GGPoker has paused a prominent component of its platform-wide crackdown on player-backing abuses, suspending its "Designated Backer" system just days after activating it within the GGPoker user client. The pause in the designated backer component isn't due to pushback from backing networks, but has instead been caused by unforeseen technical complications.
The new designated backer feature went live on April 26, but was pulled after little more than three days of active implementation. Complications arose when players and site techs discovered that some tournament re-entries had been inadvertently disabled by the software patch that implemented the new feature.
GGPoker announced the hold on the designated-backer feature via in-client messages, stating, "We have identified an issue with the Backing feature, introduced on April 26th, that inadvertently prevents late registration. To address this, we are immediately suspending the Backing feature along with the requirements to declare any backers."
The feature's downtime is expected to last for several weeks. “We are committed to refining this functionality and will introduce an update version with improved features and policies by the end of May," the notification continued. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance your experience.”
A GGPoker spokesman further confirmed the downtime and its temporary nature, stating, "GGPoker has temporarily withdrawn Designated Backer in order to upgrade the design and better enhance our community's user experience. We are committed to returning the improved feature in the very near future and apologize for any inconvenience caused."
Other backing restrictions remain in place
The designated backer protocol appears to be the only element of the GGPoker Network's broad crackdown against backing abuses to be affected by the programming issue. Other strengthened protocols remain in place as GGPoker continues to strive for transparency in making hidden financial relationships between players and backers available for all players at the table to see. GGPoker has also forced all backing-related transactions to be conducted within its new in-client backing transfer protocol.
Taken as a whole, the new series of restrictions on certain backing-network practices is expected to create a fairer playing environment by eliminating some of the hidden softplay and collusion that can transpire online. The entire concept of backing remains one of online poker's most controversial topics and has triggered frequent and ongoing discussion.
The situation regarding backing networks, their proliferation, and their negative impact on online poker's overall health came to the fore a month ago, when the CEO of GGPoker skin PokerOK declared war on backing networks and their various practices. The PokerOK exec also declared that GGPoker itself was supportive of the crackdown, and the introduction of the designated backer feature and other new requirements were evidence that that was indeed the case.
