Prospects for European Shared Online Poker Liquidity

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Monday, August 28th, 2017 | Written by Charles Washington

If you keep up with the ever-changing world of online poker through various media outlets, you would already have heard the news about Italy, Portugal, France and Spain joining forces next year to share their online poker players across national borders. While excitement over the new development has got players based in these countries buzzing, some gaming analysts, on the other hand, are not getting quite so carried away, and are currently trying to figure out whether it will ultimately lead to a positive or potentially negative outcome.

This raises the question as to the reasons behind this mixed response, and why some industry experts believe that this is truly a step in the wrong direction? The answers to these questions are dealt with in this article.

Opposing Views

Although many are excited at the idea of Italy, France, Portugal and Spain sharing online poker liquidity, some people just don’t feel as optimistic about it. Since the reception of the idea has been relatively positive, many of those observing the industry believe that a merger of those four markets will stop their respective decline, but not everyone agrees with this. While pan-European online poker markets should ideally come with more cash games during peak hours, there are concerns that French players will take over the new market which could ultimately result in online players from other countries seeking out another place to play.

French Players to Dominate Action

The claims are based on an observation that French poker players have always been a stronger body than other players based in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The argument is supported with information taken from data from the World Series of Poker, where French players end up with more earnings and more bracelets than any of the other three countries. By adjusting the figures for those four country’s populations, Marco Melai, suggested that French players will end up dominating the market, and driving out their counterparts based elsewhere. This could then throw off the necessary liquidity balance currently in place, causing the project to crash and burn shortly after it even takes off of the ground.

Spanish Player Exodus

Observers in the nay camp are also of the belief that Spanish and Portuguese players will subsequently be playing less because of their lower disposable income. This means that Spanish players are then more likely to play games at unregulated, offshore poker sites that offer lower taxation and greater bonuses, and as a result potentially show less interest in regulated site. A well-known Spanish online poker player has his own opinion on the matter, stating people who play on offshore sites really do have a good reason for doing so, and he understands the appeal that comes with it. As online poker player Domingo Cerrado explains:

“These [offshore] sites have better bonuses, better rewards, better tournaments and more cash action than you get at PokerStars España. Even for recreational players, the opportunities to win big amounts are better at offshore sites and even if the new shared market grows to be the same size [as offshore sites], I think most players will stay where they are and wait and see what happens.”

In terms of the oft quoted assertion that regulated poker sites are a safer destination for players to keep their money, Cerrado was keen to highlight the fact that he has always been paid by these operators. He did, however, acknowledge that some of his friends have lost money at unregulated sites in the past, including at Full Flush Poker. Nevertheless, Cerrado was quick to point out that players on regulated sites also take the risk of not getting paid, such as those who played on Europoker and PKR. As he then explained:

“Where was the player protection then? Some players don´t even know they are playing at offshore sites, so when they see PokerStars España is now PokerStars Europa it will be the same site to them and give them no reason to change.”

Remains to be Seen

Who can say what is going to happen with Spain, Portugal, Italy and France after they beginning sharing their online poker player liquidity? There are arguments on both sides that are strong, and raise good points. Even so, it is always good to be optimistic over new developments and changes to the poker landscape. Needless to say, there have been changes before that people were wary about, only to have them work out for the better in the end, and this could certainly be one of those very same situations.