Jonas Odman on the Bodog Network Software Update

Interestingly, if Jonas was wrong, nobody would get angry would they?   I think the storm of anger is coming from fear that what bodog is doing is the future of the entire industry.  

In any poker network economy, only 6% of all players are net winners.
So it’s a no brainer about who needs ‘looking after’ … the 94% !!

By the way, we will be happy to let industry members post an opinion.  Players who want to communicate with bodog, need to contact bodog or go to a player forum however.  This is an industry facing site only and we want to keep the discussion at that level. 

Thanks

I don’t think this is the issue since the recreational players this system is targeted at don’t think like this and the sharps are not really even wanted so the can just go play somewhere else can they not? The sharper players definitely are not going to like a system that levels the field and give these recreational players more value.  Thats the only real issue here, everything else is just window dressing.   Also, clear based on history that these issues you mention can all be done on the conventional systems, this is how we all know about them is it not?     Anyway, Bodog spent a lot of time and money on this so they are not going to stop this until its run its course and their theories are proven or otherwise.    

I personally think this has the potential to be good for the entire industry, whether they can see it yet or not.  Bodog Poker is paying the price to run the experiment live and for that they should be given credit.

[...] a few words from the Bodog Network VP explaining why Bodog Network implemented anonymous tables: http://calvinayre.com/2011/12/01/pok…ftware-update/ [...]

You could rename the Bodog Poker Open to the Blindfolded Poker Open.  You have taken all of the social aspects out of the game that recreational and professional players both enjoy.  You have instilled fear in many players that there will be rampant botting and collusion now.  Which we have absolutely no way to know of, except for you telling us to trust you.  With all the scandals that have happened in the poker world, trust us, isn’t nearly good enough. 

You state that this is more like playing poker in a casino when you don’t know anyone… sure it is for the first 5 seconds.  After I’ve played with people in a casino, I have a memory and eyesight so I can see how they play and remember that for future use.  When I go to the bathroom in a casino and come back and everyone at the table is the same, I still know what’s going on.  When I go to the bathroom playing in a game on bodog, and I come back, have 5 different players sat down?  I don’t know, they are all still called #1, #2 etc.

People are angry, because this really isn’t poker anymore with everything you have done to it.. it’s some weird type of video game.  Frankly I think the people you are trying to protect should be totally offended by this.  You either think they are such idiots they need you to protect them because they can’t do it themselves.  Or you really just don’t want anyone playing poker anyway, you’d rather have them dumping money on sports with the bad, favorite shaded lines u put out.  I don’t see you trying to protect the net depositors from laying a point more than they have to.  

You say net depositing players make the most revenue for your site.  I’d really love to see the books on that one, unless you think deposits = revenue.  If that’s the case you might as well team up with FTP.  Deposits by themselves do nothing for ur bottom line other than add a number to the liability sheet.  You only turn these deposits into revenue through rake.  Who rakes more, someone playing multiple tables 6+ hours per day, or one of the recreational players that play 200 hands a week?  Not to mention the exorbitant fees on cashouts, but I’m pretty sure I generate more revenue for your site than someone playing 200 hands a week.  

You will have less games going at all times by pushing winning players away.  These players are the ones that start games and keep them going when they are short handed.  The winning players that don’t leave, will probably make just as much or more than before.  Believe it or not, even most bad players know when they are overmatched and could quit playing with someone, or simply avoid them all together. They want to play because it’s fun, or challenging.  Now they are playing simply a seat called #1 where is the challenge in that.  

Aaron,

Thanks for comments.

I have
played online poker myself since 2000 and I disagree with you. The social
aspect of online poker is not that important anymore, and we have not taken
away everything. Player can still chat with each other, and players still have
screen names, it is just that they are now Anonymous (Player 1, Player 2, etc) and
temporary.

And of
course it is still poker—it is just anonymous poker. A good player will still
make a profit. Winning players using player tracker software have just lost a
part of their edge and will have to adjust.

And
regarding revenue. Money can only move in and out of an online poker eco-system
in three different ways: deposits (IN), withdrawals (OUT) and rake (OUT). Over
a long period, deposits equals withdrawals plus rake. Losing a withdrawing
player will actually increase our long term revenue, even though winning
players find it very difficult to accept that. Some of our competitors do not
understand this concept either and run rake races and other promotions to
attract more withdrawing players.

[...] Originally Posted by fletchdad I guess we cant hold this against Becky, as I dont think she makes the decisions(?) But, Becky, you were always fast with answers, and now you are not. Is it because a. you just dont have any? b. you are overwhelmed at the negative response (but, seriously, was it not kinda a given?) c. you are taking the complaints to a higher level and waiting to see if bodog want to remain a site players will go to? Hey guys, Apologies if you're feeling neglected, I didn't mean to make you feel that way at all! However, you are right, I have absolutely nothing to do with the decisions made at Bodog Network. My role is the Lead On-Site Reporter for CalvinAyre.com and the Fact Checker for Bodog Brand. I'm here to clear up facts for you guys and assist you if CS is unable to help to your satisfaction. I do appreciate your feedback though and I will pass it on to the Bodog Network Management. In the meantime, here's some words from the Bodog Network VP on why these changes in the software have been made and if you experience any issues with the software, please give CS a call, they will be happy to assist! Jonas Odman on the Bodog Network Software Update [...]

I think the anonymous feature is a really great idea.  After playing for a couple of days, I think it really does work well.  It brings back the feeling of playing in a casino for the first time.  Poker Tracking software does not help the game and is an unfair advantage to those using it.  The only thing I cannot stand is that you cannot select your seat and the cards are a little hard to read, too much is covered.  Will you be adding the option to change your seat.  It makes it really confusing when switching tables.  Also, please add an option to not show the Switching Tables option when tournament tables are consolidated.  Otherwise, liking the update.

[...] are those of the Author and do not necessarily reflect those of CalvinAyre.com Related Posts Jonas Odman on the Bodog Network Software Update Jonas Odman December 1, 2011 Getting Hot [...]

Burnin,
Thanks for your feedback!

We will add a seat selection feature within a few months, and we will make enhancement to the readability of cards and text. I know it is not perfect yet.

[...] Bodog Poker software update breaks new ground, ruffles old feathers Bodog was the talk of the online poker world this week following the rollout of its new software update, the key feature of which is the anonymous tables. Bill Beatty covered the potty-mouthed pouting that resulted from sharps who found themselves deprived of their former technological advantages/crutches. [...]

[...] is partially retired and spends a lot of time on his iGaming industry media site, CalvinAyre.com. Here are some words from the Bodog Network VP on why some of the poker software changes were made. Thanks, Becky __________________ Rebecca Liggero (Bodog Becky) Global Brand Ambassador, [...]

[...] about Bodog Poker’s new anonymous poker tables and their reasons behind the move. Essentially Bodog wanted to protect its players from poker sharks and the other predators who circle the waters of online poker. They wanted to [...]

also the flops go very fast and we dont see the cards one at a time I would like the cards to show longer .

I think that online casino would go really great on our native reserve here in Ontario Canada. We are the largest reseeve in Canada Six Nations near Toronto Ontario. We are currently in the process of bringing a land base casino as well.

[...] segment of the poker community has been vitriolic but not entirely unexpected. Bodog Poker VP Jonas Odman took the brunt of the comments but was completely unapologetic about the switch, as he knew he was doing the right thing. Along [...]

[...] one of our features last week, he said: “The only way to grow poker is to attract more recreational players and to give them a [...]

[...] [...]

[...] Minute Ago (1/15/2012 5:37pm) in reply to sirjwab http://calvinayre.com/2011/12/01/pok…ftware-update/ [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I have said for years that (some [...]

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Chuck that’s a great idea.  Are you on facebook?

[...] now there is a lot of anti-pro sentiment from the online poker industry. Sites are blocking data-mining, removing winning players, creating anonymous tables and making other moves in the name of [...]

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