Best MPN Poker Network Sites

The MPN, formerly known as 'Microgaming Poker Network' until a subtle rebranding in 2012, has become one of the most established names in the online poker market since it was founded in 2003. Currently, MPN oversees around 30 skins on its network, many of which are attached to already-successful casinos and sportsbooks such as 32Red, Stan James and BetVictor.

Accessibility

As the 2015 winner of the EGR Poker Software of the Year and Poker Network of the Year awards, it’s no surprise that some of the best skins out there are powered by Microgaming, with BetMotion and Dhoze just two high-profile examples.

The software behind MPN's skins is powered by Flash, which makes it possible for players to either download special clients or enjoy games via their browser in ‘instant-play’ mode. There are separate Windows and Mac compatible clients available depending on your operating system. Around 10 skins currently offer a mobile MPN client, either online or as a native app – and the simplified version works well on both iOS and Android.

The software is available in over 20 languages, making it accessible to players from around the world.

User Experience

The graphics and table layout featured in MPN's software are solid, and recent additions like 'Fun View' have been specially designed with tablet players in mind. Fun View features 3D graphics and clearer fonts and cards, while players can choose from a wide range of quirky avatars and background displays.

However, while MPN's graphics and interface have plenty of plus points, the same can't always be said for player traffic. Cash game traffic is best at the low-mid NLHE stakes, while SNGs can sometimes be slow to fill up at off-peak times. MPN has an average of around 1,200 players at peak times across the week. While it might take time for some tables to fill up, the standard of player is quite middle-of-the-road and there is plenty of crossover traffic coming from online casinos.

Promotions

MPN has a number of high-value guaranteed tournaments, including the Saturday 'Big Night In', the ‘Mosh Pit’ and the ‘Sunday Drive’, all offering a deep-stacked structure to ensure you’ve usually got a chance to bounce back from a bad streak and maybe even win the tournament. MPN launched its own series of live events, the MPN Poker Tour, in 2014, and the series has gone from strength to strength. The 2016 tour will kick off in Austria with a moderate buy-in and a high-value guaranteed prize pool.

Qualifying satellites are available for MPN Poker Tour live events across all skins. Level 1 Flip Sit 'n' Gos are priced at €0.25, but an €11 freezeout offers €190 Sunday final tickets. From there, a Main Event live seat can be won, or a package worth €1,500.

In keeping with other networks, MPN recently introduced an 'Achievements' system based on social gaming. By completing certain missions in games, players on MPN skins can build up awards and share them with friends on social media. Rewards include a 'Pimp My Client' feature which can be used to configure your own lobby and a 'Live Wire' award – special tokens given to players to use in qualifying for MPN live events.

Security and Support

MPN is based in the Isle of Man in the UK, which means it has agreed to comply with British and EU laws. The management run it with the support of their clients; the Network Management Board allows its online poker rooms to play key roles in the future of the network by giving them the chance to submit proposals for developments and change.

To ensure that all deals are completely random, the network has all hands played on its software reviewed monthly by independent testing agency eCOGRA. The agency issues a report on how random the deals were, and these reports are then made available in MPN’s software, ensuring a refreshingly high level of transparency.

MPN itself doesn't list a support number, but if players do encounter problems they’re encouraged to contact the customer support team at the poker room they’re playing in for assistance.