Playtech Upgrades iPoker Network Platform and VIP Program
Playtech, the software provider that powers the immensely popular iPoker Network, let it be known last month that a big upgrade to the platform was in the works. With the update looming on the horizon, the leading online poker software developer has released some information in regards to what players can expect in the near future.
First of all, a new mobile app will be integrated, allowing players that use any HTML5 or Apple iOS mobile device or tablet to participate in their favorite poker games from just about anywhere in the world. Mobile gaming has been on the rise ever since the breakout trend of Android powered Smartphones and iOS devices. In terms of supply and demand, this particular feature is sure to bring smiles to the faces of many iPoker Network users.
The second major upgrade is slated for the VIP program. As of now, PokerStars carries the best VIP program by offering serious, high-volume players a Supernova Elite status. No other poker room really compares for high stakes players – that is, until Playtech introduces its new 54-tier VIP platform. It is extremely customizable, meaning that not every operator on the iPoker Network is going to feature the same tiers and returns of VIP loyalty. They can choose to offer anything from a simplified 3-tier program, up to as many as all 54 tiers. In the long run, however, for the biggest rooms on the network, it will give them the ability to reward their heavy grinders with a much more exclusive and gratifying loyalty program. At the same time, Playtech operators won’t look like cookie-cutter poker sites, as do most networked operations.
Next on the docket is an upgrade to the tournament roster. Both SNG and regularly schedule events will receive enhancements, but not much information was released on that forefront. What we do know is that Sit n Go fans will soon have the ability to induce an instant rematch, should the players involve wish to do so. The Rematch button will appear the moment an SNG is concluded. If selected, a new and identical SNG will be automatically opened. We would assume that if just two players choose to rematch, the SNG will appear on the tournament schedule for others to join, and begin as soon as enough seats are occupied, as usual.
The iPoker Network is one of the largest online poker networks in the industry, currently listed as #3 according to the devout poker tracking website PokerScout.com. PokerStars is the clear leader, averaging nearly 22,000 active, real money players at any given time, followed by its nearest competitor, Full Tilt Poker, with about 3,100. The iPoker Network trails close behind with a 7-day average of 2,750, just 200 players ahead of Party Poker in the 4th place position.
Leading operators on the iPoker Network whose players can expect to benefit from the upcoming Playtech upgrade include Titan Poker, William Hill Poker, Bet365 Poker, Betfair Poker, Winner Poker and about 30 more brands. The network has excelled through the ranks of a vastly competitive market by supplying a throng of valuable, network-wide promotions that include everything from satellites and qualifiers with prize packages to the most prestigious live poker events around the globe, to exclusive tournament series like the iPOPs, guaranteeing more than $1 million in prizes.