Empire Poker
Empire Poker is a well established online card room. They have lots of great tournaments and games available, and you can play for free on their site. The software is from iGlobalMedia, which is the same software that you'll find on other popular sites like PartyPoker. The software is well designed, and they've spent a lot of time ensuring game fairness, security, privacy, and avoiding fraud and collusion.

Getting Started -  (Go to the Empire Poker Site)   |   (Download their software now)
Downloading the software is a snap. Its a 2.39MB download that takes only about a minute to install. Once installed, you can run, create your account, and you'll be playing in just a few minutes.

Games
The games offered include all the great poker faire, with both no-limit and pot-limit games:

• Texas Hold'em
• Omaha High
• Omaha 8 or Better
• Seven Card Stud
• Stud 8 or Better

Customer Support
I had two different technical questions for their customer support team. The first had to do with their SSL certificate. The second was a question about how to remove the button that their software automatically adds to Internet Explorer. In both cases, I received prompt, courteous responses within an hour.

Gameplay
Gameplay with the iGlobalMedia software is solid. Very easy navigation within the lobby, and a very simple and easy to use play experience. Graphics and sound are both pleasant, you can definitely play this game for hours.

Tournaments/Events
Empire Poker offers tournament play every day. They have both single-table and multi-table tournaments. Make sure to read all of the tournament rules before starting play in a tournament!

For giveaways, they offer a WSOP giveaway which is very nice.

Rake/Pricing
The rake varies from $0.50 to $3 per hand depending on the size of the pot and the number of players at the table.

Promotional Codes
When you install the software and create an account, Cruzino.com members can use this special code to receive up to get a 20% bonus (up to $100) on their first deposit. Code = EMP1442