The iPoker Network has confirmed a change in its network policy that will mean a divide between the network's skins into separate player pools, Pokerfuse reports.

The policy change will come into effect already on July 1, and will see iPoker introduce a new grading system for it skins.

Rooms will be graded on a number of performance indicators, which will divide the skins into a "top" and a "bottom" tier with corresponding separate player pools.

In order for a skin to be placed in the top tier, a skin must meet a set of monthly targets in terms of active players, new player acquisition, and a "scoring metric" that takes into consideration player balances on the skin.

Once the grading process is in effect, the top scoring skins will then be divided from the rest as of September 1, 2012.

Operated by Playtech, the iPoker Network is today the world's second-largest online poker network, only topped by independent PokerStars.

The network comprises more than 40 online poker skins, including those of some of the world's biggest bookmakers like William Hill, BetFred and Paddy Power, which are all expected to be placed in the top tier once the divide comes into effect.

It has formerly been rumored that these large skins have been pushing for the divide to be introduced.

However, Playtech has not commented on these reports, and has maintained that the changes are made with "the sole aim and purpose" of "maximizing end user experience."