Internet Poker

The effect of UIEGA on Canadians

As we all know the UIEGA caused major havoc to the world of online poker. However, since the legislation, what has happened to other countries with online poker? Specifically Online Poker in Canada

Since the pull out the major sites that continue to support US players have continued to flourish, gaining customers who were regulars on other sites.  Although this is an option for international players it can be argued that the bonuses and players are tougher at these sites.  Leaving us the option to search for different places to play.

The sites that have pulled out of the US have moved the concentration of their marketing dollars to other big markets, ie. Europe and to some degree Asia.

What can be seen at the poker sites that do not allow Americans is a dramatic shift in the peak hours of operation.  The peak hours (for any country) occur in the evening between 7-11pm.  Observing the graphs at the bottom of the page at pokersitescout shows this dramatic shift.

Prior to the UIGEA the peak hours of operation for Party Poker were from 3-10pm Pacific Standard Time.  Now the peak hours are 12-4pm  PST.
What does this all mean?  Well, a dramatic shift in the number of players at each site.  Thus creating a shift in the ‘optimal’ playing hours.

Now when we log-on after work to a smaller site that focus mainly European Customers (eg: Cryptologic Sites, SunPoker, Interpoker, etc.).  The number of ring-games running is significantly lower.  However, logging on to the same site at Noon, 5-10 times as many tables are running per limit.

It’s still a good time to play poker online from Canada. And having access to all the poker sites is definitely an advantage. The optimal hours of playing have changed and adapting accordingly is important.