Playtech's iPoker rolls out source-based rake
Poker network aiming for new rake allocation method to be introduced to dot.it and dot.com markets as of 1 January
Playtech’s iPoker network is aiming to roll out its “revolutionary” new rake allocation method to its dot.it and dot.com networks in January, eGaming Review has learned.
The new method, dubbed source-based rake (SBR), has been trialled by the firm in the Italian market since July with a number of licensees running a simulation of SBR in order to evaluate its performance.
eGR understands the results have been deemed a success and iPoker will introduce SBR to the dot.it market on a permanent basis as of 1 January 2015, at which point it is also aimed to be introduced to the dot.com network.
The introduction is set to be phased, however, with iPoker’s Spain and France-facing networks set to wait beyond January.
SBR changes the way in which individual player value is calculated and bases it on two weighted aspects: the revenue generated by a player for licensees by turning deposits into rake and whether they deposited money into the network.
A higher player value will be attached to depositing players coming through acquisition, reactivation and cross-sell campaigns, with the aim of preventing intra-network cannibalisation while creating benefits for operators promoting poker to a recreational audience.
SBR will only be applied to cash games and Sit N’ Gos – multi-table tournaments and Twister Poker games will not be included.
Its trial was however criticised by one of iPoker’s leading licensees in Italy who claimed the changes would have a negative effect on its business.