US Poker Week in Review July 28 2013

The regulated online poker industry saw three big stories this week.  Ultimate Poker’s approval of its second generation software came this week.  The new platform could be available as soon as this coming week.  The new features are unknown, but what is not coming is new games.  The newest version of Ultimate Poker’s software will still only offer Texas Hold’em.  Omaha and Stud players will have to wait to play their game online in Nevada.

The Ultimate Poker VIP program will roll out with the software update.  There will be ten tiers, which includes 8 monthly tiers and 2 annual tiers.  The annual tiers will use a base of $10,000 and $100,000 in rake.  The VIP program will use the winner takes all formula. This means that the only player that wins the pot will earn any VIP points.

Zynga Says No to U.S. Online Gambling

Zynga had been a regulated online gambling stock play in the U.S. but that all changed this week.  The company announced that it will not be entering the U.S. regulated online gambling market.  Zynga’s real money Party Network skin will continue to operate in the United Kingdom.

PokerStars Sends Survey to New Jersey Players

PokerStars emailed New Jersey players in its database a survey asking a number of questions.  This was an attempt to test how players feel about the PokerStars brand.  The survey asks players how they feel about the return of the PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker brands.  It also tries to test the poker experience and brand recognition of its past players.  The PokerStars brand continues to be strong in the United States over two years after it left the market.

2UP Gaming in Market to Purchase Atlantic City Casino

UK-based 2UP Gaming has raised $331 million to either acquire or build an Atlantic City casino.  This move is an attempt to enter the regulated New Jersey online gambling market where online poker and casino games will be permitted.  Only brick and mortar casino owners will be able to operate an online casino in New Jersey.  Software companies may partner with operators.