Playtech iPoker Network Welcomes New Member – Betfair

The arrangements for the move of Betfair to Playtech's iPoker network have been made, it was announced this week, along with a note that the new Playtech-powered offering will be available in the Spanish and Italian markets. The New Betfair Poker on the iPoker network is a site that will run alongside the existing Classic Betfair Poker, which will continue to operate on the Ongame network for the time being. According to a company spokesman, the arrangement will give players "a varied, feature rich poker playing experience on the two leading poker networks," offering them enhanced tournament options, more tables to play on and more recreational players to play against. He also added that the new site will include the popular Speed Poker feature, as well as new and unique promotions and a rewarding loyalty scheme. "The iPoker network, owned by Playtech, currently has six million customers and is the fourth largest poker platform in terms of active players. Betfair's relationship with iPoker already extends to its casino and other gaming products," he said. In a comment on the new development, Betfair's director of gaming, Sam Hobcraft, said: "Our intention has always been to offer our customers a rewarding and varied poker experience. Launching New Betfair Poker on Playtech's platform will help us to continue to achieve this goal. It's a world-class product, offering unique and innovative features. This, coupled with Betfair Poker's renowned community and loyalty offerings will help us better retain our existing player base and attract a new audience to Betfair Poker." "Our network continues to see positive development from both a liquidity and technological standpoint, which not only benefits a large operator like Betfair but also secures Playtech's leadership in the Poker B2B market," added Roei Gavish, head of Playtech's iPoker, revealing that the move to Playtech will take place on January 21, while an exclusive network arrangement will start in July 2013. Thanks to the agreement, Betfair will become the eighth member of iPoker's top operator tier operating alongside giants such as William Hill, bet365, Titan, Paddy Power and Winner Poker.