Partypoker players in the US have recently been greeted by a new table layout, added features, more customization choices, and new tournament offerings upon logging into their respective accounts. As announced by Borgata ambassador Michael “Gags30” Gagliano on Twitter, a major software update was rolled out across the partypoker US Network on July 16, giving a new look to all of its US-facing skins – Borgata Poker, BetMGM Poker, and partypoker.
The new appearance now sports a minimalist look, with only the most important elements displayed at the tables. Players can now choose between rectangular or oval table layouts, and can also show their chips as big blinds if they wish. While the fresh update still lacks a few other existing features on the dot-com client, such as the run it once option, the changes have generally been welcomed by American players.
The latest efforts by partypoker reflect their long-term goal – to be the dominant online poker site in the US.
In New Jersey, partypoker sits in third place, falling behind PokerStars and WSOP/888. Over the years, the site hasn’t focused much on the US market, pouring most of its resources and investments on its global client, and the reasons are quite obvious – online poker revenue in New Jersey has declined, and even if it adds Nevada and Delaware into the pool, it wouldn’t have much of an impact.
Partypoker’s US parent company Roar instead secured approval for online sports betting in Nevada, dismissing previous speculations of an online poker launch.
However, with online gambling expansion making significant progress in the whole of US, partypoker might have a change of mind. The site is preparing to launch in Pennsylvania, and could also enter Michigan and West Virginia. Once it goes live in the Keystone State, the recent software update will also apply to the PA platform. The launch could happen as early as late this year. This means PokerStars PA will be in for some tough competition.
Dominating the US Market
Being the dominant player isn’t new to partypoker. In fact, 15 years ago, it enjoyed the reputation of being the largest online poker site in the world. However in 2006, it was forced to let go of that title adhering to the Unauthorized Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. During that year, partypoker left the US market, while its major competitors continued to serve US players. PokerStars took advantage of that; it worked its way to the top and eventually grabbed the lead.
While exiting the US market severely impacted its entire operations, partypoker had good riddance as federal authorities in 2011 launched a major crackdown on illegal sites, slapping them with massive fraud charges and ultimately banning them from operating in the country. PokerStars was one of those sites.
Since then, partypoker has been working on improving its offerings and providing a better gaming environment for its players. It introduced a progressive rakeback system that benefits players, made regular adjustments to tournament structures in accordance with player feedback, chased down bots and dubious accounts to eliminate cheating, and ran volume-based promotions to attract more pros.
While the US had obviously been left out in previous efforts that will change now as the company aims to strengthen its presence in the country.
The network has been running the popular partypoker US Network Online Series which has given away hundreds of thousands in prizes so far this year.
It also partnered with premier international poker tour brand World Poker Tour (WPT) to host the first ever WPT Online Poker Open, taking place on Borgata Poker, partypoker NJ, and BetMGM Poker.
The festival took place on June 28, with the Main Event attracting an 868-entry field, generating $317,540 in total prize pool, exceeding expectation. The event was taken down by David “TheKing411” Coleman for $56,586. He also walked away with a WPT Championship Trophy, alongside an $11K package to the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic.