5Dimes Parts Ways with Equity Network, Launches Grand Poker
Veteran online-gambling site 5Dimes has announced its departure from the Equity Poker Network, to launch a new solo online-poker effort, Grand Poker. Both 5Dimes and the Equity Poker Network (EPN) have released brief, amicable statements confirming the split, which takes effect immediately.
The Grand Poker site is already operational at 5Dimes.eu, and though not stated specifically on its new site, appears to be open to US play. Players must register on the 5Dimes.eu site, though the new poker platform is operated on a separate domain, 5dimes.grandpokernetwork.com.
5Dimes previously operated four sites on the Equity network, including 5Dimes.eu, Sportbet.com, IslandCasino.com, and Vietbet.eu. Vietbet did not offer poker at last report, while the poker services at SportBet and IslandCasino have been consolidated under the new Grand Poker offering. Existing player-loyalty rewards from EPN play are expected to be honored at Grand Poker, though a specific schedule detailing that has yet to be mailed to affected players.
The departure comes just a few weeks after 5Dimes figured into what appeared to have been a minor player-fraud situation on the network, involving an unnamed 5Dimes poker who also opened three accounts on EPN flagship skin Full Flush Poker, but was caught colluding and chip-dumping among the multiple accounts he controlled. That instance of fraud, which affected both 5Dimes and EPN, is not believed to have any bearing on the split between the two.
5Dimes departure follows that of Gear Poker from the EPN in August. Both 5Dimes and Gear Poker were among the first enrollees in Equity’s poker-network cooperative last November. Among the selling points pitched by EPN co-founder and spokesman Clive Archer was a “shark tax,” involving a fine (or reconciliation debit) levied against network skins who brought too many hard-core, profitable “grinder” to the site. Equity dubbed it a “recreational player” model, being one of several networks, small and large, that have attempted to find meaningful solutions to certain online-poker market imbalances.
According to the related EPN presser, the split was friendly, with EPN issuing a statement that essentially thanked 5Dimes for its initial brand recognition in helping get EPN off the ground.
The EPN statement:
San Jose, Costa Rica, (October 31st, 2014) – As EquityPokerNetwork.com (“EPN”) is only days away from its first anniversary of real-money gaming, it is also enjoying a phase of new maturity, as it better understands its own recreational player base and what makes for a great union between Network and Operator. This self-awareness brings today’s announcement that the EPN and the 5Dimes Group have ended their business relationship, effective immediately.
EPN’s infancy online was very much about attracting established Operators as part of an important push for player awareness and added liquidity, and the Network’s organic growth has allowed EPN Management to take stock of this particular ‘marriage’; the time is right for 5Dimes to move on, and both parties have mutually agreed to go their separate ways.
This separation will affect players across the 5Dimes Group, which includes the poker rooms 5Dimes.eu, Sportbet.com, IslandCasino.com, and Vietbet.eu. There will be no impact on the flagship card room, FullFlushPoker.com (“FFP”), or any of the EPN’s other skins.
The Network’s emphasis remains squarely on providing recreational players with a fun, entertaining and secure online poker experience. The team is equally committed to consolidating its position in the industry, while attracting like-minded Operators that are the right fit for the Network’s unique business model.
“We are happy with where the Network is heading, and with the steady climb in player numbers. Our month-on-month increased guaranteed prize pools, quality promotions, and consistently fast and reliable cashouts are markers of EPN’s early success, and our growing reputation amongst players,” said an EPN Spokesperson.
“We bid farewell to 5Dimes on good terms, and we wish them continued growth for the future.”
The departure of the 5Dimes sites leaves EPN with the self-promoted Full Flush Poker as its largest skin. Other EPN members include ActionPoker.com, Bellugo.com, HeritageSports.eu and PokerHost.com.
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