Expekt.com was established in 1999. Originally a bookmaker, the site has since gone on to provide a casino, poker and, in recent times, a games section. In October of 2005, Expekt left the Prima Poker network to join the newly started Tain Poker one. Unfortunately, Expekt experienced significant problems during the change, with its poker client remaining unserviceable for almost two weeks. Prior to the move, Expekt had built up a well-deserved good reputation in the online poker sector due to its very well cared for poker room and interesting freerolls, tournaments and great promotions.
That reputation has been rebuilt, thanks to the joining of three larger poker networks, which took place in March of 2006. One of the networks that was part of this union was Tain, which supplied Expekt with its services. Tain, Tribeca and Ipoker joined up to form Europe’s largest poker network. This new network took the name Ipoker, the same name as one of its constituent networks. The reason for the union is thought to be primarily due to the growth in poker offerings from the US and the subsequent decreased traffic experienced by the three original networks. Regardless, the result was that Expekt now offers a significant number of players at its tables, especially in its tournaments.
At Expekt you can also find their casino, which is very nifty, as it allows you to play directly in your browser. Most traditional games are offered, as well as table games such as Black Jack, Caribbean Stud and video poker like Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better. In addition, you can find a couple of progressive jackpots that can reach a significant size. Expekt’s sports betting section is simple, safe and accessible, having one of the sector’s largest variety of games on offer. You can play 24 hours a day up until shortly before the starting whistle, and there are many interesting variants to play, in addition to the common ones. One of the nice things about Expekt is that it allows you to deposit and withdraw money through bank transfers.
Software and graphics
PlayTech, who developed the software for Ipoker, is now also used by Expekt and there has been a clear improvement compared to its time in Tain Poker. Unfortunately, the table graphics are still somewhat poor and need a redesign. The lobby offers standard information about the average pot, players in till the flop, hands played per hour and how many users are waiting for a place at any given table. The tab system used by Expekt makes it easy to find suitable games or tournaments. The table provides players with a good overview and there are lots of settings you can customise, for both graphics and sound.
Games and numbers of players
The IPoker network has grown significantly since the union which will lead to an extremely large player base and the game levels will be expected to expand to include both experienced players and beginners, as well as more limits. The games you will find at Expekt are the ones commonly found on other sites. Texas Hold´em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, 7-Card Stud and 5-Card Stud. Regarding the levels, unfortunately, the really high ones are missing, for example, the highest level for No-Limit is $25/$50, whilst it is $50/$100 for Fixed. The lowest are $0.01/$0.02 and $0.02/$0.04, respectively.
Tournaments
Despite the move, Expekt still has an excellent offering of tournaments with bow low and medium buy ins. Many tournaments and satellites are on offer every day.
Technical support
Expekt offers good technical support with the option to email general questions to one address and poker specific questions to another. They also have an FAQ on the site which is comprehensive and easy to navigate.
Deposit and withdrawal options
Visa, Visa electron, MasterCard, NETeller, Moneybookers.
Advantages
The ability to make withdrawals straight to your bank account
Easy opposition
You can see your balance in the lobby
Good support
Disadvantages
Slightly worse traffic at the higher tables
The statistics function is somewhat limited