The Kindred Group’s 32Red brand is to quit the poker vertical when the Microgaming Poker Network closes down next week, pointing players to its Unibet Poker sister network and the “warm welcome” to be received.
Issuing the update on-site and in communication with players, 32Red is exiting the vertical as opposed to following the path of fellow skins in finding a new home.
Grosvenor Poker recently became the latest to announce a switch to Playtech’s iPoker Network, a move which it is thought that at least half of the 16 MPN skins are to make. The Olympic Entertainment Group’s Olybet entity isn’t one however, after unveiled its transition to the GGPoker Network.
In its update to players it was explained: “We regret to announce that 32Red Poker will be closing down on 19th May, when the Microgaming Poker Network closes.
“Please note that you will still be able to continue logging into your account, accessing banking and playing our casino games at 32Red.com after the 19th May.”
Before adding on the decommissioning on its jackpots: “The Bad Beat Jackpot has been decommissioned, and all five Fish Party Jackpots will be decommissioned on 18th May. Any unused contributions will be returned to players, and any excess funds will form the prize pools of freerolls for all six Jackpots (held on 18th May).”
Closing its doors on Tuesday 19 May, the MPN cessation follows an extensive internal review of the software supplier’s product portfolio and strategy, signalling the end of a network that has provided online poker players with a number of gaming experiences for more than 16 years.
Initially detailing the news last year John Coleman, CEO at Microgaming, said of the decision: “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.”
