Entraction Poker Network Details

The Entraction Network is host to over one-hundred small sized online poker rooms, while hosting a few mid sized sites. Many of these midsized bands such as NoIQ Poker and Devilfish are new additions to their network and have helped the company become by far the fastest growing online poker site in the European market. In fact, in the six months leading up to the start of 2009, peak player volume increased over 383% at real money ring game tables.

Entraction Poker Network History

Entraction Poker Early Years – B2B Formed to Massive Growth (2000 – 2004)

The history of the Entraction Network dates back to 2000. The name at this time was not Entraction, but was their former name “B2B Poker Network”. The concept for this network was conceived in Feb 2000, and by May of 2002 they were online offering real money wagers.

It was in June of 2004 that the B2B network struck the deal that put them on the online poker map, so to speak. This is when 24hPoker AB partnered with the largest independent bookmaker in Scandinavia, Unibet Group Plc to join the B2B network. On September 7, 2004 Unibet Poker was introduced, and overnight B2B became the 10th largest poker room in the world. A position they enjoyed until early 2006.

Entraction Network Set Backs – UIGEA / Unibet Leaves (2006 to 2007)

On February 15, 2006 it was announced that 24hPoker AB had purchased the entire holdings of Unibet Group plc’s ordinary shares in B2B Poker (Sweden) AB. At the time Petter Nylander, CEO Unibet, commented “This is in line with our strategy to downright a horizontal business model with focus on customer acquisitions and retention. Unibet will achieve a better flexibility within the poker network and a better opportunity to influence the services being provided as an important customer instead of an owner.”

At the time of this sale Unibet agreed to stay on the network until 31 August 2006, and was given an option to renew the contract. This contract was not renewed and Unibet left the B2B to join the Microgaming Network. Further setbacks occurred when due to uncertainties with US law the network decided to abandon the American market.

B2B/Entraction Networks Reemergence as a top 10 site (2008 – Current)

In December, 2007 the management behind the B2B network made a number of decisions that later proved highly successful. The first decision was to rename the network Entraction. This move was to separate their network and software from the brand name B2B, which name was closely tied and associated to one of their network’s sites 24hPoker.com. In doing so, their network gained corporate appeal necessary attract higher caliber operators.

During the first 2 months of 2008, 12 operators were added to the Entraction Network. Of those rooms the most interesting addition was NastyDuck who did an amazing job taking unique branding and publicity to an extreme. NastyDuck was however trumped when Devilfish Poker opted in March 2008 to leave Ultimate Bet and head for the Entraction Network. Devilfish Poker is like branding on steroids with everything focused around the devil theme including a 150% up €666 bonus, a VIP program called the Hellfire club and more. With their spokesperson, Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot, being one of the UK’s best known poker personalities they became an instant success and brought a huge addition to the Entraction Network’s traffic numbers.

In May 2008 Entraction began developing the poker game 32 Card Draw. This is a popular game in Italy and would give their poker rooms a chance to further their presence in additional European markets. In December 2008 they partnered up with leading affiliate software provider Income Access to provide operators additional opportunities to expand affiliate promotions.

The biggest signing of 2008, came just before year’s end. On Christmas morning Europe’s most popular rakeback friendly poker site NoIQ Poker announced they were leaving the iPoker Network. A few days later Entraction was revealed to be their new home and on January 3, 2009 the network change was complete.

Comparison of traffic stats from July 1, 2008 to January 1, 2009 show that the Entraction Network has grown from having an average of 600 real money ring game players during European peak hours to an amazing 2300 of the same. This represents a 383% rate of growth, which is worth mention and has once again made the Entraction Network the 10th largest poker site in the world.