Absolute Poker Releases Java Client, New Payment Option

Online poker room, Absolute Poker, announced today that it has released a new Java version of its poker client. This version, dubbed Instant Play by the company, requires no software download. It can be run from both PC’s and Mac’s using only a web browser.

This means that anyone with an internet connection can play at Absolute at virtually any computer. Whether you are visiting grandma, in a hotel’s business center, or even at work (we do not condone such behavior), you can play poker online without downloading any software.

The no-download Java client will be accessible from http://www.absolutepoker.com, although as of this article’s publishing, it was not available yet.

Additionally, Absolute has added another funding option that U.S. players can use, called Add-Funds. Add-Funds (http://www.add-funds.com) is actually a virtual pre-paid calling card, but the card can also be used for “eCash credits” at certain merchants, instead of phone minutes. This is how it is used at Absolute Poker.

All it takes is a quick, free signup on the Add-Funds site, with no banking information required. After a credit card is entered and a few verification questions are answered, customers are e-mailed a PIN and identification number. Funds can then be added using a credit card, which Add-Funds says will work for U.S. customers. Customers can then turn around and transfer these funds to their Absolute Poker accounts via the Cashier in the Absolute software.

Add-Funds does charge a 3% fee when funding the account, but there are no other fees at any time. Unfortunately, funds cannot be cashed back out to the Add-Funds account. Players will have to use a different method, namely a physical check, to receive their money from Absolute.

Originally published 1:30 PM Tuesday, February 13, 2007