partypoker Review (2026)
Last updated: May 26, 2026
PartyPoker is the original poker boom site — founded 2001, dominant 2003-2006, now the second-largest poker network globally under Entain plc ownership. Anurag Dikshit and Ruth Parasol launched it in 2001; PartyGaming IPO'd on London Stock Exchange in 2005 (~£4.6B valuation). The 2006 US UIGEA forced immediate American withdrawal. After the 2010 bwin merger and 2016 GVC/Entain acquisition, the brand was revitalized — MILLIONS live tour launched 2017, mobile app modernized 2018+.
Today: roughly half the traffic of PokerStars or GGPoker, 5% rake cap, licensed in Gibraltar/Malta/Spain/Italy/New Jersey, blocked in most of US since 2006.
Fastforward: PartyPoker's Fast-Fold Poker
Fastforward is PartyPoker's fast-fold cash game format, introduced in 2015 as a direct competitor to PokerStars' Zoom Poker and GGPoker's Rush & Cash. The mechanic is identical across all platforms: fold at any point in a hand and immediately receive a new deal at a different table within the same player pool. The result is 2–3x more hands per hour compared to standard cash tables.
Available from NL2 through NL500 (blinds $0.01/$0.02 to $2.50/$5.00), Fastforward attracts two distinct player types: recreational players who want continuous action without waiting through multi-street folds, and grinders who are maximizing rakeback accumulation by seeing more hands per session. The format is particularly useful for players who earn loyalty points based on rake generated rather than time played.
One notable structural difference from PokerStars Zoom: Fastforward pools players across regular tables and Fastforward simultaneously in some stake levels, meaning pool sizes can thin at off-peak hours in higher stake ranges (NL200+). Peak hours (19:00-23:00 CET) produce adequate pool sizes at all supported limits.
Rake and Rewards Structure
PartyPoker charges a standard rake of 5% of each pot, capped at $3 for NL50 and below, $5 for NL100 through NL500. There is no weighted contributed system — rake is collected from the pot regardless of how many players called into the hand, which slightly benefits tight-passive playing styles compared to sites using average contributed methods.
The rewards program works on a points-based system branded as Party Points. Points accumulate based on rake paid and can be exchanged for tournament tickets, cash bonuses, or merchandise in the PartyPoker store. The effective rakeback percentage varies by volume and rank — estimates range from 10–25% for regular players, which is competitive but below GGPoker's Fish Buffet system (which can exceed 60% for high-volume players). There is no dedicated VIP rakeback program equivalent to PokerStars Stars Rewards for top grinders.
Tournament rake on MILLIONS events runs at 5–7%, slightly higher than standard cash rake. Online Powerfest tournaments use tiered structures based on buy-in level. For high-volume MTT players, the value proposition centers more on the field softness and guarantee overlays than the raw rakeback percentage.
partypoker vs PokerStars vs GGPoker
| Metric | partypoker | PokerStars | GGPoker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak daily traffic | ~12,000 players | ~25,000+ players | ~20,000+ players |
| Standard rake (NL cash) | 5% capped at $3–$5 | 4.5–5% capped at $3 | 5% capped at $3 |
| Welcome bonus / promo | Ticket-based welcome pack | 100% up to $600 | 100% up to $600 + Fish Buffet |
Traffic figures are peak daily cash-game players across all stake levels. Rake caps apply to NL100 and above. Bonus percentages vary by promotion period; always verify current offers on the operator's site.
Definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PartyPoker still legit in 2026?
Yes. PartyPoker is owned by Entain plc (London Stock Exchange-listed FTSE 100 company, formerly GVC Holdings, acquired PartyGaming/bwin.party in 2016). Licensed by Gibraltar (primary), Malta Gaming Authority, Spain, Italy, and other regulated jurisdictions. Operating since 2001 — one of the original online poker rooms, predating PokerStars. Withdrew from US in 2006 under UIGEA and never returned. Player funds segregated per regulatory requirements.
How does PartyPoker compare to PokerStars and GGPoker?
PartyPoker has roughly half the player traffic of PokerStars or GGPoker as of 2024-2026. Strengths: 5% rake cap (competitive), strong mobile app (modernized 2018+), MILLIONS live tour ($20M+ guarantees at Caribbean stops). Weaknesses: smaller player pool means thinner action at mid-stakes and tournaments. Best for: European regulated markets, recreational players who want decent traffic without PokerStars-tier shark density.
What happened to PartyPoker after 2006?
PartyGaming had IPO'd on London Stock Exchange in 2005 at ~£4.6B valuation. When US Congress passed UIGEA in October 2006, PartyPoker immediately withdrew from US market — stock dropped 60%+ overnight. The site never returned to US. 2010 merged with bwin to form bwin.party. 2016 acquired by GVC Holdings (£1.1B deal). GVC rebranded to Entain in 2020. Brand revitalization launched 2017 with new ambassadors and MILLIONS live tour.
What is PartyPoker MILLIONS?
PartyPoker MILLIONS is the brand's flagship live tournament series, launched 2017. Stops include Caribbean (Atlantis Resort, Punta Cana), Sochi Russia (pre-2022), Barcelona, North America (Canada). 2019 Caribbean event featured $20M guaranteed prize pool — one of the largest non-WSOP guarantees ever. Online equivalent is Powerfest series. Designed as PartyPoker's answer to PokerStars EPT and GGPoker's WSOP partnership.
Can US players use PartyPoker?
No. PartyPoker has been blocked in the US since October 2006 (UIGEA). The brand has shown no signs of re-entering US market — partypoker.com targets Europe, Canada (some provinces), and other regulated international markets. US poker players use PokerStars NJ/PA/MI, WSOP.com (Entain-affiliated competitor), GGPoker, or live cardrooms. Geo-blocking is enforced; VPN use violates terms and risks balance forfeiture.
What is Fastforward poker on PartyPoker?
Fastforward is PartyPoker's fast-fold poker format — players who fold are immediately moved to a new table and dealt a fresh hand, dramatically increasing hands-per-hour. It competes directly with PokerStars' Zoom Poker and GGPoker's Rush & Cash. Available in cash game format at NL2 through NL500. Popular with grinders looking to maximize volume and rakeback earnings per session.
Recommended Reading
The Course: Serious Hold 'Em Strategy for Smart Players — Ed Miller
The clearest step-by-step path from $1/$2 to mid-stakes live cash — skill by skill.
The Theory of Poker — David Sklansky
The classic foundation every serious player starts with — the Fundamental Theorem of Poker.
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