Fortune Poker Shuts Shop

Fortune Poker started operating online back in 2004, but now after nine years has decided to pull the plug on its poker offering. The Malta-licensed site is a member of the International Poker Network (IPN), but come March 31st will cease  operating altogether, with its cashier remaining open until April 2nd.
The IPN network has seen its traffic continuously decline of late, and over the past six months alone has lost one-third of its players. According to Pokerscout, IPN is currently ranked 26th overall in traffic, with a 7 day average of just 330 players.
Only last month, another IPN skin PokerKings ceased operating after giving 2 weeks notice, and questions are now being asked whether it may soon suffer the fate of the old Cryptologic Network, which closed in 2009. At the time, CryptoLogic VP of Product Development Justin Thouin, explained the constraints of running an online poker room, including employing poker room managers to organize tournaments, hiring full fraud and collusion teams, and liaising with land-based tournaments in order to have feeder systems.
As of yet, there are no signs that Fortune Poker players will experience difficulties retrieving their funds, although they would be advised to withdraw their money by the stated dates in order to avoid any delays. However, after April 15th any issues regarding payments will be addressed by the IPN network.
Explaining its decision to shut shop, Fortune Poker posted a notice on its site stating:  “With many changes in the online gaming industry, it has been a struggle to continue to support our players and affiliates to the fullest. While we have grown very fond of our Players, Partners and Affiliates – we regret to inform you that Fortune Poker has made the unfavorable decision to close its gaming/poker operations.”