iGame Malta is moving all its online poker properties to the Microgaming Network following the announcement of the imminent demise of its former network, Entraction. The brands affected are 24hPoker.com, Pokerihuone.com, Casinohuone.com, NoiQ.com and iGame.com.
iGame’s Managing Director Tommi Maijala is enthused about the deal: “We are thrilled to be joining the Microgaming Poker Network and securing for our players access to the highest quality poker software, good liquidity and a secure long-term future.”
International Gaming Technology (IGT) which owns Entraction has announced that the network will close in early December. All of the current skins have been told to find new networks by then. IGT has taken a strategic decision to write off its investment in Entraction which it bought for over $100m last year. The move should not put players’ funds at risk.
Microgaming is based in the Isle of Man and currently ranks as the 8th largest site by player traffic. Its upcoming release of fast fold Blaze Poker for mobile devices and its general expertise in mobile gaming make it an attractive option for former Entraction skins.
Options for many smaller Entraction skins are limited. The recent iPoker split offers little encouragement to sites that can’t meet the demanding targets for active and new players. The future of the Ongame network is in doubt pending its sale by bwin.party, and Revolution Gaming’s policy of allowing US players brings legal risks which many sites no longer want on their books.
Lydia Melton, Head of Network Games at Microgaming suggests that they may be substantial beneficiaries of IGT’s decision:
We are in also advanced discussions with a number of other major operators looking to join the Microgaming Poker Network. The significant advances Microgaming has made to the way the poker network is managed via our Network Management Board, coupled with major software developments, has made the MPN the network of choice for top tier operators looking for a stable, long term strategic partner.
