Indiana bill H 1015 does not contain a provision for regulated online poker sites, but this does not mean online poker players don’t have options. Global Poker is available in 49 states and welcomes poker players in the Hoosier State.
This online site is significant; it has as many tables as some of the larger, international brands. Global Poker operates under sweepstakes gaming laws. While this initially sounds complex, you’ll soon find the process of playing for “Sweeps Coins,” then redeeming it for cash prizes is a simple process.
In our review, you’ll find all you know to play legal online poker in Indiana.
First, there is an explanation of how “Sweeps Coins” works and its legal workings. Secondly, we’ll take a look at the variety of games and poker formats available at Global Poker. Lastly, we’ll share bonuses, purchase methods and other practical information.
Global Poker offers new players the following welcome bonuses:
There’s no need to use a bonus code in order to get your $20 Gold Coin Package free – simply use our links.
Online Poker Room | Global Online Poker |
---|---|
Promo Code | None - Use Links |
No Purchase Bonus | Free $20 Gold Coin Package with a verified account |
Purchase Bonus | $40 Gold Coin Package for $20 on purchase |
Last Updated | January 20, 2021 |
As mentioned, there is a purchase bonus package available at Global Poker in which players get a free $20 Gold Coin Package with a verified account, PLUS get a $40 Gold Coin Package for $20 on purchase.
You can also get free Sweeps Coins by sending a letter to a registered address, or by taking part in social media contests. In addition, there’s freeroll tournaments for new players, with a guaranteed prize pool of 1,000 Sweeps Coins.
The “Promotions” tab is on Global Poker’s homepage. Promos change all the time, depending on what events are running. The list below will give you an idea of the kind of promotions on offer:
Global Poker uses a dual-currency system. There are “gold chips,” which are only for play-money games and have no redeemable value, and “Sweeps Coins,” which is given away when you purchase the chips.
You play with Sweeps Coins in ring games and tournaments. When you have 50 “units” or more, you can redeem it into cash prizes.
Global Poker uses technology that turns every hand (or tournament) into a mini promotional sweepstakes contest. Not to worry; this happens behind the scenes, so your poker play will remain the same.
Sweepstakes contests are legal in all states except for Washington state.
Some people have concerns that changes in the law could stop the Sweeps Coins system from working. Sweepstakes gaming laws are under state jurisdiction, which means acts would need to be passed in all 49 legal states to stop the games. With legislation going the other way (toward regulation), this seems unlikely.
Most poker rooms have a download option, which is often the best way to access the games. However, Global Poker does things differently, being 100% web-based.
You simply access the site via your web browser, and the options will adjust to your screen size automatically.
The layout features a single list of games, with a grid format/type options to narrow them down.
Here are the filters:
You’ll see the list change as you check and uncheck these options. The game types are color-coded on the left with no limit hold ’em is a hard-to-miss bright lilac.
You’ll see stats for each table which include hands/hour, average pot size and the number of players (on average) seeing each flop. This can help you to select the loosest, wildest games.
On the right-hand side of the main view are the latest promotions and big events. You can switch currency between gold chips and Sweeps Coins at the top right, where there is also access to the cashier.
Individual tables are clean and fast-moving. You can choose from a caricature avatar, and there are the usual options like resizing and a four-color deck.
A chat window is on the bottom left, with tile and cascade options at the top left.
You’ll find a lot of poker action at Global Poker.
There is always a long list of ring games, tournaments and jackpot sit-and-go (SNG) tournaments.
Here is an overview of what to expect:
There are 100+ six-max tables and a smaller number of nine-max games at peak times, which are mostly no-limit hold ’em games.
Some pot limit Omaha does run, along with the hold ’em variant called Crazy Pineapple. Stakes start tiny, with SC 0.01/0.02 blinds the lowest, games up to SC 2/5 are common.
Overall, the standard of play is on the soft side compared to the major international sites.
The biggest game of the week is the SC 50,000 Guaranteed Sunday tournament, which has a buy-in of SC 218.
Tournaments run 24/7, which are freeze-outs (single buy-in only), rebuys and turbo-speed events. While you won’t find the more exotic variations like progressive knockouts, there is plenty enough action to keep smaller and mid-stakes tournament fans happy.
Again, the vast majority of the games feature no limit hold ’em.
Global Poker recently announced that more than 15 million Sweeps Coins had been paid out via jackpot SNGs. These are undoubtedly popular games and are fast, too.
The idea here is you join a super-turbo, three-handed game where the prize pool is only announced when the game starts. The prize pool can be anywhere from 2x to 2000x your initial buy-in.
Other sites use these games to award entry to bigger buy-in tournaments, though at the time of writing, Global Poker only has cash prizes.
Although PayPal purchases and redemptions are no longer possible at Global Poker, there are still some reliable options for purchases and redemptions.
Keep in mind, you will be buying Gold Coin packages and receiving Sweeps Coins for free.
Credit and debit cards are the easiest way to redeem.
Global Poker accepts cards from most major banks without any issues or delays. If you don’t have a credit card or prefer not to use it, then you could also buy a prepaid Visa card from your local convenience store. Though credit cards don’t accept redemptions directly, you can get a wire sent back to your bank.
The other purchase method is Skrill, an electronic wallet that works in the same way as PayPal. It is an international option and has been a popular option at poker sites for many years. The difference is that you pay a small fee when you send money, not when you receive it like with PayPal.
What we like about Skrill is that it works for redemptions and provides a secure third-party site between your bank and gaming sites.
ID verification is a crucial step to keep any legal gaming site clean. Global Poker will request ID documents and proof of address. Depending on your purchase method, additional backup information may be required.
Note: There is a minimum 50 requirement to redeem Sweeps Coins into cash prizes for redemption. If you are a micro-stakes player, this could potentially prove difficult.
Global Poker is licensed by the respected Malta jurisdiction. This European licensing body is the home to many of the world’s biggest and most respected gaming brands. Game fairness, responsible gaming and sound financial management are all required by the Malta Gaming Authority.
In line with all reputable gaming sites, Global Poker has a detailed responsible gaming policy. You can find a link to this page in the footer of its website.
It includes advice on how to take a time-out from the site, set time and purchase limits and how to self-exclude.
There are also links to support organizations.
You have a few ways to get in touch with Global Poker’s support team.
You can connect via live chat, submit a request via the FAQ section (link at the top right) or send an email to [email protected]
The FAQ is comprehensive with a lot of information explaining how the Sweeps Coins system works.
There is a lot to like about Global Poker. Its novel use of state sweepstakes laws keeps the site legal in Indiana — and most other states.
You might find negative reviews on many websites. Keep in mind, those sites are pushing shady, offshore poker rooms (for financial reward), and won’t get paid if you play at this legal poker room instead.
The game selection is heavily biased toward no limit hold ’em with six-max, smaller buy-in ring games where most of the action is found. Crazy Pineapple makes for an interesting (and entertaining) twist on this format, and pot limit Omaha is also available.
There is a lot of action, which is considered on the softer side.
When you get used to playing for Sweeps Coins and using the check-box filter system to find your preferred games, you’ll soon be converting your Sweeps Coins into cash prizes.