9/14/09 - The online poker network sector has a new competitor following the announcement this week by Bodog Network.com that it has successfully executed a brand licensing deal with Calvin Ayre's BodogBrand.
The brand will form the core of the development of an entirely new, Bodog-branded poker network headed up as CEO by Patrik Selin, a respected European industry veteran and former CEO of the Ongame poker network.
Selin said this week that Bodog Network intends to change the game, and brings an entirely fresh approach to the network ecosystem, including a much-anticipated and unique solution to the rakeback challenge, which will be presented at EiG Copenhagen this week.
“I intend to build one of the largest and most reputable poker networks in the world”, commented Selin. “We are building a model that is founded on security and integrity, and Bodog Network partners will never need to disclose or put their customer databases at risk. The initial discussions I’ve had regarding potential candidate partners have been overwhelmingly positive. “
Bodog Network has also secured binding commitments from all three Bodog online gaming brand licensees – Bodog Europe, the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group and Haydock Entertainment in Asia – to be the Bodog Network’s initial network licensees.
Selin added, “Obviously, it made sense for me to lock in the deals with the Bodog brand licensees first, as this provides an immediate liquidity base. However, as the network comes online in 2010, we will naturally be extending the network to non-“Bodog”-branded operators. Those discussions are already underway.”
Calvin Ayre, the founder of the BodogBrand.com licensing enterprise remarked: “I am extremely excited about this new licensee of BodogBrand.com. Bodog Network is the first B2B enterprise to license the brand and the fit simply couldn’t be better. Patrik Selin’s very detailed business plan and proposal were very compelling, and after building Ongame into a network powerhouse under his leadership, his abilities and credibility are unquestionable.”
Bodog Network intends to secure an EU gaming license to be able to attract and fully service EU-facing poker operators.
Kramar mamma