Unibet has officially announced that it launches its standalone client in mid-January. Users of the room will be able to play in the Microgaming pool until February.
In January 2014, Unibet Poker discontinues its offering through the Microgaming network and will continue to operate as a standalone room. Players of the room will be able to access the pool of the Microgaming network until February.
With the new client, several changes will be implemented. First of all, it will not allow the use of utility software, such as HUDs, and rake will be lowered on lower limits. Unibet is a lead operator in the sports betting and casino gaming markets and they aim to provide easier access to these offerings for poker players and vice versa. Specifics on the technical side of this have not yet been released. The new proprietary software is being developed in cooperation with Estonia-based Relax Gaming.
Reasons for Unibet parting ways with the Microgaming network may include the room’s aforementioned services and its resulting ability to maintain a sufficiently large player pool and a healthy ratio of recreational players on its own.
"This project has given us the possibility to start from a blank piece of paper and define everything we believe is important for a fun poker experience. In a way, our goal is to bring the fun back to poker by creating software with a clear focus on the casual player," Unibet’s Head of Gaming Daniel Eskola stated.
The new client will be released for the PC, Mac, as well as the iOS and Android platforms. Players can alter the 3D visualisation of the background, change their avatars as well as screen names and complete challenges.
The Microgaming network is currently the 7th on the .com market traffic list but the loss of Unibet will most likely be a major blow to its player liquidity.
