MPN Poker Network welcomes RedKings

In 2008, when online poker was at a global all-time high, RedKings Poker made its way onto the world wide web. As a member of the then-popular Ongame poker network, RedKings quickly rose to a position of high repute, surviving the ill-effects of Black Friday. Now, nearly a decade down the road, it’s been announced that the operator is making a big move to bring more players into the community.

While RedKings Poker has always maintained its stellar reputation, it’s chosen online poker network, Ongame (more recently refereed to as NYX following an acquisition by NYX Gaming), hasn’t performed quite as admirably. As such, the online poker site’s owner, Cyprus-based RK Operations, has decided to jump ship.

The move was announced in a press release Tuesday by the owners of the operator’s new online poker network, Microgaming. RedKings Poker has signed an official agreement to share liquidity the rest of the MPN (formerly Microgaming Poker Network) community.

MPN Online Poker Network

MPN is one of the oldest and most respected online poker networks in the industry, launched in 2003. Microgaming’s network enjoyed high rankings in the early to mid 2000’s, prior to the US passage of the UIGEA. From that point, up until the Black Friday of Online Poker, MPN’s ratings fell dramatically as Microgaming chose to withdraw from the US market in 2007, unlike its fellow rivals at sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt, who waited until they were forcibly removed 2011.

In recent years, however, MPN has whittled its way back onto the list of Top 10 Largest Online Poker Networks. According to traffic ranking site PokerScout, MPN is the 8^th largest network in the world with a 7-day average of 850 players, and 24-hr peak traffic of over 1,500. Those numbers should experience a notable increase when RedKings makes the switch, slated for sometime this week.

Comparatively speaking, NYX’s Ongame Network has experienced a steady decline in traffic over the last 6 months, dropping from a weekly average of about 140 players to just 110. Once RedKings hops off the shrinking NYX wagon, it will leave just a dozen operators sharing liquidity on the network.

In contrast, with the addition of RedKings Poker, MPN will be pooling players from over 30 different online poker sites, including major operators like 32Red, BetVictor and GUTS Poker.

RedKings, Microgaming Extol Partnership

In a statement, RedKings Marketing Manager, Michael Golembo, commented on the conversion to MPN. “This change to Microgaming software will allow us to build on our eight year old poker business by providing a much improved poker playing experience and doing what RedKings is known for, making poker fun! We’re thrilled to have agreed a poker deal with Microgaming, an expert in the industry.”

Microgaming’s Director of Network Games, Jean-Luc Ferriere, reciprocated those feelings. “It’s great to be adding another well-known poker brand to the MPN,” said Ferriere. “RedKings are joining a growing and healthy network that is committed to the player experience, offering a raft of exciting tournaments and thrilling promotions.”

In closing, Ferriere spoke directly to the members of RedKings Poker, saying simply, “Welcome to the MPN, your new home.”

Once the adjustment is made – something Microgaming confirmed will occur “this week” – members of RedKings Poker will have access to the online poker network’s wide variety of cash games and tournaments, as well as over 100 casino mini-games available directly within the poker client.