Evidence is mounting that all is not well with the Merge Poker network and its flagship site Carbon Poker. Problems started a few months ago with major cashier issues affecting deposits for US players, and have continued with the high profile exit of 3 skins from their network and some problems reaching guarantees of their poker tournament event – Poker Maximus.
This post brings you the latest in an ongoing story. I’ll also highlight a much safer option for US players at the end – in the form of Lock Poker and the Revolution Gaming Network.
Merge Network – Skins Leaving
We have confirmation today that Black Chip Poker have announced they will leave Merge and join the Winning Poker Network – home to Americas Card Room (who, incidentally were previously known as Doyle’s Room!). At the same time we understand that RMP Poker and Hero Poker are also to leave Merge, though the destination of these skins is not confirmed as yet.
This will be a blow for a network which is already suffering from the recent exit of Lock Poker, who have grown to become their biggest rival after buying the Cake Network and renaming this as the ‘Revolution Gaming Network’. One theory is that Merge’s move to a new cashier and focus on sports and casino means that they see their future in the more lucrative gaming and sports-betting markets and are removing their focus from online poker.
Poker Maximus Off To A Bad Start – And Why This Could Be An Opportunity For Players
With the 3 skins (Black Chip, Hero, RPM) all pulling out of Poker Maximus on the first day, there have been some big overlays in the initial tournaments. Since the skins share the cost, this might have been the straw which broke the camel’s back, triggering the exits.
From a player perspective, this is an opportunity to enjoy some overlays – since the prize pools of this event are looking to be bigger than the sum of entries (creating some extra free prize money!). Late registration periods have been expanded in an attempt to get more players into these big-money events.
Ongoing Cashier Issues At Merge Poker
With depositing an issue for a long time now, we are hearing that US players are still having problems making credit card deposits at Merge. The move to a new cashier is supposed to solve this problem, however according to reports, there are teething troubles which have left Western Union as the only option for depositing (this has a high fee for small deposits, making it unattractive to all but the highest stakes players). I understand these issues are a focus area and will let you know when they are solved.
Some Good News – An Increased Bonus!
Just so that it is not all bad news from Merge, Carbon Poker have increased their bonus offer for new players. This is now 200% (up from 100%) to a max of $5000 – anyone get the impression that the choice of a 200% to $4000 bonus at Lock was the reason to increase this??
More of a gimmick really, since very few of us have the $2500 lying around to claim the max, however the 200% is welcomed! Use bonus code CARBONXX to claim your bonus.
Revolution Gaming / Lock Poker Make A Great Alternative
While the fires are springing up in every corner at Merge, Lock Poker and their Revolution network are moving in the right direction – increasing their player base, adding to their stable of pros and coming up with some great promotions too. I recommend this cool looking site to my US readers as well as those worldwide, make sure you check out Lock Poker for yourself today!
