About the Chico Poker Network
The Chico Poker Network is a popular online poker network that has been operating under this name since 2011. Despite facing some challenges in recent years, the network continues to attract players from all around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Chico Poker Network and explore its legal situation in the US, player traffic, rake structure, history, and reputation.
Open for US players
Two of the three skins of the Chico Poker Network are open for US players. The network is the 3rd largest US-friendly network after PaiWangLuo and the Winning Poker Network. The Chico Poker operators accept deposits and withdrawals with cryptocurrencies since 2013. The Chico skins are among the most reliable US-serving poker rooms.
Chico Poker Skins
The Chico Poker Network consists of three skins: BetOnline, Tiger Gaming, and SportsBetting. While all three skins offer access to the same network and games, they each have their own unique features and target different markets.
BetOnline and SportsBetting are two skins that are primarily designed for the US market. Both sites offer a range of online gaming options, including sports betting, casino games, and of course, online poker.
Tiger Gaming, on the other hand, is designed to serve the rest of the world’s players. This skin offers a similar range of online gaming options as BetOnline and SportsBetting, but it is not licensed to operate in the United States. Instead, Tiger Gaming focuses on providing a high-quality online gaming experience to players from around the world, with a particular emphasis on poker.
Despite their differences, all three skins share a common network, meaning that players from all over the world can compete against each other in online poker games.
Rake and Fees
The Chico Poker Network has a higher rake structure than almost all other online poker sites. The rake is taken as a percentage of each pot in cash games and as a percentage of the buy-in for tournaments. The exact rate varies depending on the game and the stakes, but it is generally above the industry average.
For cash games, the rake structure is determined based on the size of the big blind, with different percentages and cap amounts. For example, for a big blind of $0.25 and lower, the rake is 6.25% of the pot, with a cap of up to $3. For higher limits, the rake is 6.25% with caps up to $8.
While the Chico Poker Network’s rake structure is higher than at most other poker sites, it is important to note that the network still attracts a significant number of players due to its comparatively soft player base. Players should consider the rake structure when choosing a poker site, but it should not be the only factor taken into account.
History
The Chico Poker Network was founded in 2011 by a group of experienced online gaming professionals. The network quickly gained a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy platform, and it attracted a significant number of players in its early years.
In its early days, the Chico Poker Network consisted of just two skins: BetOnline and SportsBetting. However, the network grew quickly and began adding the skin Tiger Gaming, which was designed to serve the rest of the world’s players.
Despite its initial success, the Chico Poker Network faced some challenges in 2015 when it was discovered that one of its skins, BetOnline, had been allowing players from prohibited countries to participate in games. This led to a significant drop in player traffic and a loss of trust among some players.
Despite these setbacks, the Chico Poker Network has continued to operate and expand. In recent years, the network has focused on improving its software and introducing new promotions and features to attract players.