Online bookmaker Betsafe announced today that it would take its poker room off the CryptoLogic Network
and join Ongame's poker network instead. The timing of the departure was not announced.
The news is only the latest in a string of such announcements. In October, anchor site William Hill
declared its intention to move from CryptoLogic to iPoker Network, after which CryptoLogic announced
a merger with IPN. The IPN merger was to take effect this month, and the turmoil has sent CryptoLogic's
member sites scrambling to find new homes and better deals.
In November, SunPoker released a statement that it would follow William Hill to iPoker Network.
Earlier this week, Playboy Poker annouced that it would close rather than
change networks due to poor performance.
A press release regarding the Betsafe departure follows.
Ongame Network makes a safe bet with Betsafe
Gibraltar, January 15, 2009 - Ongame Network Ltd, a subsidiary of the bwin Group and a leading provider of online poker software, has recently signed a partner agreement with Betsafe. With more than 150,000 customers from more than 100 countries, Betsafe is considered a perfect match for Ongame Network and consistent with the network’s strategy to sign up established brands in one of the world’s largest poker networks.
“We feel confident that Betsafe is the right partner for us, and we are looking forward to a successful and long lasting partnership. Betsafe has the knowledge and expertise needed, and contributes to the liquidity of an interesting customer segment perfectly suited for Ongame Network”, says Kevin O’Neal, Press Officer at bwin Group.
Since its launch in January 2006, Betsafe has steadily grown into one of the most trustworthy and appreciated gaming companies on the market. In 2008 Betsafe received the award for “The World’s best bookmaker” from the gaming magazine TIPS, and has now decided to focus and develop their poker product offering.
”We looked into many options but when the possibility with Ongame Network arose, it was an easy choice. Ongame Network has a great selection of tournaments, promotions and is a leading innovative poker software supplier. We are now in a position to offer a world class poker product”, says Henrik Persson, CEO at Betsafe.
About Ongame Network:
Ongame Network is one of the world’s largest poker networks and a leading supplier of online and mobile poker software. The network includes more than 30 of the e-gaming industry’s strongest brands, and more than 40,000 players play concurrently at peak times during the day. The company offers both operators and their players a wide variety of ring games and tournaments to choose from every hour of every day. Ongame Network is a subsidiary of bwin Interactive Entertainment AG, a leading provider of online gaming entertainment. Further information can be found at www.ongamenetwork.com.
