IPN May Introduce Fines

Europe’s largest independent online poker network, the International Poker Network (IPN), could be about to implement fines for operators that do not attract enough recreational players.

According to numerous reports out over the past week, IPN’s operator, Boss Media AB, is considering the move in November for operators whose payout ratios are considered too low.

The payout ratio is determined by dividing the total cash game winnings by the sum stake with unofficial reports suggesting that Boss could begin fining licensees who percentage exceeds 99.8 percent of total stakes in any month.

The plan is allegedly to redistribute the funds obtained through the fines to skins that show a monthly payout ratio of less than 97.5 percent of total stakes.

As all IPN licensees use a common e-wallet system, WebDollar, the provider would be able to easily assess payout ratios for each skin with accuracy. Reports suggest that the minimum fine would be half an average day’s gross rake with a maximum of 3.75 times this daily average.

The poker network welcomed its three millionth player in July and also recorded a 14 percent increase in active daily players alongside a 22 percent rise in maximum concurrent competitors. This was in addition to a 28 percent swell in daily registrations.

In June, Boss signed a strategic alliance with software developer CryptoLogic Limited to add poker licensees including ExtremePoker.com, ClassicPoker.com, Opoker.com, DTDPoker.com, BetJacks.com, InterPoker.com and ParBet.com to the IPN. The Network already included such leading brands as CelebPoker.com, PokerHeaven.com, BetClick.com and ParadisePoker.com.