Hold'em (NL, Fixed, Pot Limit), Omaha (Hi, Hi-lo), Razz, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Stud and 5 Card draw are all available, which is pretty impressive for a smaller network. However, there are no mixed games, which is disappointing.
Stan James offers guaranteed tournaments ranging from €1 to €109, with an emphasis on smaller tournament buy-ins for aspiring bank roll builders. There isn't much joy here for the MTT high roller, however the numerous satellites into live events (steps to the European Poker Classic in Austria are running at the moment) make the site more appealing.
At peak times you can expect between 7000 and 10000 seated players whether at ring games or cash tournaments. About 3000 can be expected at ring games during busy times.
Action dwindles severely above €5/10, with most play confined to heads up. Since there is a strong European core playing on the site, off peak hours can be a real bore. Because Stud is more of a staple in America, and US players are forbidden, don't expect these games to be heavily populated.
The Microgaming network is connected with several sports betting sites, including Ladbrokes and Unibet. This means you get alot of sports bettors looking for a quick gamble, meaning low and mid stakes games are quite soft. However, the influx of Scandinavian regulars over the past few years mean the games have toughened up. Scandinavian players are regarded as some of the shrewdest opposition online.
-Rake on low stakes ring games is about 10% while at the medium or higher stakes it is only about 5%.
-They cap the rake at certain values though (that's good); for example, for all tables with blinds $0.05/$0.10 and up the most rake they will collect on a hand is $3
-On Sit'n' Go tournaments the rake is 10% at virtually all levels although our staff found that $100 Sit 'n' Go tournaments gave a very slight deal at 9%
-Scheduled tournaments are basically the same: 10% applied against low entry fees with better rake ratio for higher stakes
-The best rake our staff found was 7.5% on a $200 entry fee.
Stan James offers comprehensive player support, with 24/7 email support, live chat, and a freephone number all available.
Stan James is fully encrypted, with no history of security issues. Some Microgaming skins were riddled with financial problems, and players were unable to withdraw funds, however Stan James is a reputable organisation and there is no such danger.
(1) Credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Visa Electron, Solo, or Delta), (2) Neteller, (3) Instacash, (4) Western Union Transfer (5) myCitadel Wallet, (6) MoneyBookers, (7) Paysafecard, (8) Mail (Cashier Cheques - Money Orders - Bankers Draft - Personal Cheques), (9) Bank Transfers
Withdrawal Options:
(1) UK issued debit card.
(2) UK issued credit card - no transaction costs.
(3) Customers are allowed 1 free Neteller refund per 30 day period from the date of their 1st Neteller payment, additional withdrawals in that period invoke a $20 charge.
(4) If you have deposit via moneybookers Stan James will pay back any balance into your moneybookers account for free at this time.
(5) Stan James can send you a personal cheque upon request if you have deposited via cheque method. The minimum withdrawal is £25 or currency equivalent for cheques.
(6) Bank transfer - if you deposit with a non-UK credit card and won money then you could request a bank transfer to withdraw. Stan James doesn't charge you for this, but your bank might.
Take note that before withdrawals can be made there is a standard authorisation procedure. They will likely require the following from you:
(1) Card verification - a copy of both sides of the credit card registered to your account, clearly showing your signature.
(2) Identity verification - a copy of your passport or driving license.
(3) Proof of address - a copy of your Bank statement, Utility bill or official document showing address.