Practical Valuation Of Poker Players

Ongame's new Essence technology values players by playing style

This week has seen the launch of innovative player-focused technology by Bwin subsidiary Ongame, which operates a large online poker network to which betting giant Betfair recently signed

Branded 'Essence' the new technology comprises a real-time algorithm that sees players valued according to their style of play.

Essence has now been applied to cash games across Ongame's global poker network in order to capture what a spokesman described as a ‘truer value of all players by factoring in their styles of play and relative performances over the previous 90 active days'.

“Today's player valuation shift changes the online poker industry's aging business model forever and ushers in a healthier poker system for Ongame Network's partners,” the spokesman said. “Essence adjusts the player mix by making it more profitable for network partners to attract and retain the most valuable players while still being able to welcome everyone to the online tables.”

Essence has already been endorsed by Ongame internet poker partners, and the generation of player points, the common currency on which clients' loyalty programmes are based, is now linked to the Essence model.

Martin Lerby, head Of Ongame Network,said, “Style-of-play gives a truer reflection of an online poker player's worth. Our Essence-powered business model leads the industry by using this new valuation to embrace all players for the benefit of all network stakeholders."

He added that Essence accounts for how players interact with his firm's poker system including game and level choice, frequency and timing of play, opponent and table selection, pot contribution and playing speed.

“Ongame Network's approach to player valuation is refreshing and is one of the many reasons Betfair.com chose to join this poker network,” said Daniel Svard, head of poker for Betfair.com.