The granddaddy of poker, Doyle Brunson, may be shaking up his eponymous poker site, Doyle’s Room. Due to recent legal action in the United States, Microgaming has required all of their software license holders to deny any all US player’s registrations. As a result, Doyle’s Room has announced that they plan to become part of the Cake Poker network.
A Kentucky judge ordered the seizing of over 100 domain names for popular online poker and casino sites last week. The list included popular sites like Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, Ultimate Bet, and others. While no domains have currently been seized as none of these gambling rooms are based in Kentucky, it has introduced many legal complications into the already murky field of online gambling.
To prevent any further legal troubles, Microgaming has officially revoked access to United States based players. Doyle’s Room, which features the name and likeness of Texas-born Brunson, caters to the US market. To maintain their market share and continue the growth of the Doyle’s Room brand, they have decided on an emergency split with the popular Microgaming software group.
Currently, most US players should retain access to Doyle’s Room and other Cake Poker properties. To insure no legal liability, Cake Poker has temporarily blocked access to US players residing in Kentucky.
The Kentucky ruling has affected more business than just Doyle’s Room. US-based Playboy Casino has announced they may have to cease operations as a result of recent legal issues. Being unable to access a US market has severely hindered the new poker room as the Playboy brand name is most marketable in the United States and Canada.
With an estimated 50% of all online poker players hailing from the United States, it remains to be seen how recent legislation will effect the long-term profitability for the online gaming industry.
The Cake Poker Network focuses on providing quality software to both American and European customers. Developed originally for the Cake Poker poker room, other network members include MySportsBook and RedStarPoker.eu.
