Loquax Poker
Loquax Poker, the online poker site with the little duck in its logo, was established in 1998. It was the United Kingdom’s first poker competition portal. Developed by Jason Dale and Kirsty Darbyshire, the founders still own and run the website. Online poker aficionados know the website’s name, and know it well. The community is active and has a competition tracker, daily updates, exclusive competitions for members only, and a poker shop. They also have bingo, prize games, and other gambling sections for their members’ enjoyment. They have grown so much that they also now offer a variety of affiliates.
Pronounced ‘lo-quacks’, the name was chosen in order to be attributed to any subject online. It’s also a name that can be remembered. The cute yellow duck was added in 2004, giving the website some character. 2003 saw the launch of the Prize Bingo section that was replaced with Loquax Bingo. The same year they partnered with Jackpot Joy, allowing them to offer Instant Win Games to their customers in addition to the poker and bingo games. They launched their affiliate program in 2004.
Loquax offers Texas Holdem, Omaha, Five and Seven Card Stud and tournaments for their members. They also have a section of video poker games which includes Jacks or Better, Faces and Aces, and many other games. They have free play poker games and betting tables. For those players who are not completely familiar with poker hands, there is a comprehensive section describing the many different hands that are winners in the game. Their poker shop offers magazine subscriptions, poker supplies including folding tables, and even a chance to buy into a real, physical poker game for yourself or a friend. Prices for the items vary. There is also a poker news section outlining the latest news and information in the poker world.
This website has won numerous awards since its inception. They have won the 2000 Readers’ Choice Award from Net Magazine, were named in the Top 50 Websites by the same magazine in the same year, has 2nd place in the UK Net Awards for Best Portal in 2001, and won the Good Web Guide in 2001 and 2006. The Mirror, Telegraph, Weekly News and Daily Star have featured them in their publications.
In addition to the poker rooms, members can enjoy online scratch off cards from both England and Ireland. They also offer international lottery games from places such as Australia, the United States, and Spain. The casino games, offered in free and pay to play versions, include perennial favourites such as blackjack, roulette, craps, slots, and Keno. Members can also take part in football pools, virtual racing, and reverse auctions.
Loquax is a supporter of the Gamble Aware campaign. Gamble Aware is a website devoted to helping people understand the risks of gambling and how to avoid getting addicted. They provide a comprehensive write up on what gambling is and how it works, how to make bets responsibly so that a person does not get into financial trouble, and the warning signs associated with a gambling problem. There is a telephone number listed on the site for anyone who feels they have a problem and need help.
