Pala Poker Review
$25
| Bonus Offer | 10 |
|---|---|
| Game Variety | 3 |
| Interface | 8.5 |
| Payment Options | 9 |
| Customer Support | 10 |
Free $25 Sign-up Bonus
- $20 for casino bonus
- $5 first spin on $1,000,000 Slot Machine
- 20x play-through requirements
- Expires within 15 days
100% Deposit Match up to $250
- Releases in $5 increments
- Earn 1,250 SPs to release
- Expires within 15 days
Roll out the red carpet because Pala Poker gives you a free sign-up bonus to welcome new players! Just because the physical Pala Casino is located in California does not mean that you cannot play online poker under the Pala name in New Jersey.
Although Pala Poker is considered the smallest online poker room in the Garden State, there is a generous welcome bonus package along with fantastic customer support. Join me on this comprehensive Pala Poker review for all the pros and cons of this online poker room.
- No deposit required bonus
- Responsive customer service
- Sleek mobile app
- Proprietary desktop client
- Small player base
- Limited hours of operation
- Lack of poker games
- Low stakes only
Pala Poker Welcome Bonus
New players to Pala Poker are welcomed with $25 free just for signing up! Then, you receive a 100% first deposit match up to $250.
How to Claim the Offer
- Sign-up and create a new Pala Poker account.
- Make a real money deposit to take advantage of the deposit match bonus.
- Take advantage of the $25 sign-up bonus by either playing on your mobile device, desktop client, or browser.
Bonus Terms
- The welcome package includes $25 casino bonus dollars.
- This package includes $20 Casino Bonus Dollars and a $5 first spin on the $1,000,000 Slot Machine.
- Valid only for new players to Pala products such as Bingo, Casino, or Poker.
- 20x play-through requirement for Casino Bonus Dollars and winnings from the bonus.
- No deposit is required for the $25 sign up bonus.
- Bonus expires within 15 days of issue.
- Match deposit bonus releases in $5 increments.
- Earn 1,250 SPs to release $5 of bonus.
- $25 Welcome Bonus is ongoing.
How to Release the Pala Poker Bonus
Releasing the $25 sign-up bonus is simple:
- Use the first $20 in valid casino games.
- Use the final $5 on your first spin at the $1,000,000 Slot Machine.
Releasing the deposit match bonus:
- The match deposit bonus is eligible for casino and poker games.
- Earn 1,250 Status Points to release your bonus in $5 increments.
My recommendation if you desire to clear the deposit match bonus through poker is stick to cash games because sit & gos do not fill so quickly. Otherwise, stick with casino games to clear the bonus quickly.
Ongoing Promotions
Indeed, there is not much to offer in terms of ongoing promotions at Pala Poker. Yet, it does appear that there is one ongoing promotion that consistently seems to run along with daily freerolls available in the tournament lobby.
A Free Daily Spin for $1,000,000 is the big draw to Pala Poker. In fact, this promotion has been running since the launch of Pala Poker. Note that to take part in the Daily Spin past the Welcome Bonus package, you will need to have deposited into your player account at least $50 within the past 30 days along with a $10 cash balance.
Poker Games at Pala Online
Poker Room at Pala Poker opens at 5 pm ET for cash games, and tournaments begin at 6:00 pm ET. Overall, there’s not much to poker games at Pala due to lack of player traffic. Also, Pala is different in that the poker room is only open for specific hours.
Multi-table Tournaments
Again, the player pool at Pala Poker is small. Thus, it should not be surprising that the only tournaments or, more concisely, nightly tournaments that are freerolls at the moment are occurring at 6 pm ET.
The New Jersey online poker market is established, and players need only look elsewhere for real money, multi-table tournaments.
Cash Games
Overall, cash games in online poker are becoming less popular. However, at least Pala Poker provides the opportunity to play some low stakes cash games. As a testament to the small player pool, expect to see less than twenty active players during peak hours.
Hold’em
Currently, only no limit hold’em is available and at low stakes. Moreover, these are six-max tables only.
Here are the available stakes:
- $0.10/$0.25
- $0.25/$0.50
Omaha
Apparently, Omaha used to be offered at Pala Poker. Yet, although there is an Omaha tab available, there are no Omaha games available.
Stud
According to Pala Poker’s website, Stud is ‘Coming Soon.’ However, don’t hold your breath. There is no reason to bring about Stud. Basically, there are larger online poker rooms that offer Stud games, but these games rarely, if ever, run.
Sit-n-Gos
The same issue persists with sit & gos offered by Pala Poker. Indeed, players can only choose from a no-limit hold’em turbo format, either a $5 or $10 buy-in. Also, the structure is six-max only. Thus, beware that you may be waiting for a while to fill if you register for a sit & go at Pala Poker.
Pala Poker Mobile App
The Pala Poker mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. A word of caution regarding the Pala Poker Android app: if you are running a new Android version, a pop-up appears warning you that the app may not work.
On the whole, the mobile app is quite functional and easy to use. Additionally, if you are looking to browse what available games there are, the mobile app is the only interface that allows you to do so without logging in to Pala Poker. Also, my experience is that the mobile app allows smoother gameplay, and the sound alerts are not an issue.
Finally, the best aspect of the Pala Poker mobile app is multi-tabling. Theoretically speaking, you can multi-table up to four tables in the mobile app. However, my advice is not to hold your breath, there is not enough of a player pool to ever really do so.
How to Download
- On your mobile device, navigate to the Pala Poker website.
- Now, click on the ‘Download & Play’ tab located on the top left.
- Choose ‘Mobile App’ in the dropdown menu.
- Click on either the Android or iOS icon and follow the prompts for download and installation.
Desktop Interface
Pala Poker built the proprietary desktop client, and the software is actually decent. On the other hand, there is no customization available. The lack of customization means you cannot change colors or backgrounds.
Also, you cannot change sounds or lower the sound of alerts in the desktop client. However, you can mute the sound altogether. Yet, this may lead to timing out because, on Pala Poker, you really do not have much of a time bank.
How to Download
- Head to the Pala Poker main website.
- Hover your mouse on the upper left navigation tab ‘Download & Play.’
- Then, click on ‘Download on Desktop.’
- Finally, click on the appropriate icon, either Windows or Mac, and follow the download and installation prompts.
Browser-Based Interface
Overall, my advice is to either download the desktop client or play on the mobile app for Pala Poker. Using the browser-based interface of Pala Poker should be your last option because you may have trouble getting the browser interface to load.
In detail, it was impossible for me to even login on to my browsers (Chrome and Safari) due to failed geolocation verification checks. However, on my mobile app and the desktop client, I experienced no issues.
Payment Methods and Banking
Choose from a few options to withdraw your funds. Note that there may be a restriction on how funds are paid out if you have not made a previous deposit with your desired payment option. Also, withdrawal requests are subject to review by Pala Poker before approval. Finally, note that if you choose to cash out via the Borgata Cashier Cage, you need to use the voucher provided within seven days, or it will be invalid.
| Withdrawal Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| ACH Bank Transfer | 7 Business Days |
| PayPal | 3-5 Business Days |
| Borgata Cashier Cage | 48 Hours |
| Play+ Card | 3-5 Business Days |
Featured Payment Method
The Pala Play+ prepaid card is an excellent and convenient method of moving your funds online and offline. Additionally, Play+ is accepted at many ATMs worldwide and where Discover cards are accepted. However, due to the lack of player traffic at Pala Poker, I recommend this option only if you are also playing at Pala Casino or Bingo.
Legal and Licensed
Pala Poker is fully legalized and licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). Thus, games and software have fully been reviewed by the DGE to ensure fairness and security.
| Pala Poker Company Overview | |
|---|---|
| Parent Company: | Pala Interactive, LLC |
| Software: | Pala Interactive |
| Office Address: | 11154 CA-76 Pala, CA 92059 |
| New Jersey Partner: | Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa |
| Address: | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| License No: | NJIGP 19-001 |
| Phone: | (844) 367-7252 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
Overview of Pala Poker
The parent company of Pala Poker is Pala Interactive, which is the online gambling arm of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Although Pala Poker is available in New Jersey, the physical Pala Casino Spa and Resort is based in Southern California.
US Expansion
For now, it is doubtful that Pala Poker expands to other states that have legalized online poker. The biggest reason is the market share simply is not lucrative enough compared to online sports betting and casino games. Obviously, if California decides to legalize online gambling, particularly online poker, expect to see Pala Poker launch there.
However, the company, Pala Interactive, is not limited to just the Pala products either. For example, Wind Creek online casino in Pennsylvania is powered by Pala Interactive.
Responsible Gambling
Pala Poker places a high priority on responsible gaming. Players can set their own limits on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. If you want to increase your limit, you need to wait until the limit’s time has concluded.
Also, players can file a complaint directly with the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Finally, Pala players can access account information such as the history and the account’s game history.
Other Pala Products
Pala Rewards Program
Playing online at Pala Poker offers access to the Pala Privileges program. Thus, this means that you earn exclusive rewards and bonuses across all Pala products such as Pala Casino and Pala Bingo.
Each real money wager earns you Status Points (SP) along with Reward Points (RP). The critical difference between the two types of points is that SPs determine your Loyalty Level, and RPs are redeemable for purchases in the points store.
- SPs are awarded at 50 for every $1 in rake or tournament fees.
- Each SP awarded gives you RPs at 4 to 1.
Loyalty Levels reset every month. To be honest, Elite status is impossible to achieve by exclusively playing poker with a small player pool or a small number of tournaments.
| Loyalty Level | Points Required |
|---|---|
| Bronze | 0+ |
| Silver | 1,500+ |
| Gold | 7,500+ |
| Platinum | 50,000+ |
| Elite | 250,000+ |
| VIP Elite+ | Invite Only |
Nonetheless, you can exchange 5,000 RPs for $1 cash back or 4,900 RPs for $1 in tournament fees. By jumping to higher levels like Platinum or Elite, you can earn more RPs to SPs at the rate of 10 to 1 but remember that these levels reset at the end of each month.
Customer Support
Definitely, customer support at Pala Poker is one of the biggest highlights. To begin with, there is true 24/7 customer support via phone and Live Chat. Additionally, even if you need to email support, the response time is quick.
As for the FAQ section, even if you do not find the answer you are searching for, you can submit a ticket and request help.
How to Contact
- Phone: (844) 367-7252
- Email: [email protected]
- Live Chat: Available on the main website
- FAQs: Available on website
- Support Hours: 24/7
Final Verdict
Overall, Pala Poker is by far the smallest online poker room available in New Jersey. The major negative of lack of players shows in terms of lack of multi-table tournaments and other poker games. However, all is not lost at Pala Poker. There are some strong suits, such as the software interface and excellent customer service. Finally, novice poker players would benefit and enjoy the smaller player pool plus low stakes cash games.
Pala Poker Review FAQs
Does Pala Poker have a mobile app?
Yes, Pala Poker does have a mobile app available for Android and iOS devices. To download, head to the Pala Poker main website and click on ‘Download & Play.’ From there, click on ‘Mobile App’ in the dropdown menu. Finally, click on the Android or iOS icon and follow the instructions to download.
Does Pala Poker have a promo code?
No, Pala Poker does not require a promo code to claim your welcome bonus package. Moreover, the welcome bonus package includes $25 free just for signing up, which means that no deposit is required for new players! Finally, there is also a deposit match bonus once you finish playing through the free sign-up bonus.
Is Pala Poker online legal?
Yes, Pala Poker is legal and licensed through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Therefore, this means that you need to be over the age of 21 plus be physically located within New Jersey state borders. Finally, you need to submit the geolocation and verification checks before you are allowed to wager real money.
How well does Pala Poker review compared to other online poker sites?
Overall, Pala Poker is the smallest online poker room in New Jersey. So, do not expect to find the same types of poker games and stakes as other online poker rooms. Due to the small player pool, there are no multi-table tournaments available other than freerolls. However, new players to poker should still consider trying out Pala Poker because of the low stakes cash games that are available.
Specification: Pala Poker Review
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