The Absolute Poker Network was an independent poker network until it decided to go ahead and merge with Ultimate Bet towards the end of 2008 to create a powerful and large poker network named the Cereus Poker Network.

The Absolute Poker Network kicked off operations in 2003, and was licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. It was quite a well-known poker network when it started off then, and its recent merger with Ultimate Bet to form the new Cereus Poker Network makes it one of the biggest online poker networks worldwide.

There are a number of great things about the Absolute Poker Network, i.e. the new Cereus Poker Network. These include some cool promotions, the advantage of being associated with one the biggest online poker rooms in Ultimate Bet, and also some great tournaments. On the flip side, the network does not offer live support, just telephone and e-mail support. Live chat or live support is the cool thing to have in these new times, and that is sorely missing here.

One of the best things about Absolute Poker and also the Cereus Poker Network is that US players can come and try out the real money games and tournaments here. This is unlike the trend you see in many of the other online poker rooms that banned US players from participating in real money games and tournaments after the UIGEA was passed.

There has been an increase in traffic to Absolute Poker ever since it merged with Ultimate Bet to form the Cereus Poker Network. Data collected in the first quarter of 2009 shows that the number of players participating in the tournaments available during peak hours at Absolute Poker was between 9,500 and 12,500, while the number of players playing the cash tables during peak hours stood at 1,900 to 2,500.

The software at Absolute Poker has also undergone a complete overhaul after it merged with Ultimate Bet. The new software has a number of cool features apart from some excellent graphics and sound effects.

There are multiple table views and customization is something new that the software allows you to do. The multi-table play and mini-view features are very much seen here, along with downloadable skins, private tournaments, the rabbit cam, and much more.

You need to download the software to play at Absolute Poker, as there is no Instant Play option. Download speeds are very good, though, and you can get started on a game in no time.

You can play a number of different poker games at Absolute Poker and also the new Cereus Poker Network. The games available now include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, Razz, H.O.S.E, and H.O.R.S.E.

The games at Absolute Poker and the Cereus Poker Network are available in pot limit, fixed limit, and no limit options, along with a wide range in terms of stakes.