Online Poker Room Deposit Option: EChecks
by Chad Holloway of Predictem.com
There are numerous options available for poker players who wish to make a deposit in an online poker room; however, some of these options can be restricted or prohibited in certain areas because of laws and regulations, like the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in the United States. As such, players are often discouraged from making deposits because they are afraid of jumping through hoops and dealing with an unwanted hassle. I have faced many difficulties on various sites but none more so than PokerStars. I tried using both my credit and debit cards in an attempt to make a deposit but to no avail. I finally decided to try making a deposit via their ECheck option and I was blown-away by how easy, efficient, and fast it was!
The process to make a deposit using E-Check begins with making an account on PokerStars. Assuming you have done that, all you have to do is click on the cashier button in the main lobby, click buy chips, and then click on the “Instant E-check” icon. After clicking “ok” on a few disclaimer/informational screens you will be taken to a form where you will enter your information including your social security number, date of birth, phone number, routing number (the 9-digit number at the bottom of your check), and the account number (the 10-digit number at the bottom of your check). This is also where you will enter the amount you wish to deposit along with any promotional code. Taking advantage of a promotional code is important for any first time deposit as it increases your bankroll right off the bat; for example, PokerStars offers the following promotion to any first-time depositor:
“Make your first-ever real money deposit and PokerStars will give you a 100% bonus up to $50. If you make your deposit from 00:00 ET January 1, 2009, use the code ‘Stars50’. To earn this bonus, you will simply need to play on PokerStars and collect the number of Base FPPs equal to 10 times the bonus amount. You have six months after your first deposit to earn all the FPPs you need to cash out your bonus. Visit the First Time Deposit page for full details.”
There is no processing fee to use E-Check, although its use is limited to one deposit every 48 hours. The minimum deposit is $25 while the maximum is $100/24 hours; $300/7 days; and $600/30 days. The deposit I made was reflected in my account within a minute and I was playing in a cash game shortly thereafter. I was very pleased with the convenience and speed of the E-Check option. For whatever reason, it was not restricted by PokerStars like my credit and debit cards were, which was fine since it was as easier, if not more so, to make a deposit using E-Check. I will certainly take advantage of the E-Check option in the future and highly recommend you try it the next time you wish to make an online deposit.
