Playtech Splits IPOKER Network
Tuesday, September4, 2012 : PLAYTECH SPLITS ITS iPOKER NETWORK
Rumours that second tier operators are discussing collaboration
Playtech's much anticipated split of its iPoker network into two tiers is now in position, with the major sites comprising the top tier identified as William Hill, bet365, Paddy Power, Poker 770 and Titan Poker.
These five major poker rooms have all met the required network criteria and will generate substantially more traffic, fulfilling iPoker's need for more recreational players in this segregated player pool.
Sites aspiring to the top tier must meet set criteria which includes a minimum volume of 6,000 monthly active real money players, and a monthly acquisition of 850 new active real money players.
The split into two pools divides all cash game and SNG players starting September 4th. The only exceptions will be speed poker (Speed Hold’em and Speed Omaha) cash tables and multi table tournaments, where there is no separation.
iPoker online poker rooms that do not meet the criteria will form a separate and probably smaller liquidity pool, which by definition would seem to embrace iPoker's medium-sized and smaller operators. Typical operators would be sites like Mansion Poker and Betfred.
Rumours circulating Tuesday were that a number of operators in this category are discussing collaborative possibilities in order to better compete.
Only regular network cash tables will be included in the split:
All NLH HU tables, from 0.02/0.04 and above, in all currencies;
NLH 6-Max tables, from 0.01/0.02 up to 2/4, in all currencies;
NLH Full Ring tables, from 0.01/0.02 up to 1/2, in all currencies.
Other cash tables not specified above will be fully shared across the entire network.
Only regular network SNG’s will be included in the split. Jackpot SNG’s, promotional SNG’s, and satellite SNG’s will remain on a network-wide basis.
All NLH HU SNG’s will be partitioned, up to a buy-in level of $30 / €30 / £30;
All NLH 6/9 players SNG’s will be partitioned up to a buy-in level of $10 / €10 / £10.
All other SNG’s – such as Jackpot and Satellites – will be available across the entire network.
Multi Table Tournaments will be fully shared across the entire network.
