Embattled online poker site Lock Poker has left the Revolution Gaming Network. Players and industry insiders were shocked at the news, as no advanced warning was given and there was no indication of any brewing rift between Lock and Revolution. In another twist, Lock Poker has stated in a statement released to industry press that they are going to be an independent poker room and not be affiliated to any network.
Seriously?
Lock Poker stated that they, “exercise(d) its right to terminate the contract,” with the Revolution Gaming Network. They also said the contract termination came as a result of, “numerous and ongoing breaches of contract by the current network operator.” No comment was made by Lock Poker’s PR staff about what those breaches specifically were with the Revolution Gaming Network. Revolution declined direct comment on the matter, although they did respond in their own way. All players that tried using the old Lock Poker software were redirected to a new site called “Pure Poker” that stated, “Due to Lock’s ongoing financial issues, the poker service to Lock was terminated.” That statement speaks volumes about Revolution’s stance on who might actually be breaking up with whom and shows they were quite prepared to try and keep Lock’s player base on their network.
But What About My…?
In an extremely brief statement, Lock Poker let it be known that they are moving to a new software platform called “Lock Poker v2” and that all players should log into their website to download the new client. The 36-percent rakeback via affiliates and the existing VIP program will continue through the transition and beyond. All tournament tickets, bonuses, loyalty points and other perks were automatically transferred to every player’s new Lock Poker v2 account.
For those interested in learning more about Pure Poker, presumably the replacement site on the Revolution network, the website states that, “Pure Poker is offering you a chance to redeem your Lock player balance immediately. Sign up with your Lock player email here.” It would stand to reason that Revolution does not want to lose what is estimated to be a decent chunk of their player base and is offering this opportunity for players to stay on the network and keep their bankrolls in place.
He Said, She Said
To further the controversy, Lock Poker has lashed out at the Revolution Gaming Network and Pure Poker. Stated in a letter on the Lock Poker website, they say that Pure Poker’s website “contains false and misleading information.” They go so far to say that redirecting players from the old Lock Poker software to Pure Poker is, “an attempt by the network to take Lock players and damage Lock’s business via deceptive and misleading practice.”
It also remains to be seen what Pure Poker’s actual plan will be for “migrating” balances over from Lock as the two sites have no business relationship in place. Many believe that Pure Poker will offer an unlockable bonus for players, but for now, the site has stated that they are assisting players on a per-case basis to recoup funds.
But Does Anyone Care?
Much of the reaction, beyond surprise, from the poker community was of mild amusement as Lock Poker has earned a terrible reputation with players over the last year. The site has been plagued by withdrawal issues, taking as much as six months to make payments to players. It’s been known for players to even sell their balances at less than half their worth with other players simply moving on to other sites. For now, Lock Poker is on its own, free of any network and has released their own poker site software with players left to decide whether to switch to Pure Poker, or to stick it out with Lock.
