As of today, PokerAffiliateSolutions will begin referring to the Entraction Network as "IGT Poker." The Entraction Network webpage has moved to the IGT Interactive site and in a recent press release, IGT stated that "all Entraction products will be shown under the IGT brand." Other online poker authorities such as PokerScout have also begun to refer to the network under the new brand. Last May, International Gaming Technology (IGT) purchased all outstanding shares of Entraction Holding AB in an effort to advance the company's position in regulated online gambling markets. IGT is a global company based in the United States with a market cap of almost $5 billion, making them one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world. The company recently announced that they would be acquiring social media gaming company Double Down. While IGT Poker looks to enter the U.S. in a future regulated market -- they have already applied for a license in Nevada -- the network has been struggling in Europe, with traffic down over 50% in the last 12 months according to PokerScout, likely due in part to the network's banning of certain top countries including Canada and Russia. PAS publishers can currently promote NoiQ on IGT Poker.
Bodog has always been thought to be among the last gambling companies that would ever leave the US market, but on Tuesday, Bodog surprised many by announcing that the brand would no longer service the US market by the end of 2011. On the surface, this looks to be another major blow to US players and affiliates; however, in a Calvinayre.com article on the news they indicate that the move is nothing more than a rebranding for US players: It will mean the end of the Bodog era in the US but Morris Mohawk Gaming has been operating the brand in the US Market for the last 5 years so other than a name change, it should be business as usual for US punters. So what was the reason for change? Was it due to Black Friday? Not really. It has more to do with the fact that Bodog is expanding globally, which includes a Bodog UK license granted by the UK gambling commission. Effectively, Bodog does want their status in the US market to negatively affect their regulated status in the United Kingdom and possibly elsewhere in Europe. At this point, there seems to be little effect on US players and affiliates after 2011 (assuming no other major industry changes). The biggest change will be for affiliates to market the new site. The Bodog brand is one of the most recognizable and marketable in the industry. It will certainly take some time and perhaps a bit of creativity to attract players to the new site, but affiliates that stay on top of the developments can take advantage of these changes. We are being told that players will be moved over to the brand by the end of year. Affiliates should be also comforted in the fact that affiliates will not "lose" these players. Full statement can be read below: Following recent news that Bodog UK has been granted a gambling license by the UK Gambling Commission, we are pleased to announce further developments to the Bodog brand going forward. As highlighted last week, Bodog UK’s CEO, Patrik Selin believes the trust and credibility that having a UK license brings to the brand will benefit customers and allow him to attract the best talent in the industry to work with him. However, in order to ensure the brand’s expansion is not affected by negative perceptions, both in the UK and elsewhere in emerging markets such as Asia, where Bodog88 is already successful, a decision has been made to withdraw the Bodog brand from the US market at the end of 2011. As a result, the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group’s (MMGG) brand licensing agreement will be allowed to expire on 31 December, following which US residents will no longer be able to access bodog.eu or any other Bodog branded website. We understand that MMGG will launch under its own brand in 2012, licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. All Bodog.eu clients’ funds will remain safe and they will have the option to switch to a new MMGG brand should they wish but MMGG confirms it’s business as usual. This decision presents a fresh direction for the Bodogbrand.com as it looks to create a new chapter in its history. The move will enable the Bodog brand to continue its growth and expansion and maintain its position as the world’s largest gaming brand.”
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