In what poker software provider Dobrosoft describes as "...an
amicable arrangement" it was revealed this week that the
America's Card Room (ACR) online poker network is changing to the
Swedish Ongame poker software, taking some but not all of the poker
room *skins* with it to the PokerNetwork.
The changes came to light after online poker players started posting
on the gambling fora that changes seemed to be taking place, leading
to public statements on the 2+2 poker forum and subsequent media interest.
Nicholas Aron, general manager for ACR's myPokerNetwork confirmed
that the network had left Dobrosoft software for Ongame, and revealed
that the following poker rooms would be part of the move:
- Americas Cardroom - http://www.acrpoker.com
- Poker Shootout - http://www.pokershoutout.com
- Aloha Poker - http://www.alohapoker.com
- BetMaker Poker - http://www.betmaker.com
- Casual Poker - http://www.casualpoker.com
- DSI Poker - http://www.dsipoker.com
- Fabulous Poker - http://www.fabulouspoker.com
- Live Action Poker - http://www.liveactionpoker.com
- NetPoker24 - http://www.netpoker24.com
- Panther Poker - http://www.pantherpoker.com
- Poker Stand - http://www.pokerstand.com
- Poker Playground - http://www.pokerplayground.com
- PST Poker - http://www.pstpoker.com
- Delta Poker - http://www.deltapoker.com
It appeared as InfoPowa went to press that the other poker room skins
formerly with the ACR network were being temporarily held under Miami
Poker, but that these sites would ultimately join a new and independent
network to be branded The Association of the Independent Game Room Operators
currently being put together by Dobrosoft and scheduled for launch in
June or July 2005.
Vinko Dobrosevic of Dobrosoft told InfoPowa that the split had been
amicable after a four year association with ACR.
"The primary reason for switching software was inability
as a stand alone to create a sufficient critical mass to keep the rooms
interesting to new players," he said. "The decision
was made by BetCris as the parent company of ACR. We parted as friends
and BETCRIS is keeping the present licensing rights for Dobrosoft software
and may consider using it in the future. Because of the limitations
of the new software platform ACR was allowed to bring only a restricted
number of franchises to the new network."
Explaining the Miami Poker situation, Dobrosevic said that rather than
losing or closing down those ACR franchisees that were not going across
to Ongame, it had been agreed that Miami Poker would temporarily add
those franchises to its license and provide the same services as they
had on ACR. Dobrosoft agreed to assist in handling communication with
franchisees for the first two months of the operation. Miami Poker is
apparently owned by a European brick and mortar casino operator and
their marketing is primarily focused on European players.
One thing stood out in the matter ... communications with the playing
community could have been much better handled by the companies involved,
obviating the speculation and confusion that was evident on several
poker-oriented message boards.