Merge Network Expands

The Merge Gaming Network just got a little bigger. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Big Bet Poker is the Network's newest addition. The group of sites already includes ACED, Carbon Poker, Iron Duke, Poker Nordica, Reefer Poker, and Spin32. The Network happily accepts players from the United States.

In a press release distributed by Big Bet Poker on Tuesday, a company spokesperson explained the decision to launch on the Merge Gaming Network: "Merge's continuous growth in liquidity combined with our ability to accept new players from anywhere in the world provides an exciting new option for all poker players." The Merge Gaming Network has grown in popularity due to several high-profile signings. In July, Jennifer "Jennicide" Leigh signed with Iron Duke. Last month, 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Jamie Gold signed with ACED.

Big Bet Poker offers two player rewards system. The first is the standard Merge Gaming player point system. In addition, Big Bet Poker has launched its very own rewards structure. Players can exchange their hard-earned points for cash prizes, entries into sweepstakes, and merchandise. A three-tiered rewards system exists. Players start at the Bronze Level, where they receive 50 points for every $1 in rake. The Silver Level is for players with 20,000 points. They'll receive 75 points for every $1 in rake. The top level is Gold, which occurs when players accrue 100,000 points. Gold Level players receive 100 points for every $1 in rake.

Cash back for points ranges from $2 all the way up to $100, which can be had for 100,000 points. Information on sweepstakes items and merchandise available in exchange for points has not yet been posted on Big Bet Poker's website. Points can be converted to cash as soon as they are earned.

Current promotions center on sending Big Bet Poker members to some of the largest live tournaments in the world, including the World Series of Poker, PokerStars Asia Pacific Poker Tour, World Poker Tour, and Aussie Millions. While players are qualifying for these marquee land-based tournaments, they can hit the virtual felts playing Texas Hold'em, Euchre, HORSE, Omaha, Omaha High-Low, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud High-Low, Razz, Five Card Stud, Five Card Draw, Ace to Five Lowball, Deuce to Seven Lowball, and Badugi.

According to traffic ranking site PokerScout.com, the Merge Gaming Network is the 18th largest worldwide in terms of cash game traffic with a seven day running average of 345 players. Its 24 hour peak is 696 and, at the time of writing, which is mid-morning Eastern Time, 336 ring game players have taken to the felts of the Merge Gaming Network. The Network experienced a boom of traffic in January, at one point eclipsing 800 cash game players.

Big Bet Poker is licensed in Curacao. Its software features the ability to deal it twice and rabbit hunt. In addition, players will find a time bank, Quick Start option for joining a table with ease, the ability to expose just one card, and the ability to tag other players. Last month, the Merge Gaming Network's Bad Beat Jackpot was hit for a colossal $1.2 million. Both players in the monumental hand rivered straight flushes. The Jackpot's winner took home over $400,000 in the first time it had ever been hit.

All told, Big Bet Poker officials are looking forward to the relationship with the popular Merge Gaming Network. A company representative explained, "We believe that the software features combined with the outstanding tournament schedule will help us grow BigBetPoker.com into a major player in the online poker market."

(Poker News Daily)