Microgaming Poker Network to Close in 2020
Most players know it as MPN. The Microgaming Poker Network has been a staple in global online poker for more than a decade.
For those who remember Prima Poker from 2003, that was the start of what would become known as MPN. Microgaming turned that site base into a poker network. And in 2007, it redesigned the software to keep up with the latest in online poker technology.
MPN was one of the first networks to offer anonymous tables in 2010 and mobile poker software months later. In 2014, MPN also launched a live tournament series called the MPN Poker Tour.
On September 20, 2019, MPN announced it will close its poker network in 2020.
The Announcement
MPN Managing Director Alex Scott posted the announcement of the network closure on the MPN blog today.
“I’m sad to confirm that Microgaming Poker Network will close next year.”
https://twitter.com/ThrillOfPoker/status/1174983922880372736?s=20
Scott went on to explain that the company has been doing an extensive review into the poker product, along with obtaining feedback from industry experts and consultants. The end result was that Microgaming needed to adopt an entirely new strategy and business model in order to be competitive in the industry. “Ultimately,” he wrote, “the poker network is not part of that vision.”
He continued, “All of us in the Microgaming poker team are committed to seeing this out with dignity. More than that, we want the poker community to have fond memories of the network we have invested so much of our time and energy in.”
MPN plans to continue operating as usual, complete with the tournaments and cash games to which players have become accustomed. Everything will move forward with the same promotions until the final close date is determined and publicized.
At this point, Scott estimated that the network will close in the second or third quarter of next year.
Until then, player funds will remain safe, separate from operating funds and safe.
An incredibly sad day for poker. Networks that genuinely care about the player, like MPN, are a dying breed in modern poker sadly. Very sad to hear todays news
— Williams (@williamsSAFC) September 20, 2019
Sites Affected
Currently, there are 17 sites on the Microgaming Poker Network, according to the MPN website.
Scott said that every poker room told him they intend to find a new poker software supplier. When ready, MPN will help the site operators make smooth transitions to their new virtual homes and make sure player accounts and information are migrated properly.
The sites listed on the MPN site as a part of the network are:
–Grosvenor Poker
–One Time Poker
–Bets10
–PCF Poker
–32Red
–NordicBet
–Guts Poker
–PAF
–TouTou
–Betsafe
–OlyBet
–188BET
–Coolbet
–7777 (Belgian market)
–Red Star
–Betsson
–Adjarabet (Georgian market)
MPN Poker Tour
The MPN Poker Tour held two events this year so far. There was the Prague stop in earl May and then the London stop in mid-July.
Next up is the Battle of Malta, scheduled for October 15-22 at Casino Malta. Partnering casinos are awarding prize packages to the event, which are still in progress.
https://twitter.com/MPNPokerTour/status/1171785333039599622?s=20
Scott said the tournament will go on as planned, as well as another event to follow that will be announced in the coming months.
The schedule for the Battle of Malta includes numerous tournaments but will feature the €555 buy-in Main Event. It is called “Let the Battle Begin” and will feature five starting flights, beginning on October 16. That tournament will have a €1 million prize pool guarantee.
Last year’s Battle of Malta drew 3,816 entries and a prize pool of €1,850,760. It became the largest poker event ever held in Malta.
UCOP 2019 Running Now
The announcement of MPN’s closure came at an awkward time, as the Universal Championship of Poker (UCOP) is underway.
The online poker tournament series began on September 15 and runs through September 29 with a total of 94 events. The highlight will be the UCOP Main Event, which will take place on the last day of the series. The €110 buy-in event has a €100K guarantee.
Scott noted in his announcement that the series will run through completion as scheduled, with all guarantees remaining in place. But considering the news, some players may withdraw their funds and not play the rest of the events. Due to that possibility, Scott said, “Expect overlays.”
https://twitter.com/ThrillOfPoker/status/1171045592757178369?s=20
