In this update I will be comparing two top online poker rooms Ignition vs PartyPoker. Both have been around for quite some time with PartyPoker launching all the way back in the early 2000’s. However, there are some key differences between them.
My Pick: Ignition Poker
Best for dedicated poker players who want softer games and anonymous tables.
If your main goal is playing online poker, I recommend Ignition over PartyPoker.
Better overall poker experience Anonymous tables Softer games for recreational players Poker-focused promotions
Ignition Poker Overview
Ignition launched in 2016 mainly for USA players. The site has become one of the largest with over 10,000 plus players at peak times. It’s known for its anonymous tables which keep people from tracking you while your playing. There are also tons of cash games as well as big multi table tournaments that run throughout the week. Ignition is a very balanced site overall. I’ve also done well playing here at the mid stake cash games.
PartyPoker Overview
PartyPoker is one of the oldest and most recognizable online poker brands in the industry. Launched in 2001, the site quickly became a major player in the online poker boom and continues to serve players across many international markets today. Unlike Ignition Poker, which focuses heavily on the United States, PartyPoker primarily targets players in Europe, Canada, and other regulated jurisdictions.
The site is known for hosting a wide variety of tournament series throughout the year, including large, guaranteed events and championship-style festivals that attract players from around the world. One major limitation for American players is that PartyPoker is not available in most US states. As a result, US-based players typically choose alternatives such as Ignition Poker, which continues to accept players from many parts of the United States.
Where Can You Play?
| Region | Ignition Poker | PartyPoker |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ✅ Available | ❌ Not Available |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ⚠️ Limited Availability | ✅ Available |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Available |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Available |
Software Comparison
Ignition
Ignition has a refined feeling to it. I prefer it to most sites, but it does use anonymous tables, so you don’t have a screen name when you sit down at a table. Even so, I’ve come to prefer it and it’s good for keeping your playing style and data safe. You can still do things like pull up hand histories and session results quite easily.
You can also do things like change the color of tables, card decks, use auto mucking, and chat with other players at the table. However, for multi tabling you are limited to only 4 tables max. But I think that’s probably the sweet spot for most people. If you overdo multi tabling it can really hurt your ROI and focus when you are in a session.
PartyPoker
The one thing PartyPoker has going on is that you can multi table as many games at a time as you want. Even with the revamped look the software feels a bit outdated if we compare it to Ignition. You can also do things like change the look of tables and card decks. The chat box feature is slightly better here but let’s be real that’s probably one of the lowest things on the totem pole when it comes to choosing a poker site.
Banking & Withdrawals
Both sites have solid banking options. Ignition is more of a cryptocurrency friendly site, while PartyPoker relies on traditional methods a bit more. Withdrawal times are both very fast. Ignition is near instant with cryptocurrency withdrawals that take less than 10-15 minutes to receive. PartyPoker has an instant option for ACH transactions that hit your account in under a minute. However, both are fast and reliable
Which Site Has Softer Games?
You will find way more recreational players on Ignition Poker by far. If you play more low stake games anything under 50nl I can promise you that it’s not hard to get an edge or find consistency if you put in the effort and volume. Since it’s anonymous tables this naturally brings in more beginner recreational type players. That’s why many people, including myself, prefer it.
PartyPoker has much harder competition at most stakes. The low stake games are comparable but once you get up to 200nl and above things become extremely hard even for some advanced players. You always need to be on your A game to get any type of edge. So yes, overall Ignition is a much softer site.
Bonuses
Both sites have solid poker bonuses for new players. Ignition currently offers a 150% match up to $1500 which is awesome for growing an initial starting roll. PartyPoker is slightly less at a 100% match up to $600. If you look at this, you can clearly see that Ignition is more than double the amount as a new player.
Keep in mind that bonuses do have wagering requirements, meaning you need to play a certain number of hands before them money can be withdrawn. Even still, if you multi table and play regularly this is not hard to do. But I would look at these bonuses as a smart way to grow a smaller bankroll into a larger one initially.
Pros & Cons
Poker’s biggest advantage is that its available for US players, higher player traffic, and softer competition. Unlike PartyPoker, which is unavailable in most American markets, Ignition continues to welcome players from many states. The site is also known for its anonymous tables, which help level the playing field by preventing opponents from tracking your results with third-party software. Many players also appreciate Ignition’s support for cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, which are typically faster and more convenient than traditional banking methods.
However, the anonymous table system isn’t for everyone. Some experienced players prefer being able to track opponents and build player notes over time. Ignition’s software is also less customizable than what you’ll find on many international poker sites.
PartyPoker shines in international markets thanks to its long-standing reputation, polished software, and extensive tournament schedule. Players outside the United States will generally find larger player pools and more tournament options available throughout the day. The platform also offers a variety of customization features that appeal to serious grinders.
The main drawback is that PartyPoker is not an option for most US players. Also, its player pool is often considered more competitive than Ignition’s, which can make it harder for recreational players to find profitable games. For most American players, Ignition Poker will be the more practical choice, while PartyPoker remains an excellent option for those located overseas.
Final Thoughts
For most people I would lean towards Ignition Poker especially if you are in the USA. Traffic is way higher and it’s one of the best real money options even though it’s classified as an offshore site. Even though PartyPoker also offers real money games it’s only in select states making the traffic on the site extremely low even if you live in one of those states. If you don’t live in the USA, then none of what I’m saying really applies to you.
With that said I do think the competition is a lot softer on Ignition than most sites. I would say it’s not even close. I’ve been able to find a lot of consistency crushing the mid stake 200nl and 500nl cash games multi tabling and regularly play over 30,000 hands per month. The software on Ignition is another reason I lean towards it I just enjoy it especially for multi tabling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ignition Poker better than PartyPoker?
It depends on where you live and what type of games you prefer. Ignition Poker is generally the better option for players in the United States, while PartyPoker is more suitable for players located in the UK, Europe, and other international markets.
Can US players use PartyPoker?
PartyPoker is not available to most players in the United States. American players looking for an alternative often choose Ignition Poker because it accepts players from many US states and offers a wide range of cash games and tournaments.
Which site has softer poker games?
Many players consider Ignition Poker to have softer games due to its anonymous table system and recreational player base. PartyPoker tends to attract a more experienced international player pool.
Does Ignition Poker support cryptocurrency?
Yes. Ignition Poker supports several cryptocurrency payment methods, making deposits and withdrawals faster and more convenient for many players. Payout times can vary but in general it’s very fast at under 15 minutes to receive a cash out. USDT is my preferred option but Bitcoin has the highest withdrawal limit on a weekly basis.
Which site has better tournaments?
Both sites offer regular tournament schedules, but PartyPoker is known for its large international tournament series. Ignition Poker focuses more on serving the US market with a mix of daily tournaments and guaranteed events.
Is Ignition Poker safe?
Ignition Poker has been operating for years and is one of the most popular online poker sites available to US players. It uses secure banking methods and has established a reputation as a reliable option for online poker.
Edward Pao is an online poker and casino affiliate marketer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He has referred over 30,000 players to major poker platforms and specializes in reviewing the best online poker sites and casino bonuses.