Party Poker… an online poker site that brings out the most nostalgic feelings from U.S. poker players. As we bask in the memories of Mike Sexton and Shana Hiatt (who played a huge role in making PartyPoker the behemoth it became,) it seems like only yesterday when online tournament headlines were dominated by that unique LIMIT Holdem event – the WPT PartyPoker Million. When pictures and trip reports from the PP Million cruise began circulating on the Net, it didn't take long for satellites into major live tournaments to attract a throng of online players. So much doubt surrounded the ultimate fate of Party Poker once it disallowed U.S. members following the UIGEA's passage into law. Yet, nearly 18 months later, the one-time dominant force in online poker enjoys a reputable position in the online poker industry outside the U.S. market.

So what are the factors that have contributed to Party's longevity? Many would argue that it has been their ability to attract new players. Others would offer that it's been Party's player rewards program combined with targeted marketing outside of North America. Some say it's the PartyPoker interface and in-play features, like default audio applause after winning a hand (remember that?) and seated human-like avatars that have made it such a comfortable place for new players to get their virtual feet wet.

Indeed, the weak player fields that drew so many successful players to the site pre-UIGEA still exist to an extent. In an online poker atmosphere where one-tabling has become nearly as extinct as opening Under The Gun with rags in a 9-handed game, it's a no-brainer that those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of poker strategy would remain loyal to a site where the competition may not be quite as tough as other sites.

However, PartyPoker has also made in-roads to retaining customer loyalty, including offering numerous bonuses post-signup, and launching a tier-based rewards program for frequent players. Party's multi-table tournament payout structures average around 15% of the player field, and their "Shootout" tournaments actually reward the Top 3 players at each table (a Godsend for passive players who are more interested in winning a little and having fun than putting in serious hours and extracting value.)

Permanently barring observer chat may have also played some minor role in easing the burden of sometimes critical railbirds, who are often extremely quick to point out a player's faults (or much worse, their database statistics.) And of course, there's always a player pool lying in wait from PP's spinoffs… PartyBets, PartyBingo, PartyGammon, and PartyCasino.

Truth be told, there's still plenty on PartyPoker to attract casual and full-time players alike. The daily Super tournaments have returned, and can be bought into directly for $150+12 (although the Wednesday Limit Holdem tournament still struggles). The Saturday $50k Guaranteed has consistently attracted over 200 players, and the Sunday $300k Guaranteed tournament easily fills its 1,500 player-cover. Best of all, satellite entries to the daily specials and weekend majors can be earned throughout the week.

It's not just tournaments either. PartyPoker's cash games have gained in popularity and are among the most-active on the Net for 6-max ring tables. Even at non-peak hours, non-U.S. players can still find dozens of mid-stakes cash games to join. Finally, there is the Bad Beat Jackpot, which has been known to surpass $500,000 on occasion.

Rumors abound among the online poker community on when (or if) PartyPoker will allow U.S. customers to enter the green & yellow main lobby and place real-money wagers. In spite of all the complications post-UIGEA, one thing is very clear… PartyPoker is still going strong.