The Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) has confirmed that it is to adopt the Weighted Contribution method of rake calculation.
The current method of rake calculation, which the network describes as the ‘contributed method’, allocates rake between operators in proportion to the number of players they had in the hand, regardless of the relative contributions to the pot.
“This approach had a tendency to confer greater benefit for operators with a higher proportion of rakeback players and consequently did little to discourage the negative consequences associated with that practice,” a MPN spokesman explained this week.
“The new Weighted Contribution method is similar to the contributed method, except that the rake is allocated proportionally based on the amount contributed to the raked pot, enabling a fairer rake distribution and encouraging operators to bring in players at a lower skill level, typically referred to as ‘fish’, whilst simultaneously discouraging the practice of rakeback.
Andrew Clucas of the Microgaming Poker Network said: “The introduction of the new Weighted Contribution will reward operators with a greater proportion of looser, ‘fishy’ type players, encouraging them to target these players proactively whilst making rakeback as a practice less attractive within the Network.
“It is believed this initiative will encourage the right sort of contributing players into the Network whilst discouraging the grinding type of behaviours which can be so negative to the health of the Network.”