Online Poker Rooms to Watch in 2013

Online poker hit fever pitch last year, as the industry pumped out new types of games, a record number of tournaments and more bonuses than ever. The last 12 months has seen this sport cement itself as the most popular form of online gambling, and the next 12 are sure to see the trend continue.

From the launch of new, quicker versions of the old classic Texas Hold'em, to record-breaking tournaments in which thousands of players take to the tables simultaneously, online poker is defined by its ability to surprise even the most veteran of players.

Online poker news in 2012

Rush Poker, the popular cash game first launched by Full Tilt Poker, soared in 2012 as all the major poker operators launched their own version. Microgaming's Blaze Poker and Playtech's Sprint Poker were among those to introduce their own version of the game - in which players are dealt a new hand at a new table once they fold their previous hand.

FTP's relaunch brought an estimated 400,000 players back into the fold, boosting traffic by 10% in the few weeks after its return. Player counts actually decreased by around 8% in 2012, according to PokerScout, but this was partly due to global economic problems, and partly due to the fact that fast-fold poker effectively reduces player counts.

Trends that will continue

Mobile poker is set to continue its surge toward the top of the industry. Many of the leading online poker rooms offered new apps for iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones last year, and no doubt they are working on new technologies that will see them meet demand.

A forecast would not be complete without mentioning the latest craze, social gaming. With the increasing reliance on social networks, a number of developers are following Zynga's lead and combining their online poker and mobile poker apps with socially friendly features.

Where to play online

Cool Hand Poker lives up to its name, with a poker school that teaches beginners about rules and strategy, and allows them to play at a free table before depositing real money. They also offer a 200% deposit match up to $200, just to make sure you receive a good welcome.

For the more experienced player, we recommend checking out top sites like bet365 Poker, William Hill Poker, and Paddy Power Poker. All of them offer a wide range of poker games and tournaments, plus bonuses to suit player needs.