Microgaming's Alex on the Future of Online Poker and Network Closure

Microgaming's managing director, Alex, has been deeply involved in the poker industry for 15 years. His journey includes stints at PokerStars for 4.5 years and Full Tilt for 1.5 years, where he witnessed significant events like the 'Black Friday' and the subsequent acquisition by PokerStars.

Alex joined Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) in 2013 as a consultant for fair play. His initial role involved assessing the current state of fair play within the network, leading to several improvements that he is proud of. He later took on the role of heading the entire poker department. One of his notable achievements is the MPN Poker Tour, which started with just 83 players and one company representative but has since grown to attract hundreds of participants.

Despite these successes, MPN has decided to close its poker network this year. Alex attributes this decision to the changing landscape of the poker industry, where players prefer the best products from specialized providers rather than a single all-encompassing service. He also notes that the poker product was once a key driver for obtaining licenses but is no longer the primary focus for operators.