Red Star Poker Joins Playtechs iPoker Network
Playtech has revealed that Red Star Poker will be joining its iPoker network. Despite challenging times for the industry, which have led to the closure of the Microgaming Poker Network, Playtech is seeking to expand its iPoker services. Red Star Poker offers secure and reliable gaming solutions with an Eastern European focus.
Playtech’s iPoker Network is one of the industry’s leading online poker solutions. ?Jack Hamilton/Unsplash
iPoker Network Expands
Playtech is one of the best-known names in the online casino industry. Since its initial founding in 1999, the gambling software development company has expanded to become an industry leader. Playtech is listed on the London Stock exchange and the FTSE 250 Index. The company primarily offers software for a wide range of gaming products, including online casinos, online sports betting and of course online poker.
Playtech has now decided to bring Red Star Poker into the fold to further consolidate its popular iPoker network. Casino game designer Geoff Hall, the inventor of Blackjack Switch, implemented Playtech’s iPoker network in Britain. The iPoker network utilizes a skin-based system, allowing it to be used by a large number of sites. These sites can then change the outward appearance of the interface and apply their branding.
This new deal with Red Star Poker reaffirms Playtech’s commitment to the online poker vertical. Together, they will be able to strengthen the iPoker network and move online poker services forward for the benefit of players and the industry.
Red Star Poker was first established in 2005. Since then has grown into a global enterprise that provides players with a safe and easy to use gaming platform. Red Star focuses on serving the Eastern European marketplace in particular. Red Star’s customers are not only poker players. The platform offers a range of online casino products such as slots, table games, and card games. These products feature popular titles produced by top industry providers. As such, Red Star Poker has built a solid reputation as a high-quality iGaming platform.
“We are delighted to welcome Red Star on board with Playtech. At a time when the Poker market is facing undeniable challenges, at Playtech we are completely committed to addressing those challenges head-on. Red Star’s decision to collaborate with us is a testament to our long-term investment in our Poker network and its ongoing development – and of course our commitment to our operators.”– Shimon Akad, Chief Operating Officer, Playtech
Playtech is a technology company with a truly global reach. Across 18 countries it employs 5,800 people. As well as leading software, it also delivers content and services for the gambling industry. It is by offering the full package of services while maintaining the high-quality of its products that Playtech has been able to position itself at the heart of this industry.
Closures for Microgaming
This follows the news that Microgaming Poker Network is set to close in 2020. After running for over 16 years, Microgaming has decided that its poker network no longer has a place in the company’s long-term vision. The announcement was made on the 20th of September. Microgaming has not yet disclosed when the network will close for good, but it is expected to happen in the second or third quarter of 2020. Until then, players can carry on playing as usual. In the MPN blog, Alex Scott allayed customer fears over the closure. He explained to MPN customers that they “can expect the network to continue operating as normal, with a full offering of tournaments, cash games, promotions, and live events, until we close next year”.
“The network model no longer fits with our strategic vision for poker, and this is the right time to announce the closure as we focus on redistributing key resources and personnel across the business. While the network will be closing, this is not the end for poker at Microgaming, which is driven to create the most enjoyable entertainment experiences, leading the way with world-class gaming content. Ultimately, this move will help the business to achieve that vision as we follow a new strategic direction for the vertical, details of which will be revealed in due course.”– John Coleman, CEO, Microgaming
Before announcing its plans to move to the Playtech iPoker network, Red Star Poker was part of the Microgaming Poker Network. Unfortunately, MPN’s plans to close were revealed just one month after Red Star had joined the network. Playtech’s COO, Shimon Akad noted that the online poker sector is under some stress. However, Playtech’s strategy couldn’t be much further from Microgaming’s. Akad highlighted Playtech’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the poker market.
It has been a busy year for the gaming software giant. Earlier this month, Playtech announced another collaboration, this time with UK gambling firm GVC Holdings. Together, they are planning to launch a new Live Casino studio, which will be called ‘Elevation’.
Playtech has also confirmed that there are “several other collaborations already in the pipeline”, although no further details have been released. With time ticking until the Microgaming Poker Network shuts down, it is highly likely that more of MPN’s existing clients will jump ship to Playtech’s iPoker network.
