iPoker Network Prepares for Two Tier Network Split

The iPoker Network has announced a change in its network policy that will see players divided into separate pools. As of July 1st, all operators will be graded on new monthly performance indicators and then network changes based upon this grading process will be implemented from September 1st.

The network will be divided into two “tiers”, the lower tier poker rooms will operate with one pool of players and the top tier rooms will have additional exclusive tables and is expected to contain the mostly recreational poker players on the network’s major sportsbook operators.. In order for a poker room to be considered top tier it must meet a number of monthly targets relating to active players, the number of new players and a “scoring metric” which will take into account player balances. The minimum that is required is a base of 6,000 monthly active players and a minimum of 850 new real-money players per month, the first audit of poker rooms compliance with these targets is set to take place on September 1^st.

The iPoker Network, operated by Playtech, is currently the largest online poker network with the second largest pool of players (only PokerStars has more). A number of well-known high street bookmakers such as William Hill, BetFred and Paddy Power are part of the iPoker Network which in total comprises of over 40 gaming brands.

iPoker have said that they are making these changes to “create a better poker environment” by extending players’ “life time expectancy” on the network. They also hope to extend players’ “deposit over spend” period. This change is the latest attempt to address the needs of the recreational poker player, after iPoker’s misguided decision to fine poker rooms who offered overly generous rake back deals and therefore attracted too many winning players and their more sensible rethink of the rake distribution model in 2011.