Paf to join Microgaming Poker Network
à land-based operator follows iGame and BetVictor in making the move in recent weeks.
Paf has become the latest operator to move its online poker offering to Microgaming’s network, the à land-based operator has announced.
No specific date has been given for the migration, although it is due to take place in the near future, and Paf has explained in a statement that “The contract with Microgaming is not a replacement for Paf’s other poker networks, Ongame and Boss Media, but a complement that will bring added value to customers.”
Director Anders Wiklund explained to eGaming Review: “When we launch the new network for customers, it will be done simultaneously with us also rebuilding our complete poker experience on our website, which is likely to go live during Q1 2013. The new network is one puzzle piece in a bigger make-over of our poker experience for our customers, an experience enhancement in line with our Play Among Friends strategy.”
He added that the move is currently just for the operator’s dot.com offering, but that it “Will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.”
Paf was one of four skins to go live on Ongame’s dot.es network in June “ along with Goalwin, Pokerloco and Pokermambo “ while Microgaming’s Spanish-facing network (under the Prima Networks brand) comprises Cirsa, Ladbrokes, Betway, Interwetten and Stan James.
In moving to the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) for dot.com markets, Paf will join fellow Nordic-facing operators Betsafe and Unibet, while iGame’s Finnish-facing Pokerihuone brand will also move onto the network as part of the Malta licensee’s migration from IGT Poker.
BetVictor has already gone live with Microgaming after migrating from IGT, although it already sat on the MPN for selected markets not served by the American-owned network.
Noting that the MPN remains in discussions with other “major operators” keen on joining the network, Microgaming head of network games Lydia Melton said: “The technological and managerial advances we have made with the MPN over the last year make it the natural choice for operators, and we are confident that the MPN will meet all of Paf’s requirements. We’re delighted to have such a unique operator on board, and very much look forward to working with them.”
Following its move to the network, Paf will take on board Microgaming’s True Value rake calculation method, which came into force in July and prides itself on being “friendly to recreational players.”