Online gaming software provider Microgaming has announced the imminent closure of the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN), one of its oldest flagship operations.
Microgaming has not disclosed an exact date but aim to have the network closed down by 2020.
In a statement issued on its official website, the company advised that MPN was deemed unnecessary after an exhaustive internal review of its online poker product portfolio and strategy.
MPN was launched over 16 years ago and has been instrumental in shaping the world of online poker. Its closure is sure to affect poker players everywhere.
The final curtain
While Microgaming has not settled on a specific date, they are aiming to complete the closure process by the second or third quarter of 2020. MPN has outlived its usefulness and no longer has a role to play in future strategies, according to the firm.
Alex Scott, Microgaming’s poker head, stated that the company wants the poker community to “have fond memories of the network.” Business will continue as normal until the network’s shutdown, previously scheduled online tournaments, live events, cash games, and promotions will not be affected.
This at least means that the ongoing Universal Championship of Poker and MPN Poker Tour will still take place.
Are Players’ Funds Safe?
Scott said that players need not worry about any funds that are currently with MPN poker rooms. Operations will continue as usual for the moment and all existing MPN rooms have informed Microgaming that they would find a new poker supplier. Microgaming has, in turn, assured them of a smooth transition.
Players are free to withdraw any funds that they currently have with MPN. Scott explained that as a condition of operating on the poker network, “each of our poker rooms is required to, at minimum, segregate all player funds from its operating expenses.”
Scott assured fans of online poker games that scenarios like these have already been well planned for. Addressing potentially concerned gamblers, he advised that the closure of the network will have “no impact on the safety of your funds.”
Microgaming’s shutdown of MPN is far from a signal that the company wishes to walk away from poker. On the contrary, it forms part of a larger strategy that the company’s CEO, John Coleman, says will actually help them adopt a new strategic direction for the vertical.
