Unibet Poker is set to hit a major milestone and deal its one billionth hand five years after launching as a standalone network.
Originally part of the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN), Unibet made a break in 2014. Aiming to revamp its product and control its own future, the company partnered with software provider Relaxed Gaming.
With a new platform and its own ideas on how to improve online poker, Unibet proved it’s possible to make it alone in the industry. As per an announcement at the start of July, the site is closing in on its one billionth hand.
One Billionth-Hand Windfall
To celebrate, its running a host of promotions throughout July. The winner of the milestone hand will receive €1,000/$1,120.
Everyone else in hand #1,000,000,000 will win €200/$225, while all active cash games players will get to play in a $11,120 freeroll.
Although not quite as lucrative as PokerStars’ billionth hand bonanza back in 2013, the promo a testament to Unibet Poker’s progress.
In 2016, the developers launched Unibet Poker 2.0. Introducing “fun” features and looking more like a social gaming platform than a hardcore poker site, the new software was a hit.
In the months following the update, revenue for the period was up by 65 percent. Since then heads up displays (HUDs) were banned, before Unibet Poker nixed high stakes tables in 2018.
Unibet Poker Proving Recreational Focus Works
By removing tables with buy-ins exceeding $450, the plan was to create a better ecosystem for recreational players. Although it was somewhat controversial at the time, it hasn’t hurt the operator’s popularity.
From dealing its 100 million hand in December 2014, Unibet Poker is set to hit ten figures in July.
The Road to One Billion Hands
- March 2014 – Unibet Poker launches standalone network
- December 2014 – 100,000,000 hands dealt
- September 2015 – 200,000,000 hands dealt
- March 2016 – 300,000,000 hands dealt
- November 2016 – 400,000,000 hands dealt
- June 2017 – 500,000,000 hands dealt
- December 2017 – 600,000,000 hands dealt
- May 2018 – 700,000,000 hands dealt
- October 2018 – 800,000,000 hands dealt
- February 2019 – 900,000,000 hands dealt
While Unibet Poker may sit outside PokerScout’s top ten traffic rankings, it’s an important part of the industry. By reaching one billion hands, it’s proof that catering to casuals isn’t a loss-making venture.
In fact, with PokerStars and Partypoker starting to focus on recreational players, the milestone shows how the industry has evolved over the last two decades
