UltimateBet has merged with Absolute Poker to form the CEREUS Network. When this merge finally became live, the UltimateBet software client (Windows PC only) received a healthy upgrade to both the lobby and table. The site is endorsed and represented by two of the game’s top pros, Annie Duke and Phil Hellmuth. It employs a rewards program called RAI$E, which awards points to players in real money games that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. UltimateBet offers regular reload bonuses, rakeback, and one of the most aggressive first-time deposit bonuses in the industry.

UltimateBet is one of the few online poker sites that accept players worldwide (including the United States). Players can deposit using credit cards, money broker websites, and wire transfers.  UltimateBet is known for having a lucrative 110% deposit bonus up to $1,100, one of the most attractive in the industry.  Earning it, however, isn't easily accomplished, but the offer never expires.  The RAI$E reward system is similar to other VIP programs and awards points for play in tournaments or ring games that can be used to buy items like electronics in an eBay-type auction system or be redeemed for cash.

UltimateBet merging with Absolute Poker in late 2008 resulted in CEREUS becoming the seventh largest poker network in the world.  For the software itself, there's not much out there in terms of helper scripts aimed at UltimateBet like there are for the bigger rooms, but poker tracking programs like Holdem Manager and PokerTracker fully support hand history importing.

The Lobby Software

The lobby software seems a bit muddled between what works "within the lobby software" and "what sends you to a website.”  For example, when you want to find a real money game, the process is very easy, with a fantastic set of filters that can sort out heads-up, six-max or full ring as well as table speeds and stakes.  However, if you want to check on your RAI$E account, you're shot to your default web browser, which loads a site that has the information on it.  Some information like the Bad Beat Jackpot loads within a new lobby window, while other promotional information can be found on a separate web page.

In terms of lobby usability, the experience at UltimateBet is a good one, as finding the right ring game, tournament, or sit and go is easily done through the three main tabs.  Available poker games include Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, HORSE, and HOSE, so players can find their way quickly and efficiently.

UltimateBet ring game tables are essentially "deep,” meaning that you can buy in for up to 200 big blinds; the minimum is 40.  This eliminates short-stacking, which litters many of the major online poker rooms.

Table Software

UltimateBet’s software update resulted in a much better layout in the form of the "Top View," which can be accessed through the “Options” menu. It is a much more standard online poker experience and avatars have been added for a bit of flair.  The tables resize pretty well, with the deck and fonts adjusting to just about any size (both big and small) with no loss of clarity.

Interacting with the table is a pretty standard experience. Auto-shortcut buttons (like "auto-post blinds") are found on the top right and the betting buttons can be seen at the bottom right.  Using the slider to make a bet is reliable and accurate and, by default, the software allows the mouse wheel to increase the bet slider by one big blind.

Overall

The rewards program builds slower than most VIP programs, but the constant reload bonuses, amazing first-time deposit bonus, and widespread attractive rakeback programs make UltimateBet a much more viable poker room than what most would have you believe.