Poll results: iPoker top tier to comprise select few

With today marking the deadline for operators on the iPoker network to fall in line with its newly imposed set of rules, the bulk of eGaming Review readers are of the opinion that few will reach the target to enjoy the top tier of ring-fenced liquidity on the Playtech-owned network.

The highest proportion of eGR readers (50%) believe four operators or fewer will begin on the higher tier when the ‘split’ takes place this weekend, despite several more being rumoured to be in contention for inclusion.

While Playtech has made a point of not revealing the make-up of the higher tier until it is official, the likes of William Hill, bet365, Paddy Power, Poker770, Winner Poker and DafaPoker have all been mentioned as contenders, and 36% of readers suggest most or all of this group will be among the five to seven operators on the top tier.

Another leading candidate for the ‘iPoker 2’ ring-fenced network-within-a-network is Titan Poker, which increased its player base earlier this month through a merger with CelebPoker and the integration of players from the now-defunct DraculaPoker.

There have also recently been rumours of Betclic Everest joining the network, although Playtech CEO Mor Weizer was unable to comment on such suggestions when asked by eGR yesterday.

The remaining 14% of voters believe between eight and 10 skins will meet targets such as 6,000 monthly active players and a balance of player types, both of which are required for a skin to qualify for the top tier of the network, while not a single reader believes the total will be more than 10.