About .poker domain
.poker is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Afilias. It was delegated to the DNS root zone in October 2014, following a private auction where Afilias became the sole remaining applicant. The registry agreement with ICANN was signed in July 2014, finalizing its entry into the domain name marketplace as a product for public registration.
Who can register .poker domain
Registration for .poker domains is open to the general public worldwide. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions for most domain names under this TLD. Anyone can register a .poker domain through an accredited registrar without needing to provide specific verification or documentation related to the poker industry.
How to register .poker domain
- Search for availability: Use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .poker name is available. Consider searching for variations if your first choice is taken.
- Select a registrar and term: Compare pricing, included features like WHOIS privacy, and customer support from different registrars. Choose your initial registration term, which is typically one year or more.
- Complete the purchase: Add the domain to your cart and proceed through the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by ICANN.
- Configure your domain: After purchase, access your registrar's control panel to point your .poker domain to your website's hosting via DNS settings, such as nameservers or A records.
Typical uses of .poker domain
The .poker extension is commonly used by websites related to card games, online gaming platforms, poker strategy communities, and tournament organizers. It provides a direct and memorable namespace for businesses, blogs, forums, and informational sites focused on poker, helping them establish a clear topical identity. Players, coaches, and industry news outlets also utilize .poker domains to attract a targeted audience interested in the game.
Tips for registering .poker domain
- Domains are typically registered for a minimum of one year, with options to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .poker domains to shield personal contact details from public view.
- Be aware of potential premium domain pricing; certain desirable names may be categorized as premium and carry higher annual registration fees.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, but domains may be subject to a 60-day transfer lock following registration or a change of registrant.
Frequently asked questions about .poker domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .poker domain?
As of today, .poker domains start from $5.38/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $144.29/yr across 34 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .poker domains?
NameBeta tracks 34 registrars that support .poker domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.38/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .poker domain?
The registry for .poker domains is Identity Digital, administered by Identity Digital Limited.
Who can register a .poker domain?
Anyone globally can register a .poker domain without proving affiliation with the poker industry. The TLD operates under an open registration policy, meaning individuals, businesses, clubs, and organizations of any type are eligible. No special documentation or prior verification is required during the standard checkout process at a commercial registrar.
Can I transfer a .poker domain between registrars?
Transferring a .poker domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN procedure. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). Initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, approve the request, and ensure the domain is not within a 60-day lock period that follows new registrations or recent transfers.
Are there any content restrictions for .poker websites?
The registry does not enforce specific content policies tied to the poker theme. Registrants must comply with general ICANN requirements and applicable laws, but there is no mandatory audit of website content to ensure it relates to poker. The domain can be used for any lawful purpose, similar to other open gTLDs.
How are trademark disputes handled for .poker domains?
Trademark disputes are governed by the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system. Trademark holders can file a complaint if they believe a .poker domain was registered and is being used in bad faith. The registry also supported a Sunrise period during launch, allowing trademark owners to register their marks before general availability.
What happens if I forget to renew my .poker domain?
After expiration, the domain typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Finally, if not redeemed, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
