Why Play at Black Chip Poker?
Black Chip Poker plays host to some of the biggest tournaments online, but it’s more than the sum of its MTTs. The combination of juicy cash games, rakeback, innovative features, and crypto payments make Black Chip a world-class platform in every department.
Before you read through my Black Chip Poker review, here’s a high-level summary:
- Black Chip Poker hosts record-breaking tournaments.
- The app has innovative features and crypto payment options.
- It runs a variety of promotions, including rakeback and Black Chip Poker bonus code offers.
- Play fantasy poker league Monte Carlo
- Offers sportsbetting and casino while playing poker
- Accepts crypto payments since 2015
Black Chip Poker Information
- Official site: https://blackchippoker.eu/
- Established: 2008
- Owned by: Winning Poker Network
- Gambling license: Curaçao Gaming Authority
- Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Payment methods: Credit/debit card, Luxon, USDT, BTC, ETH, LTC
- Poker network: Winning Poker Network
- Available in the US: Yes
Black Chip Poker Score
- Cash games: 8.5/10
- Tournaments: 10/10
- Bonuses: 8.5/10
- Game types: 8.5/10
- Player pool: 9.5/10
- Payment methods: 9/10
- Lobby & software: 9.5/10
- Mobile app: 8/10
- Security: 9/10
About Black Chip Poker
Black Chip Poker and ACR might be teammates on the same network, but Black Chip is a fantastic poker site in its own right. This Black Chip Poker review is my way of making sure you don’t overlook a genuinely impressive platform.
Black Chip Poker launched in 2008 and initially called the Merge Poker Network home. However, since it moved to the Winning Poker Network (WPN) in 2012, Black Chip has become one of the top poker sites for tournaments.
Pros
- Excellent MTTs with $1 million+ prizes
- Innovative staking feature
- Earn loyalty rewards or 27% rakeback
- Active network with over 20,000 players
Cons
- Software is sometimes slow
- Black Chip Poker live chat isn’t available 24/7
Black Chip Poker Bonuses
The Black Chip Poker bonus for newbies is generous, as are the other ongoing offers. However, it’s the flexibility of Black Chip’s promotions that’s most impressive. Here’s everything you need to know about Black Chip Poker’s bonuses.
Welcome Bonus
The Black Chip Poker welcome bonus is a $2,000 deposit match, which makes it one of the biggest opening offers out there right now. Here are the key details:
- Bonus Name: Black Chip Poker Welcome Bonus
- Bonus Amount: Up to $2,000
- Min. Deposit: $25
- Max Withdrawal: N/A
- Black Chip Poker Bonus Code: CP1000BCP
Make sure you enter the Black Chip Poker bonus code CP1000BCP during the registration process. Without it, you won’t get any bonus credits when you deposit $25 or more. Bonus credits are released incrementally, which means you can still get something from this offer even if you don’t clear all of it within the 60-day time limit.
As stated in the terms of the Black Chip Poker bonus code offer, you’ll receive $1 for every 27.5 Award Points earned. Everyone gets 5.5 points for every $1 they pay in Black Chip Poker rake. Therefore, you need to rake $5 to receive $1 of your bonus.
That equates to 20% rakeback, which is a decent return on your initial investment. It’s not quite on par with the welcome bonus we found while creating our CoinPoker review, but it should give most players a decent initial bankroll boost.
One final thing to note is that you can’t get this Black Chip Poker promo code bonus if you’ve previously claimed ACR Poker’s welcome offer. That’s because they’re part of the same network. The good news, however, is that you can still get reload bonuses if you’re registered with both sites.
Black Chip Poker Leaderboards
Leaderboards are a great way to squeeze extra value out of Black Chip’s poker tournaments, cash games, and SNGs. There are two weekly promotions, and both offer a combination of cash prizes and free tournament tickets:
- The Beast: This weekly leaderboard uses a ‘Weighted Contributed Rake’ calculation to create a level playing field for cash game grinders and tournament players. On average, more than 700 players win a piece of The Beast’s weekly prizepool, which means you’ve got a decent shot at boosting your bankroll if you play consistently.
- Sit & Crush: SNG players aren’t left out in the cold. The weekly Sit & Crush gives you a chance to win a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars by earning points based on the amount you rake. Throw some free tournament tickets into the mix, and this is another leaderboard worth taking part in.
Black Chip Poker Freerolls
I’m a big fan of Black Chip Poker’s freerolls. There are eight free Black Chip Poker tournaments every day, and each one has a $50 guaranteed prizepool. I’d love the promo team to beef up some of the prizepools, even if it’s just one freeroll per day.
However, if you join all eight events, it’s possible to play for $400 in freeroll prizes every day. That’s impressive, particularly if you’re a newbie looking to build a bankroll from nothing. The other thing I really like about Black Chip Poker’s online poker freerolls is their variety.
Each day of the week brings a new variant. Mondays are for No Limit Hold’em, Tuesdays are for Pot Limit Omaha, Wednesdays are for Omaha Hi/Lo, and so on. It’s rare to see non-Hold’em freerolls, so I have to commend Black Chip Poker for giving everyone a shot at free money.
Other Promotions
Beyond the Black Chip Poker bonus code offer for new customers, leaderboards, and freerolls, here are some other bonuses and offers you can claim:
- Black Chip Poker Elite Benefits
- Black Chip Poker Rakeback
- Black Chip Poker Reload Bonuses
- Black Chip Poker Referral Bonuses
How to Download Black Chip Poker
Follow these four steps to complete the Black Chip Poker download process and claim the welcome bonus:
- Use our safe link to create an account. Remember to use the Black Chip Poker bonus code CP1000BCP to claim your welcome offer.
- Choose your device: Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android.
- Tap to start the Black Chip Poker download process.
- Log into your account and deposit $25+ to get your welcome bonus.
Black Chip Poker Online Poker Games
Many players use ACR for poker tournaments, but I’ve made it one of my main sites for cash games. You can read my ACR review to find out why, but one of the reasons I made that decision is because I use Black Chip for tournaments.
Black Chip Poker’s tournament schedule is the same as ACR’s, but I slightly prefer the lobby of Black Chip for Winning Poker Network tournaments.
Black Chip Poker Variants
You can play six different types of poker at Black Chip. Mixed Games are missing from the line-up, but other niche variants are available.
Game Type | Available |
Texas Hold’em | ✅ |
Omaha Hi | ✅ |
Omaha Hi/Lo | ✅ |
5-Card Omaha | ✅ |
Razz | ❌ |
Seven Card Stud | ✅ |
Seven-Card Stud 8 or Better (aka Hi/Lo) | ✅ |
2-7 Single Draw | ❌ |
2-7 Triple Draw | ❌ |
H.O.R.S.E. | ❌ |
8-Game | ❌ |
Six Plus | ❌ |
Black Chip Poker vs ACR Poker
Black Chip and ACR are, for all intents and purposes, the same site wearing different clothes. I’ve deliberately made this analogy because it’s how I differentiate the two platforms. Choosing a poker site based on how it looks might seem trivial, but it’s not, as visuals play a key role in how much you enjoy any poker room.
The fundamentals of Black Chip and ACR are the same. They have the same fantastic tournaments, cash games, features, and promotions. The main difference is their designs. Honestly, I like the look of both.
That being said, there’s a certain aesthetic quality to the Black Chip Poker app. For me, the black and blue color scheme is superior to ACR’s black and red. It’s easier on the eye, which is important when you’re playing for long periods of time.
This carries over to the tables. I find it slightly easier to focus on Black Chip’s interface than ACR’s. It’s a small difference, but it’s important to me.
But this is just my personal preference. You might prefer the look of ACR. Take a look at both, and see which one works best for you.
The Venom
I waxed lyrical about Black Chip Poker tournaments earlier, so forgive me for relighting the candle, but this is important. The weekly tournament schedule is supplemented by a selection of festivals.
The biggest of these annual events is Venom. What started as a single tournament has become a record-breaking series that pays out more than $20 million in prize money every year. Adding events such as Venom Fever to the schedule has generated a ton of interest.
However, the $2,650 Venom main event was a hit on its own. In fact, since breaking a Guinness World Record in 2019, the tournament has gone from strength to strength, mainly because Black Chip runs hundreds of freeroll satellites. The most recent Venom main event saw German pro Dominik Nitsche win a staggering $1,818,044.
Recent Updates at Black Chip Poker
The most recent update at Black Chip Poker is the release of an iOS app. I’ll talk more about it later in this Black Chip Poker review, but I’ll say now that it’s a slick app – even though it’s not particularly easy to download.
Black Chip Poker Rakeback vs. Elite Benefits
I mentioned at the start of this Black Chip Poker review that flexibility is one of the platform’s greatest strengths. I was referring to the fact that you can choose between loyalty rewards and Black Chip Poker rakeback.
Before I give you my take on how to choose the right option, here’s a breakdown of Black Chip Poker rakeback and the Elite Benefits loyalty program:
Black Chip Poker Rakeback
You can earn 27% rakeback at Black Chip Poker, but you have to request it. You do that by emailing the customer support team. It’s important to note that you can only switch from Elite Benefits to Black Chip Poker rakeback once, so make sure it’s the right deal for you.
For context, 27% is right up there with the best rakeback deals online. It’s not quite as good as CoinPoker’s 33% rakeback, but it’s a decent return for players who put in some quality time at the tables.
Black Chip Poker Elite Benefits
The Black Chip Poker Elite Benefits loyalty program consists of six tiers:
- Player (default level)
- Rounder (earn at least 750 points per month)
- Grinder (earn at least 3,000 points per month)
- Veteran (earn at least 7,500 points per month)
- Legend (earn at least 100,000 points in a calendar year)
- Icon (earn at least 1,000,000 points in a calendar year)
Elite Benefits lives up to its name in terms of the rewards you receive. Points can be converted to withdrawable cash, and you also get cash bonuses. Elite Benefits members also earn free tournament tickets and get access to exclusive Black Chip Poker promo code offers.
You’ll earn 5.5 points for every $1 you pay in rake. These points determine your rank, and the aim is to climb as high as possible (while playing responsibly) in order to unlock better rewards.
Should I Choose Elite Benefits or Black Chip Poker Rakeback?
Based on the current Black Chip Poker rake charges, it’s better to claim rakeback if you’re a low-stakes player. Conversely, mid- and high-stakes players will probably get more value over the long term if they stick with Elite Benefits.
- You should choose Black Chip Poker rakeback if you rake less than $1,500 per month.
- You should choose Black Chip Poker Elite Benefits if you rake more than $1,500 per month.
Poker Strategy for Playing at Black Chip Poker
Whenever you think you’ve mastered poker, you quickly realize that you haven’t. I’ve been playing for more than a decade, and I’m still trying to learn new things.
The CardPlayer Poker School is packed with strategy articles, coaching videos, and GTO charts. I recommend starting there if you want to get ahead of the average player at Black Chip Poker.
Here are five poker strategy tips to keep in mind at Black Chip Poker:
- Bankroll management is key. Poker is unpredictable. Even if you’re a strong player, variance swings in both directions. Therefore, you should always be conservative with the stakes you play at. This means having over 50 buy-ins for cash games and 100+ buy-ins for tournaments.
- Run the numbers. I’ll talk about the lobby later in this Black Chip Poker review, but it’s worth saying now that it contains a ton of stats. These stats allow you to find potentially profitable games. My top tip is to look for cash game tables with high flop percentages and low aggression factors. This means a lot of players are going to the flop, and they’re limping more often than they’re betting/raising.
- Targeted aggression hits the mark. Playing in position makes everything easier, including betting and raising. Find the weakest players at your table, wait until you’ve got position on them, and raise them as often as possible.
- Claim as many bonuses as possible. Our Black Chip Poker promo code CP1000BCP gets you a generous first deposit bonus, but that’s the tip of a much larger iceberg. After reading the section on Elite Benefits and rakeback earlier in my Black Chip Poker review, you should now know which is better for you. I also urge you to claim as many reload bonuses and seasonal offers as possible, because they provide guaranteed rewards in a game full of uncertainty.
- Get comfortable with variance. You can’t control variance, so learn to love it. The right moves can yield the wrong results in poker and vice versa. The more comfortable you are with ups and downs, the easier it will be to make logical decisions regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.
Lobby & Software
I said earlier in this Black Chip Poker review that I like the app’s design. Looks are certainly important when you’re grinding, but beauty is only skin deep. I can’t recommend an online poker site because it looks great if there’s nothing under the hood.
I’m pleased to say that the Black Chip Poker app is a combination of style and substance. Pop the proverbial hood and it contains a wealth of innovative features. However, I will say that the software is a little bit slow at times.
Usually, this is because so many people are using the network, which is a problem born out of Black Chip Poker’s popularity. However, if the developers are reading this Black Chip Poker review, it would be great if they could make the app slightly more efficient. That being said, temporary slowdowns are a small price to pay for a platform packed with features.
Black Chip Poker Features
The beauty of Black Chip is that its developers are always adding new features. In February 2025, I noticed a new tab in the lobby called Poker Races.
Although the beta product was removed pending further development, the poker-themed scratchcards and AI innovations provided a glimpse into an exciting new selection of games.
In lieu of new products coming down the pike, these features are why I believe Black Chip is one of the leading offshore poker sites in the world:
- Blitz Poker: Black Chip’s take on fast-fold poker is great for action lovers.
- Staking: You can buy a piece of tournament players or sell a stake in your own action securely via Black Chip’s app.
- Run it twice: Reduce the swings of all-in pots by running boards twice.
- Deal making: Use the onsite ICM calculator to make a deal with your fellow final-table opponents.
- In-game HUD: Get a statistical overview of your opponents by using the in-game HUD.
- Hotkeys: Make multi-tabling easier by assigning keyboard keys specific actions such as Bet X amount, check, raise Y amount, and fold.
BCP Poker App
The Black Chip Poker mobile app is now available on iOS as well as Android. Adding an iOS app in 2024 was important because Black Chip was getting left behind in this department. Now, everyone gets easy access to a full selection of games, promotions, and payment options via the Black Chip Poker mobile app.
It’s a great app that works well, but installing it is a pain. You need to request a QR code so you can complete the Black Chip Poker download process on your mobile. It’s an inefficient system that taints the experience of switching from a computer to a mobile. Hopefully, the team behind Black Chip Poker’s mobile app will streamline the installation process.
- Play fantasy poker league Monte Carlo
- Offers sportsbetting and casino while playing poker
- Accepts crypto payments since 2015
Safety and Customer Support at Black Chip Poker
Safety is paramount, so I can’t write a Black Chip Poker review and not talk about the app’s security features. Your personal details are kept secure thanks to SSL encryption, and payments are handled by reputable processors.
Black Chip Poker accepts fiat and crypto payments. For me, this is the future of online poker.
Cryptocurrency payments are incredibly secure because they’re encrypted and anonymous. The fact that Black Chip allows you to make deposits and withdrawals using Bitcoin et al. is a testament to how safe it is.
If you ever feel unsafe or in need of help, there’s an FAQ. Alternatively, Black Chip Poker customer support agents are available via the following methods:
- AI chatbot
- Black Chip Poker live chat
- Email: support@blackchippoker.eu
Black Chip Poker Payment Methods
As a hybrid poker site, Black Chip Poker accepts USD and crypto deposits. The same options are also available for withdrawals, which means you’ll receive your winnings almost instantly.
Black Chip Poker Deposits
Deposit Method | Minimum Deposit | Deposit Fee | Processing Time |
Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) | $25 | No Fees | Instant |
Luxon (eWallet) | $10 | No Fees | Instant |
BTC | $10 | Only Standard Network Fees | Up to 1 hour (depends on network traffic) |
ETH | $10 | Only Standard Network Fees | Instant |
LTC | $10 | Only Standard Network Fees | Instant |
USDT | $10 | Only Standard Network Fees | Instant |
Black Chip Poker Withdrawals
Withdrawal Method | Minimum Withdrawal | Withdrawal Fee | Processing Time |
Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Luxon (eWallet) | $50 | No Fees | Within 8 hours |
BTC | $50 | Only Standard Network Fees | Within 1 hour |
ETH | $50 | Only Standard Network Fees | Within 1 hour |
LTC | $50 | Only Standard Network Fees | Within 1 hour |
USDT | $50 | Only Standard Network Fees | Within 1 hour |
Check | $100 | One fee-free check every 30 days | 7-15 business days |
*Unforeseen issues can delay withdrawals by up to 15 days.
Is Black Chip Poker Legit?
Yes, Black Chip is completely legit, safe, and legal. The Black Chip Poker app can’t compete with CoinPoker in the transparency department, because its RNG isn’t on a blockchain, but its games are still fair.
I can say that with confidence because the RNG is audited and certified as fair by iTech Labs, one of the industry’s leading testing agencies.
Black Chip also uses proprietary RNG technology called reshuffle that uses complex algorithms to constantly shuffle cards so that every deal is completely random.
Yes, you can access the Black Chip Poker online poker app in the US and many other countries around the world. It’s available in multiple jurisdictions because it has an international gaming license from the Curaçao Gaming Authority. This means Black Chip meets strict regulations suitable for a variety of online gaming markets.
Black Chip Poker Personal Review
Black Chip Poker is often overshadowed by ACR, but I think it’s just as impressive as its counterpart. As I’ve said a few times in this Black Chip Poker review, I prefer the design.
This, combined with all the features WPN is known for, makes it an excellent choice for every type of player.
There are some areas for improvement which is to be expected. Even with some existing issues, Black Chip Poker is still the best offshore site for tournaments, and its cash games are just as juicy.