Phenom Poker recognizes that providing a secure, fair and friendly playing environment is key to ensuring that our players have as enjoyable a gaming experience as possible, each time they access Phenom Poker’s platform.
Maintaining ethical gaming practices is at the very heart of our priorities, and in order to uphold these strict principles and the integrity of our games, Phenom Poker has created these House Rules.
All players are expected and required to adhere to these House Rules and to standards, policies and practices incorporated therein, on the assumption that by doing so, the playing environment on Phenom Poker improves for its entire player community:
The Phenom Poker platform and all services made available via this platform should only be accessed by players who have reached adulthood (as determined by the laws of respective jurisdictions in which Phenom Poker operates which apply to players).
Minors are strictly prohibited from playing at Phenom Poker and those minors found accessing Phenom Poker will be permanently banned from joining Phenom Poker’s gaming platform. Phenom Poker shall ensure to implement the appropriate safeguards as required by the laws of the respective jurisdictions to prevent minors from joining Phenom Poker’s gaming platform
Phenom Poker strives to provide players with a responsible gaming environment, which includes prevention of compulsive usage of or underage access of our gaming products. Phenom Poker understands its commitment to honor their duty of care to all of its customers and the gambling community at large. Phenom Poker shall make sure to implement appropriate safeguards to protect vulnerable persons and use all reasonable means to ensure the prevention of gambling addiction and underage gambling.
For more information, please visit our Responsible Gaming page.
Phenom Poker shall ensure a high standard of regulatory compliance in relation to preventing its services from being associated with crime and disorder. Phenom Poker shall implement appropriate measures to minimize the risk of its gaming platform being used to launder money, assisting in the financing of terrorism or being the victim of a crime. Phenom Poker shall ensure that management and staff are aware of their obligations at law and procedures that must be followed.
Due to the many different gaming laws regarding online poker and risks involved with political instability and terror threats, Phenom Poker does not currently accept players who reside in, are located in or are habitually resident in various countries, states, and jurisdictions.
Phenom Poker reserves the right to amend the restricted country, state, and jurisdiction list from time to time.
Screen Names (“Names”) should follow a common sense policy and not be offensive to other users.
Names initially chosen by users are not subject to change, barring exceptional circumstances. For example, if you are constantly being targeted, you may request a nickname reset following a review of your game activity by Phenom Poker Security. Additionally, if you wish to play under your Real Name, you may do so by submitting the requisite verification documents to Phenom Poker Security.
Phenom Poker allows players to play at multiple tables or in multiple games simultaneously; the maximum number of tables that a player can participate in or games that a player can participate in is limited by the Phenom Poker software they are using (such as mobile device-based, internet browser-based, etc.).
A player joining a Phenom Poker cash table is usually required to pay an initial fee, equal to that table’s big blind. This initial fee follows the same rules as the blind bets (initial mandatory bets, typically placed in the pot by the first two players to the left of the dealer in games of Hold’em, Omaha or Draw poker) and allows the new player to sit-in at the table and join the game.
Players sometimes have the option of “sitting-out” and waiting for the big blind before beginning to play.
Posting an initial fee ensures fairness to all players, by preventing players from gaining an undue advantage over others by entering a poker game in a “Late Position” in order to avoid placing the blind bets.
A player may choose to temporarily sit-out from a poker table; if the table is a cash game table (as opposed to a tournament table, at which the player typically will have paid a set buy-in amount in order to join), the player may need to post additional fees in order to rejoin the action:
If, while sitting-out, the player misses their turn to place the small blind, upon re-sitting that player will be required to post a set amount. This post is considered a “dead (non-active) bet” and is equal to the small blind.
If, while sitting-out, the player misses their turn to place both the small blind and the big blind, upon re-sitting that player will be required to post a set amount. This post consists of a live bet, equal to the big blind, plus an additional “dead (non-active) bet”, equal to the small blind, which is added directly to the pot.
If, while sitting-out, the player misses their turn to place the small blind, the big blind, and the third blind (if supported), upon re-sitting that player will be required to post a set amount. This post consists of a live bet, equal to the third blind, plus two additional “dead (non-active) bets”, equal to one small blind and one big blind, which is added directly to the pot.
In the event that two or more active players reach a showdown at a poker table holding equal ranking hands, the winner is determined by card value (i.e. a pair of aces beats a pair of kings).
Should the poker hands remain tied (i.e. a pair of queens vs. a pair of queens), the highest ranked card, not held in common (the “kicker”), determines the hand’s winner.
In the event of exact ties in poker hand ranking, between two or more active players, the pot (the accumulated amount of chips in the center of the table, being contested by the active players) will be split evenly between those players holding tied poker hands.
To ensure a fair and enjoyable playing experience, Phenom Poker players must act within a reasonable time limit that varies per table, per game variant and/or per game stage (i.e. the length of time that has elapsed in a given tournament, etc..).
Phenom Poker’s time limits are enforced in an effort to maintain a reasonable speed of game play. Players who fail to act within the set time limit will have their hand automatically folded and will forfeit any amounts that he/she has previously wagered during that hand.
In many Phenom Poker poker games, if a player requires extra time to make a decision, a ‘time bank’ will be accessed if a decision is not made in time.
Depending on the software used, the time bank will be visually displayed and will ‘count down’ while being accessed. The time bank gives players extra time to complete their actions, and those who fail to act before the time bank is exhausted will automatically fold their hand.
If a player leaves a cash game table with a certain amount of chips and subsequently returns to that table within 60 minutes, the player must sit down with no fewer chips than when they left. If a player tries to sit down with fewer chips, they will not be allowed to play in that game. For example, if a player leaves a table with $1,250 in chips, they cannot sit down at that same table with fewer than $1,250 for the next 60 minutes after leaving.
As game host, Phenom Poker applies a commission charge (often known as “rake”) to each pot at cash game tables. To find out more details on the rake collected at Phenom Poker, please visit the Our Games section of the Phenom Poker website and review each game variant’s page.
In tournaments, Phenom Poker does not levy rake, but typically collects a tournament fee instead. The amount is often a set percentage of the tournament buy-in, and will be detailed in the tournament lobby for each event (e.g. as of April 2024, the total amount a player pays to participate in a $1 tournament is $1.00, made up of a [$0.92] buy-in and a [$0.08] tournament fee).
The normal courtesies extended at live poker tables are also expected at Phenom Poker. Please see the list below for Phenom Poker’s etiquette guidelines:
Intimidation or harassment of other players at the table will not be tolerated;
Do not spam emojis or engage in “shouting matches” with other players at the table;
Lagging is a natural occurrence in an internet age. As it is unavoidable, please be polite when notifying a player who is lagging.
All tournaments will begin promptly at the scheduled time stated in the tournament lobby. Phenom Poker reserves the right to delay or cancel any tournament without prior notice.
Seats are assigned to players at random. Prizes are awarded as stated in the tournament lobby, except when a deal is made or the tournament is canceled. The prize structure used in any given tournament depends on several factors including the number of entrants and the number of players per table. The prizes awarded in any given tournament are not finalized until registration has closed and the rebuy and/or add-on period is over.
In order to be eligible to re-enter, rebuy or add-on in a re-entry or rebuy tournament, you must have the funds available in your attached smart wallet.
Late registration is available in most tournaments. The length of the late registration period varies but will always be shown in the tournament lobby. Late registration will close early if enough players are eliminated to begin payouts or the tournament has reached the maximum number of players allowed.
Most Phenom Poker tournaments allow players to un-register until a few minutes before the event begins. The exact time at which un-registration closes may vary from event to event. Registration and un-registration times may vary between tournaments of different types. Not all tournaments allow un-registration, and some tournaments do not allow players to un-register if they won their way in via satellite or giveaway tournaments. Phenom Poker reserves the right to alter registration and un-registration times without prior notice.
If a tournament that features late registration proceeds to a point at which the next eliminated player will receive a prize (also known as ‘in the money’), late registration may be closed, regardless of the late registration period detailed in the tournament lobby. No additional players will be able to enter. Furthermore, in such a situation the tournament prize pool will be solely determined by the amount collected via player registration, rather than any advertised guaranteed prize amount.
Most tournaments end when a single player accumulates all of the chips in play, and in some tournaments, when all remaining players will receive the same prize (for example, if a satellite tournament awards five (5) identical prizes, the tournament may end when there are five (5) players left).
If two or more players are eliminated on the same hand, the player with more chips at the start of that hand finishes ahead of the player(s) with fewer chips. If all players started the hand with an identical number of chips, the finishing rank is determined by table location, with the first eliminated player seated to the left of the button finishing ahead of the player(s) seated further away.
As players are eliminated from Phenom Poker tournaments, the software will “break” tables to fill available empty seats. Players are re-seated randomly and may result in a player having to post multiple big blinds in a row. On occasion, the Phenom Poker software may balance tables to ensure all tables have an equal (or as close to equal as possible) number of active players. Players moved to balance tables will, whenever possible, be moved to similar positions relative to the blinds.
Details about each tournament’s breaks are listed in that tournament’s lobby, with the amount of time remaining to the next break listed if the tournament is running.
Many tournaments feature synchronized breaks but not all do so, therefore Phenom Poker encourages players to make themselves aware of the break times of each tournament they are playing in to better ensure a comfortable playing environment.
By participating in a tournament, Phenom Poker players accept the risk of internet disconnection, due to problems with the connection between their device(s) and the servers, lag or freeze or some other problem in the player’s device(s) or how that device accesses the internet.
Phenom Poker does not accept any responsibility for a player disconnect except in the case of a server crash. While each user is responsible for his or her own internet connection, we make an effort to protect players who are disconnected during the final stages of a real-money tournament, by allowing extra time to reconnect.
If a player times out during a hand, whether connected or disconnected, his or her hand will be folded if facing action or may be checked if facing no action.
If a player is not connected before a hand starts, he or she will be dealt cards, and a blind and/or ante will be posted. There is no rule against a single player choosing to sit out; the player doing so will continue to have blinds and antes posted and cards dealt. Two or more players may not make any agreement to sit out simultaneously, whether at the same table or different tables; such actions may fall under Phenom Poker’s collusion policy.
You are not permitted to make a bet in excess of the value of chips on the table at the beginning of a hand. You are permitted to acquire additional chips only between hands. If you run out of chips during a hand, you are considered “all-in”. you may not remove money from the table during a playing session. Taking money out of the Game and continuing to play is not allowed in a table bets format.
You fully accept and agree that the random number generator software will determine all outcomes of the poker game.
You acknowledge and agree that you shall not interfere, interrupt, and attempt to interrupt, or attempt to manipulate the operations of the Website or the normal play of any of the Games on Phenom Poker. Failure to comply with the preceding may lead to your exclusion from the Website and to criminal and civil investigations.
The Company gives its customers the ability to participate in chats where they are able to communicate with other registered players within the site. We reserve the right to set the chat policy and change it at any time with or without notice.
The chat function is intended to be used for fostering a positive gaming experience, and basic communication for the players. We reserve the right to restrict an individual’s ability to participate in any chat based on the behavior exhibited by the individual.
All users must refrain from any communication which:
Are considered to be ‘spamming’ other players
Our chat rooms are moderated, and all conversations that occur therein are logged and recorded. We reserve the right to retrospectively investigate any comments made by users and impose appropriate measures including but not limited to a temporary ban, permanent ban, or account closure. We also reserve the right to report any suspicious chats or comments to the relevant authorities.
Intentionally or inadvertently influencing the progression of a hand that is in play or the action of its participants by way of discussion, or use of emoji are strictly prohibited and may result in temporary or permanent suspension of all communication functions.
Deal making is allowed in many tournaments. If all remaining players in a tournament agree to making a deal, they should indicate so by selecting the appropriate option at the table. A deal can then be discussed and agreed upon or rejected by the participating players in the chat box.
In some specially designated Phenom Poker tournaments, a bounty will be placed on some or all of the tournament participants. A player who eliminates an opponent will add the bounty amount to their own bounty total. Each surviving player’s bounty total will only be awarded once the prize-paying finishing positions are reached (i.e. the bubble bursts).
In the event that two players show identical winning hands and therefore split the pot in a hand that eliminates another player(s), any bounty awarded will be divided equally between the players that hold the winning hands.
Players may not make any agreement among themselves to eliminate a particular player in order to claim their bounty award. Such agreements are considered collusion and are grounds for disqualification from the tournament and/or other penalties.
Phenom Poker reserves the right (at any time) to modify the prizes awarded in any given tournament. Further, Phenom Poker reserves the right to award a monetary prize of equal or greater value as the main prize in place of the main tournament prize, at its sole discretion.
Please Note: players will not receive fractions of a cent. In all instances where a player’s winnings include a fraction of a cent, Phenom Poker will round up such player’s winnings to the nearest cent. So, for example if you win $8.086, you will receive $8.09.
If a player wins second and/or subsequent tickets or seats into a target tournament for which that player is already registered or has used all allowable entries, the player will be awarded stablecoin equal to the value of the target tournament buy-in amount in lieu of the ticket or seat.
For example, if a player is already registered into a $100 buy-in tournament, and subsequently wins a satellite tournament awarding seats to the $100 tournament, the player will receive $100 of stablecoin in lieu of the seat.
In the event of Phenom Poker servers crashing, or a Phenom Poker unscheduled downtime happening, Phenom Poker shall refund players as described below. Phenom Poker, in its sole discretion, shall decide otherwise for any other events disrupting play caused by the Licensee or the Licensee’s players.
For Cash Games, all hands in progress will be rolled back. Each player’s chip count will be reset to the amount at the beginning of the hand.
For tournaments, there are four (4) possibilities depending on the status of the Tournament:
If the tournament has not started, Phenom Poker shall refund all buy-ins and fees to the registered players.
If the tournament has started and is in late registration period (that is to say, where the tournament allows a User to register as a player following the fixed registration time) or if the late registration period has finished but the tournament has not reached the paid places, remaining players shall be refunded their Fee and current bounty (if applicable). Regarding the prize pool, (fifty) 50% shall be paid equally to the remaining players at the time of cancellation with the other (fifty) 50% being paid according to the chip count of the remaining players at the time of cancellation. If the tournament has a guaranteed prize pool that has not been met or exceeded at the time of cancellation, only the prize pool amount collected via player registrations will be distributed.
If the tournament has reached the paid places, remaining players shall be refunded their Fee and current bounty (if applicable). Regarding the prize pool, the next prize to be won shall be distributed to each remaining player at the time of cancellation with the remainder being paid according to the chip count to the remaining players at the time of cancellation. All transactions, including pots won and lost, are posted to the players’ account at the completion of each hand.
If a tournament that features late registration proceeds to a point at which the next eliminated player will receive a prize (also known as ‘in the money’), late registration may be closed, regardless of the late registration period detailed in the tournament lobby. No additional players will be able to enter. Furthermore, in such a situation the tournament prize pool will be solely determined by the amount collected via player registration, rather than any advertised guaranteed prize amount.
Please note that when calculating tournament refunds, Phenom Poker will determine the moment the disruption began and use the state of play in any given tournament immediately prior to this disruption as a basis for calculating the refunds. Not all players may experience disruption at the same time.
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