Ignition Poker was launched in September 2016 as the US-facing poker room for the Bodog Poker Network. Formerly known as Bovada Poker, Ignition Poker shares many of the same qualities as its predecessor, including anonymous tables, feature-rich software and a high level of traffic at both the cash game tables and in multi-table tournaments.

While maintaining its online poker presence, the site has expanded its online casino. Players can now benefit from a first deposit bonus up to $1,000 at both Ignition Poker and Ignition Casino (for a total bonus of $2,000) – the casino bonus having some of the easiest clearing requirements of any US-friendly online casino. Both bonuses are described in greater detail later in this Ignition Poker review.

The Choice of Games

Cash games run around the clock, with NL Hold´em, PL Omaha and PL/FL Omaha Hi/Lo being particularly popular. Stakes start at $0.01/$0.02 and increase all the way up to $10.00/$20.00. The site also offers a fast-fold NL Hold´em “Zone Poker” cash game that allows you to fold your cards straight away if you have been dealt a weak hand and get dealt fresh cards immediately at a new table.

There is a good choice of Sit & Go games that fill up quickly during peak (US) hours, and a healthy tournament schedule that features a $100,000 guaranteed event every Sunday. In all the cash games, Sit & Go games and multitable tournaments, none of the players´ screennames are revealed in order to prevent more experienced players gaining an edge by using poker tracking software.

The Level of Traffic

Because Ignition Poker shares its database of players with other sites on the Bodog Poker Network, it is difficult to tell how much network traffic is attributable to players at the site and how much is due to Canadian players and those from the Far East playing on affiliated sites. Overall, the level of network traffic has remained fairly consistent since Ignition Poker was launched and players migrated from Bovada Poker.

Because of the Far East connection, you do not see such extreme peaks and troughs in traffic at Ignition Poker as you see with some other online poker sites. This means that there is always some cash game action going on at higher stakes and that higher value multitable tournaments are scheduled around the clock. The typically high level of traffic also makes it easier to clear the Ignition Poker bonus.

The Ignition Poker Bonus

The Ignition Poker bonus for new players is an industry standard 100% on first deposits up to $1,000. The bonus is cleared as you earn Poker Points for contributing to the rake deducted from cash games or for paying a fee to enter a Sit & Go game or multitable tournament, but unlike sites that award points at a percentage value of the rake/fee paid, Ignition Poker awards Poker Points at the rate of 3 Points per $1.00 paid in fees and on a sliding scale for your contribution to the rake:

The bonus is released as you reach eight “Points Milestones” – the milestones getting progressively harder as you continue your Ignition journey. For example, the first bonus amount of $5.00 is released when you have earned 15 Poker Points, and the second bonus amount of $20.00 when you have earned 85 Poker Points. By the time you have earned 400 Poker Points (for a total of $100 in bonuses), the next milestone comes after you have earned a further 600 Poker Points. Furthermore, you only have thirty days in which to clear as much of the Ignition Poker bonus as possible.

The Ignition Casino Bonus

As mentioned at the top of this Ignition Poker review, it is also possible to take advantage of a further 100% match first deposit bonus up to $1,000 at Ignition Casino. In order to take advantage of the casino bonus, simply make a deposit through the casino software and play through the deposit and bonus amount twenty-five times. Although this is a fantastic play-through rate compared with other online casinos, please note that the wagering contribution of non-slots games is comparatively low.

You will not be able to withdraw from your casino account without forfeiting the bonus until you have met the play-through requirement; but, through the Ignition Casino Rewards program, you will be able to obtain frequent reload bonuses – so you don´t necessarily have to deposit the maximum amount of the first deposit bonus in order to take advantage of the bonus opportunities at Ignition Casino.

Getting Started at Ignition Poker

In order to play poker at Ignition, it is necessary to download the poker software or visit the Ignition Poker website from your iOS or Android device if you want to play on a mobile (the casino is web-based and no download is required). To download the software, simply follow our links to the Ignition Poker website and click on the orange button on the right of the screen that reads “Download Poker”.

Ignition will determine whether you are using a Windows or Mac computer and download the appropriate installation file. Once the download is complete, click on the installation file and allow the installation wizard to complete the download process, making sure you read the licensing agreement in the process. Once the download is complete, the poker client will open on your desktop and you will be invited to “Join Now”.

Creating an Account

The process for creating an account is really easy. When you click on “Join Now”, a secure window will open in which you will be asked for your name, date of birth, mother´s maiden name, phone number and email address. You will be asked to enter a unique password that must be between 8-15 characters long and contain at least one capital letter and one number. Finally you will be asked to enter your zip code.

Before clicking the “Open Account” button, please take a few minutes to read the “Terms of Service”. They are long, but it is in everyone´s benefit is you are aware of the terms and conditions of playing at the site before making your first deposit. Please also be sure to enter your personal details as they appear on any documentation you will later need to verify your ID.

Making Your First Deposit

Once you have created your account, the poker client will open and you will see a zero balance in a box at the top right hand corner of the screen. Click on the box to visit the cashier, where you will see the list of deposit options. With the exception of Bitcoin, you are charged a fee for making a deposit at Ignition Poker – Visa 5.9%, MasterCard 7.9%, Amex 9.9% and for Rapid Transfer there is a flat fee of $12.00. You may also be charged a cash advance fee by your credit card provider and a foreign exchange fee if your funding source is held in a currency other than US dollars (does not apply to Bitcoin deposits).

If you have a good session at the tables and want to withdraw your funds, you may be able to cash out to your credit or debit card depending on the card provider, alternatively you request a check by courier, a Rapid Transfer or withdrawal by Bitcoin. Please note that – other than Bitcoin withdrawals are charged $75.00 and you are only allowed to request one withdrawal per week. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 48 hours, but it may take several days for the funds to hit your credit card/bank account or for a check to be delivered.

Ignition Poker Rewards Program

Whereas the Ignition Casino has a rather decent Rewards Program, there is very little to encourage loyalty from poker players. Once you have cleared the Ignition Poker bonus, the only option you have for your Poker Points is to exchange them for tournament tickets at the rate of 200 Poker Points per $1.00. The tournament tickets cannot be converted into cash or used for anything other than to play in online tournaments.

Although the Rewards Program is far from outstanding, the other benefits of playing at Ignition Poker tend to make up for it. Due to their being a high proportion of new and recreational players, the standard of play is fairly loose. The software is excellent with plenty of customizable options, and some of the tournaments offer decent guaranteed prize pools without players having to contend with high-priced buy-ins, re-buys and add-ons, or events with extended late registration periods.

Ignition Poker is Most Suitable for:-

• New or recreational players who prefer anonymity.
• Players who would like somewhere to play during graveyard hours.
• Tournament players tired of late registration and unlimited re-entries.
• Players familiar with transacting in Bitcoin.

Avoid Ignition Poker if:-

• You would rather know who you are playing against.
• You only have an Amex card.
• You want to qualify for live poker events online.
• Your motive for playing online poker is player rewards.

Ignition Poker Q&A

Does Ignition Poker accept players from all US States?

Ignition Poker accepts players from all US State except those residing in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Nevada.

Does Ignition Poker ever host tournaments with a prize pool in excess of $100,000?

Yes. Watch out for the Black Diamond and Golden Spade series that include some exceptionally valuable tournaments and a good satellite schedule.

Are there any special promotions at the site?

In addition to periodic tournament series, Ignition Poker has a Bad Beat Bonus and a Royal Flush Bonus, plus an ongoing monthly Freeroll series.

How many tables can you play at the same time?

You can play four cash tables, four Zone tables or four Sit & Go games simultaneously. Alternatively, you can play up to twenty multitable tournaments at the same time.

Are all games available on the mobile poker software?

At present, only cash games and Zone Poker are available on the mobile poker software. Unfortunately, when playing on a mobile you are limited to playing one table at a time.

What are the system requirements for the Ignition Poker software?

The mobile poker software works on any mobile device from iOS 4 or Gingerbread 2.3 (Android). For the Windows and Mac download, your computer should be able to cope with the following minimum requirements.

Ignition Poker	Minimum System Requirements
Software Download	Windows	Mac
Operating System	Windows 7	Mac OS X 10.7
Processor	Core Duo	Core Duo
Memory	1GB RAM	1GB RAM
Disc Space	200MB	250MB
Screen Resolution	Flash V16+	Flash V16+

What is the customer service like if you have any problems?

As a rule, pretty good. If you cannot find an answer to your problem on the comprehensive website FAQ, you can contact the customer services department by online form, email or toll-free phone.