Online poker operator PartyPoker has announced the removal of its “inactivity” fee imposed a decade ago.
The small admin fee was a monthly charge and was deducted from any accounts that were inactive for more than six months, and is refunded for any players who reactivate their accounts either by making a deposit, making a cash bet or wager, entering a tournament or playing a raked hand.
A company statement says the fee has been reconsidered and removed following player feedback giving suggestions for improvements.
Last year, all withdrawal fees were abolished by PartyPoker so players could access their winnings free of any charges, regardless of the payment option used.
PartyPoker has also taken a number of steps aimed at improving the ecology of its poker room and promoting fair and ethical gameplay. This has included randomising seating for cash game players and anonymising local hand histories to help prevent data mining and protect both professional and recreational players.
Partypoker chairman Mike Sexton said, “Listening to players is central to everything we do at partypoker. That means absorbing all comments and complaints, whether in forums, chat rooms or on social media platforms, in conversations with our customer service team or face-to-face at live events.
“Sometimes players wish to take a break from the game, for whatever reason, without having to worry about their account balances. Players should not be charged an inactivity fee and we are pleased to be removing this historical charge with immediate effect. We also want to reassure players that, of course, they will be welcomed back at any time.”