. Another oversight is the surprising limitations placed on sit-and-go games, both in terms of buy-in and size. Despite the vast number of games at any given time, they are limited to heads-up or one table action, as well as only going as low as $5. Lower bankroll players who enjoy the chance of slightly increased payouts at two, three, or four table tournaments will therefore be left out.

Quality of Players (Rated 9 out of 10)

Its status as one of the oldest and most established poker rooms on the market, as well as the various other strengths of the site, means that Paradise Poker maintains not just a high level of player quality but also quantity. Aside from the odd exception, most tables will offer some strong competition making it difficult to consistently win and make a profit but it will keep your game very well honed. Use Paradise to sharpen your skills and hunt for fish elsewhere. At the higher stakes tables on Paradise you are likely to find some of the best online players out there, which is again - if you can afford it – a great opportunity to take your game to the next level. This applies to each of the disciplines, whether Hold'em, stud, or Omaha, though the are some softer spots at the 5-card draw tables which, due to the unsuitability of the game to online play, will often feature players who are there out of curiosity and have little clue on how to behave, leaving them very susceptible to a big hand.

Software (Rated 7 out of 10)

For a site with such pedigree and know-how in most other ways it is very surprising that Paradise Poker's software isn't quite up to the standard of many other inferior sites. Download and setup are quick and easy, while maneuvering around the main lobby is generally pretty smooth, but there are some nagging flaws. Things like clicking on a certain table, say for instance a $0.50/$1 NL table, and somehow being relocated to a 25c/50c limit table can get a little irritating. The variety of options available is also perhaps limited in comparison to some, although they do have very good internet support and the basics are all there, such as the 'find a friend' capability. In-game play is, surprisingly, quite glitchy, lacking the smoothness and playability which you would expect. These problems are largely minor, for example some general slowness in reacting to bets, dispersing chips, and showing/mucking cards. This doesn't interfere with play to a great degree but can leave the edge of your seat a bit worn as you wait several seconds after the final round of betting to discover if you are bust or booming. Also, the raising mechanism is quite awkward, as well as there being fewer pre-select action buttons, again slowing play down a touch. One plus point is that, for those who don’t normally have their computer muted, the sound quality is top notch.

Graphics (Rated 8 out of 10)

In terms of graphics, Paradise Poker is an extremely attractive and fun site to play on, if at times sacrificing some practicality in the process. The general tropical island theme is colorful and convincing with sharp, clean animation, especially when compared to other sites with a similar theme such as Sun Poker. The main interface is fairly navigable, with all the important options easily locatable, though the organization of games under each central heading is a little confusing, as well as having no tournament lobbies where information on opponents or prize structures would typically be found. Graphics during game play are pretty much in line with this, creating a very comfortable and pleasant playing atmosphere if a small degree inattentive to usability. There is the general allusion to a classy high-end casino game through the detail on the table, the gold action buttons and name plates, even down to the type font on each table. While this is a very effective look, there are some issues with actual play, such as no indication as to betting amounts until it is your turn. The cards are also somewhat smaller than those in other poker rooms, which may not seem like a problem but is a very noticeable detraction when going back to play in those other rooms after being at Paradise.

Profitability (Rated 4 out of 10)

Some sites become profitable due to generous bonuses and an array of promotions, while other sites become profitable thanks to the number of opponents seemingly willing to hand over their cash. Unfortunately for Paradise, neither of these things exist here. Their bonus is well below average and, on top of that, it is pretty tough to get released. The standard of player on Paradise Poker will then further make profitability hard to accomplish, especially when combined with the lack of extra leeway afforded by that initial bankroll. As with any site that has a higher standard of player a more long-term approach toward making money is required. While Paradise may not be the place to make your millions, it may just be the place to build a strong enough foundation in your game so as make that shot at your first million somewhat realistic.