The Demise of the International Poker Network

gtechThe International Poker Network (IPN), sometimes referred to as Boss Media, will be throwing in the towel later this year, according to a report from Pokerfuse Pro.  This only involves the network that operates across multiple countries.  IPN’s software will still be used by some government lotteries and in regulated countries that ring-fence players.

IPN is one of the oldest online poker networks.  It has spread games for 10 years.  Many of the IPN skins over the years were primarily casinos or sports books.  Virgin might be the best known brand to have operated on IPN.  It ceased gaming operations on the network before selling the division to Gamesys.  Other popular brands that have since moved to other networks or closed include Fortune Poker and Interpoker. 

Some IPN skins have offered dual platforms for more than a year.  Poker Heaven, a favorite for savvy players over the years due to generous promotions, offers an Ongame skin known as HeavenBet.  Sporting Bet’s Paradise Poker skin also offers an Ongame platform option.  Paradise Poker was once the largest U.S.-facing online poker room.  It closed its independent room in 2007 just a few months after abandoning the U.S. market due to the UIGEA.

Could Not Maintain Traffic or Updated Software

IPN has failed to keep up with the times.  Its software is dated and slow compared to top rooms.  It also does not spread features that have become popular among serious players.  The slow bleeding of better known brands has also hurt network traffic.  According to PokerScout, IPN averages about 200 players.  That number has remained in the low 200’s for the past six months, but is much lower than its historical traffic.

Orderly Exit

Players should not be concerned about getting stiffed by IPN skins.  GTECH, the network’s parent company, is involved in regulated gaming throughout the world.  The company is financially stable.  It simply made a business decision to cease operations on its poker product outside of its regulated platforms.

Chance to Receive Rakeback on Other Networks

There is precedent that skins moving players to iPoker and Ongame can receive grandfathered rakeback after the move.  Players that are hoping to receive rakeback on either of these large poker networks may want to sign up now through a large IPN skin that is likely to find a new home.  The current rakeback cap at IPN is 30%.

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