Pros and cons of bounty poker
- Popular social poker tournament format
- Increase the prize pot with each elimination
- Different styles of bounty poker to choose from
What is bounty poker?
First things first, let's take some time to explain what you can expect from a bounty poker tournament at a social casino.
As you would expect, the foundation of this
free online poker
tournament revolves around a “bounty” that is placed on each player at the sign-up stage. Depending on the format, elimination could lead to your bounty being added (in part) to another player’s bounty or directly to their pot. This adds a little extra from standard multi-table tournaments or sit and go’s, where only those who land in the winning places will walk away with a portion of the prize pool.
You will still find bounty poker tournaments aimed at free Texas Hold ‘em poker, free Omaha social poker, and various other game types. However, you won’t ever need to use real cash to play. This is because social poker follows the sweepstakes model, making use of virtual tokens that allow you to play for fun or with promotional play in mind.
Enter bounty poker tournaments without spending a dime
Although you will spend the duration of a bounty poker tournament with a “bounty” on your head, it is important to understand that this has no real-money value. At social poker sites, they utilize Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins – two virtual tokens that allow you to toggle between gaming modes.
- Gold Coins:
Your Gold Coins will allow you to enter multi-table and sit and go bounty poker tournaments with fun as the main objective. You’ll be able to test out strategies, theories, and new poker variations without any chances of winning real money or later redeeming prizes. Instead, this is all for entertainment, bragging rights, and fun. Due to the very nature of these virtual tokens, you’ll find that you can pick them up at various stages through free-to-release promos and purchase offers. Just bear in mind that you won’t raise your chances of winning with a purchase.
- Sweeps Coins:
Alternatively, you can look to enter bounty poker tournaments with Sweeps Coins. Your Sweeps Coins open the virtual doors to promotional play, allowing you to later redeem prizes. However, in order to do so, you will be expected to win additional Sweeps Coins by knocking out other players or by landing in one of the winning places. These Sweeps Coins won through gameplay must then be played through before meeting minimum prize redemption limits.
So, does this mean that social bounty poker tournaments are legal in the US?
Mostly. Any form of social poker falls under the sweepstakes umbrella, which is completely different from the confusing world of real-money gambling in the US. With this, you’ll actually find that you can enjoy social bounty poker tournaments in just about all US states. Currently, full restrictions are in place in just Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. That being said, you may find that additional states block certain social poker platforms.
It is also important to mention that you must meet the minimum age requirements and be able to pass relevant verification checks before getting started. Prize redemptions will incur additional Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and you’ll also be expected to declare any prize redemptions over a certain value on your tax return.
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Now you know that bounty poker tournaments at social poker sites are legal across the US, it is time to focus a little bit more on the gaming experience.
Bounty poker tournament style
Generally, you will find that bounty poker tournaments can be split into two categories.
- Standard Bounty:
This is the most common format followed by social poker sites, allowing you to add any player’s bounty that you knock out. As an example, you may be required to use 10 Gold Coins to enter, and find that 7 Gold Coins go to the prize pot and 3 Gold Coins are added to your bounty. If you knock out another player, you’ll add 3 Gold Coins to your virtual Gold Coin balance.
- Progressive Bounty:
The progressive bounty is fairly similar; however, you will now find that the bounty of any player you successfully knock out will be split. Half (or the determined preset value) will be added to your own pot, and the remaining will be added to your own bounty. Using the above example, 1.5 Gold Coins would be added to your own pot, and 1.5 Gold Coins would then be added to your own bounty. This would move yours from 3 Gold Coins to 4.5 Gold Coins.
As well as focusing on the different types of bounty poker formats, you’ll want to consider the style of the social poker tournament itself. Usually, this will also be split into two categories.
- Sit and Go:
A sit and go tournament is a quick-fire tournament that will launch as soon as enough players have joined the table. Usually, you will find that this is played around one or two tables, has a fixed Gold Coin or Sweeps Coin buy-in, and lasts around 90 minutes.
- Multi-table tournaments:
As the name suggests, a multi-table tournament takes place over a number of rounds and tables. Here, you can expect the Gold Coin or Sweeps Coins prize pools to be much bigger. However, this will attract a higher-caliber player. Depending on size, these tournaments can last hours, days, or even weeks.
Common rules
That should have covered the common tournament styles and bounty poker formats. Now, let’s touch on a few common rules.
- Usually, there are no re-buys in bounty formats
- The size of the blind will increase over time
- You only earn the bounty if you win the round
- Etiquette still matters online, so you may get called out for taking too long
Accessibility and tournament features
Although this is likely to vary from social poker site to social poker site, this should give you a little insight into the kind of additional features you can expect to encounter along the way.
- Full-screen gaming:
One of the many great additions offered by the best new social poker sites is full-screen gaming. Although this doesn’t directly affect your performance, it does make everything more immersive and easily viewable.
- Mobile accessibility:
Not only will you be able to enjoy the theater mode across your desktop screen, but you’ll also find that dedicated apps or optimized mobile sites can handle the pressure. Of course, this also means that you will have full access to promos, lobbies, and virtual tokens, too.
- Prize pool breakdowns:
To give you a better understanding of the type of bounty poker tournament you’re entering, a prize pool breakdown and Gold Coin or Sweeps Coin entry fee will also be noted. This makes it nice and simple to figure out those that you’ll be eligible to join.
- Player rankings:
During the bounty poker tournament, you’ll find that player rankings are conveniently displayed, too. This allows you to see who is worth taking out or, at least, who is worth avoiding.
- Bounty stacks:
This can usually be found while checking out player rankings; however, this refers to the stack alone. This is the size of the bounty on any player’s head, which can be won by eliminating them.
- Avatars:
Many social poker sites will now allow you to personalize how you are viewed by others. This includes the addition of usernames and avatars. Again, this won’t directly boost your chances of winning, but it is a nice touch that makes things a little more individual to you.
Kicking things off with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins
Naturally, before you can look to enter a bounty poker tournament at a social poker site, you’ll need to load up your account with virtual tokens. This table covers some of the most common promos that you are likely to come across.
| New customer offer |
The welcome bonus is usually packed with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, allowing you to dive headfirst into the action |
| Daily login bonus |
A daily login bonus is a staple of any top social poker site, allowing you to join daily bounty poker tournaments armed with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins |
| Social media giveaways |
You can like, comment, tag, and follow your chosen social poker site on social media to pick up more virtual tokens |
| Refer-a-friend bonus |
Send your unique code to friends, wait for them to sign up, and receive additional Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins |
| Alternative Method of Entry (AMoE) |
The AMoE allows you to send in a postal request for free Sweeps Coins |
| Purchase promos |
Although you will never be expected to make a purchase to enter bounty poker tournaments, you can add to your Gold Coin pots by splashing some cash. Oftentimes, this will come with free Sweeps Coins, too |
Strategies for upcoming social bounty poker tournaments
Regardless of whether you’re playing Texas Hold ‘em or
free Omaha poker
in a bounty poker format, we can’t provide you with any guarantees of winning. However, you will find that these tips will get your experience off to a flying start.
To get familiar with this style of social poker tournament, we would suggest testing things out with Gold Coins first.
It is also wise to value knockouts alongside the overall goal of winning a bounty poker tournament. Remember, the stack size and bounty value are your first targets.
When you have the upper hand in bounty poker, you want to try to force other players to fold. Use the chat rooms to make them question their next moves and consider the size of your social bets based on your own cards.
With Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin bounties at stake, players get hungry and start betting loosely. You’ll want to stick to the basics, trapping players with strong hands and letting others overcommit.
Try not to get caught with a bounty on your head at a top social poker site in May
There you have it – just about all you need to get started with bounty poker. As you can see, this social poker tournament adds an extra layer to your sweepstakes experience, allowing you to pick up additional virtual tokens by knocking out players along the way.
Of course, this all depends on the type of bounty poker tournament you select. You’ll either add winnings from those knocked out to your own virtual balance or add a portion to your own bounty. Aim to get familiar with things using your Gold Coins to give yourself the best possible head start. Then, remember to stay tight, apply pressure, and enjoy the action.
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Bounty Poker FAQ
💰 Is it possible to win real money playing bounty poker at a social casino?
No. You won’t win real money playing bounty poker, but you will find more ways to add to your Gold Coins or Sweeps Coin pots by winning tournaments or knocking out other players.
🎟️ Can you enter live bounty poker tournaments across the US?
Yes. You will be able to enter bounty poker tournaments and play
free video poker
in almost all US states. Currently, only ID, NV, and WA prohibit social poker completely.
🔪 What happens when you eliminate a player in bounty poker?
When you eliminate a player in bounty poker, their bounty becomes a part of your own or is added fully to your Gold Coin or Sweeps Coin pots.
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