If you are just starting out at Online Poker and have limited funds you will need a bankroll building plan.

Here's my suggested bonus hound method. Plan on an initial investment of $100.00. You may start with more or less but I'll use $100 for the example. It's a good idea to plan on adding $50 more per month if needed until you are established. This will allow you to play a little higher stakes than if you rely on just the $100. With bonus hounding and skilled play you may not need to re-deposit before your bankroll gets off the ground but knowing you have a reserve will allow you to play more comfortably.

Of course you need to play poker fairly well. If you at least know the fundamentals you should be able to hold your own at low limit games. There are plenty of resources available so it shouldn't be difficult to become a proficient player.

If you haven't already done so sign-up with Neteller. Once you've signed up for an account and made a deposit you'll be ready to start "bonus hounding" and playing poker. Visit www.neteller.com for more details on how to sign up.

In order to clear bonus money you'll need to play a certain number of raked hands. Most sites don't collect a rake until the pot is $5.00. This means you'll need to play $1-2 stakes or at least .50-$1 to clear your bonuses. On a $100 bankroll you'll need to play solid poker and have some luck to survive.

Let's Start Playing

Now it's time to choose a site and start playing. Right now Absolute Poker is offering a 150% 1st deposit bonus. It does take quite a bit of play to clear, but you are credited in $10 increments so it will help to build your bankroll as you play. (If you would rather have a faster clearing bonus start with PartyPoker.) The games here are somewhat tight but very beatable. Just be sure to be aggressive and take the pots that are available.

Once you've cleared the bonus or built your bankroll up to $200 or more it's time to make a withdrawl back to your Neteller account. (If you lose your initial deposit you'll need re-asses your play and to go to your reserves .) Assuming you've cleared the bonus and played break-even poker you'll have $250. If you like the site and have shown a profit you may want to leave $50 behind for later. Otherwise withdrawl the $250 to your neteller account.

Now pick a second site and repeat the above process.

PokerRoom is offering a 30% bonus. On a $250 deposit that would be $75. The bonus here clears a bit faster than the previous site and the games are somewhat soft. If you can continue to at least break even and clear this bonus you'll have around $325. Again either cash it all out or leave some behind if you are ahead and enjoy playing there.

Let's assume you now have $325 for the next site. ParadisePoker is offering a 25% bonus on your 1st deposit. The bonus here clears moderatly fast. The software and support are very good and the level of play is pretty much average. After clearing the bonus you should have just over $400.

At PartyPoker you'll also get 25% up to a $100 bonus for a $400 deposit. This is one of the easiest sites to clear bonuses at, and the poker play can be some of the softest you'll find anywhere.

Again assuming break even play, your bankroll will now be around $500. You've tried out 4 poker rooms and have made five times your initial deposit. You may want to settle in to 1 or more of these rooms or continue "bonus hounding" at other sites. There are many more quality sites to try. Be careful of the sites you choose as some of the smaller or newer rooms can be somewhat suspect.

You'll notice "Reload" offers either in your email or when you sign-in at the sites you've joined so far. These can really add up. Absolute offers so many you may find yourself constantly clearing bonuses.

Other Bonuses and Offers

Many poker affiliate sites offer extra sign-up incentives such as cashback, free tournament entries, software or gift certificates. Good affiliate sites take care of their customers. It is wise to find one who will reward your loyalty. Keep in touch through email and let them know you are there.

On my site I try to reward players for multiple sign-ups and /or continued play on an individual basis. Assume you've "bonus hounded" the above 4 sites by signing up through my site. I may be able to give gifts or cashback totaling $75-100. The more you play the more rewards I can give back in the form of cashback or free tournaments.

Also, if you've made it this far you obviously play solid poker and are likley to continue playing. If this is the case you will want to look into "Rakeback" programs. These pay you a percentage of your rake back every time you play. It is best to contact the affiliate site for the latest cashback or rakeback information as their offers may change each month.