Prime Backgammon, established in 2007, is now considered to be one of the hottest destinations for online backgammon games and tournaments. Launched by Prime Gaming, Prime Backgammon employs the software services of Skill Empire, the same software that runs leading online backgammon room Play65.

The online backgammon site gives players plenty of reasons to join and stay loyal to the community. Promotions start with a 20% up to $20 welcome bonus on the first deposit, with a minimum $20 deposit required. This is followed by an intense backgammon tournament schedule that includes daily “star” freerolls, Sit’n’Go satellites and a monthly $50,000 GTD that pays the top 128 finishers.

Getting started is quick and easy. Download and install the software, register your account and choose whether you are opening a free or real-money account. If you choose to play for real money, you’ll get a free $2 no-deposit bonus just for verifying your valid email address. To make a deposit, head to the cashier and you’ll receive your 20% welcome bonus.

A download is required to play at Prime Backgammon. If you browse through the fact page, you’ll see information regarding an instant-play version of the software. Unfortunately, Prime Backgammon no longer supplies a Java version of its online backgammon client, as we found out when contacting customer support on the issue. On the bright side, we received an email support response only 6 minutes after asking the question – that’s pretty impressive!

Prime Backgammon takes an average commission rate from each losing stake, varying by the type of game and stakes being played. In single games, stakes up to $50 (at the end of the game, not the start) incur a 4.9% commission. $50 to $100 stakes are charged 3.9% commission. Stakes over 100% charge only a 2.9% commission. In series matches, there are 4.9% (up to $50 stakes), 4.4% ($50-$100 stakes) and 3.9% ($100+ stakes) commissions, plus 0.5% per point, capped at 7.9 to 9.9% max commissions.

Using a rating system, each player is given a number that establishes his or her skill level at Prime Backgammon. The online backgammon site encourages players of the same skill rank to play one another. To discourage uneven matches, Prime Backgammon may increase the standard commission rates by 50-200% depending on the depth of the rating difference.

Prime Backgammon is open to all players from around the globe. US players are welcome to deposit and play for real money. Convenient payment methods include credit/debit card, PayPal, NETeller, Moneybookers, Wire Transfer and Bank Draft.

Prime Backgammon Software & Graphics

Using the sophisticated software technologies of Skill Empire, Prime Backgammon offers a great, solid online backgammon platform that is user-friendly graphically appealing. There have been no recent reports of disconnections due to software error. The download/install processor is quick and painless, compatible with most Windows PC operating systems. According to the FAQ page, Mac/Linux users can run a Java version of the online backgammon software, but this info is outdated – the Java version is no longer supplied.

Prime Backgammon Game Variety

Whether you are a penny-stakes backgammon player or a high rolling veteran, you’ll find plenty of action, and no lack of takers, at Prime Backgammon. You can choose to compete in single games or series matches, against players of your own rating level, or those beneath/beyond your current skill. Beware that playing outside your rating will incur a higher commission rate.

Backgammon tournaments are a big draw for most members of Prime Backgammon. Daily and weekly backgammon tourneys offer up to $4,000 guaranteed with a good payout structure. Save up your “stars” to enter daily stars freerolls with real cash prizes. Stars freerolls cost 1,000 stars to enter, paying $20 to the winner and $10 to the runner up.

Prime Backgammon promotes a $50,000 Grand Online Tournament where the top 128 finishers are guaranteed a piece of the prize pool. SNG Satellites to the $50k tourney are just $22 for an 8-player satellites, or $44 for a 4-player satellite. The winners earn a free seat in the $50k grand online backgammon tournament.

Prime Backgammon Customer Support

Prime Backgammon only provides customer support via email. However, open 24/7/365, the online backgammon room has a professional, lightning fast team of support reps. We tested the email response time and got a quick, reliable answer in just 6 minutes.