Ladbrokes to Move to iPoker Network

UK bookmaker Ladbrokes confirmed earlier this year that they would be making the move from the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) to the rival Playtech Network iPoker, and that move will finally take place on December 21st. There's good news and bad news for Ladbrokes poker players as the move will mean a few changes, with the first of those being to choose a new screen name, as while usernames and login details will be migrated over, screen names will not. Players will also not be able to take any outstanding tournament tickets or tokens, simply due to the fact that they will not be valid for anything on the new network and Ladbrokes has confirmed that they will not be turning those into cash, with the advice being to get them used now. Other big news is that all rakeback deals will be cancelled too, Ladbrokes did state however that they would be placing all players into the highest VIP levels that they achieved during the last 12 months.

There will be a few unhappy players, especially those who have had rakeback in place for a while, but new networks usually means a new set of rules too. In other Ladbrokes news the company has cut its yearly forecasts due to a poor performance in Q3 this year and this is mainly down to its struggling online performance with that side of the business contributing just 7% to the overall bottom line. This is in stark contrast to UK bookie William Hill who has seen their online division go from strength to strength with a big jump in contributions to the overall numbers from 27% up to 47% over the same period. Hopes of a turnaround for Ladbrokes are pinned on a successful transition to Playtech software, it's poker first then Q1 will see a sportsbook transition, which will need to go smoothly so close to the World Cup 2014.