What is IDNPlay
The company, IDNPlay, is a well-known B2B provider of online gaming platforms in Asia. They have participated in prestigious conferences like G2E Asia and iGaming Summit. Their offerings include API Integration and White Label Solution for skins.
In their pursuit of becoming the biggest poker network in Asia, IDN Poker operates over 200 skins in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan. This has attracted more than 10,000 concurrent users to their platform.
IDN Poker defines itself as a high-stake lifestyle where risk is rewarded, rather than mere gambling.
IDN poker skins
There are over 200 skins available on IDNPlay, leading to the incredible traffic indicators on their network. However, most of these skins are strictly local, with limited information available in English.
From a player’s perspective, the only differences between IDN Poker skins are the language and payment methods available. Once you are logged in, the client remains the same, with only the logo changing. However, players need not worry about this, as we provide safe access to a single skin that meets our requirements.
Choosing the right IDNpoker site
The best IDNpoker site for you depends on your current location. IDNPoker has closed deals with local sites to provide service to different Asian countries. Therefore, if you live in Thailand, for example, the Thai skin would be the ideal choice.
However, we have a direct deal with ShenPoker, the flagship Malaysian skin of the IDNPoker Network, which attracts a significant proportion of traffic. We can confidently say that this is the safest option to join IDNPlay from anywhere in the world.
For players in Asia, the choice is straightforward – join your local provider who will grant you access to the games. However, overseas customers and regs need to rely on agents to participate in the games. In this scenario, it is vital to thoroughly research the background of your partner, as they will be handling all deposits and withdrawals.
IDNpoker rakeback
While IDNPlay does not offer a VIP or rakeback program for overseas players, there are still promotions available. Your agent will be responsible for providing cashback and welcome bonuses.
Please note that, as with most Asian poker sites, the promotions on IDNPlay may differ from other sites. You will typically have the option to choose the percentage of the welcome bonus, which must be released in full according to turnover, rather than being paid in small increments based on rake.
In addition, our customers will receive a top rakeback deal, paid monthly.
Rake
One peculiar aspect of IDNpoker is its rake structure. All games are charged with a 3% uncapped commission from the preflop action. In the small MTTs held on the network, the rake can be as high as 20%.
Games and traffic
IDNPlay offers a wide range of gaming options under their IDNSports brand, including sportsbooks, live casino, RNG games, poker (NLH, PLO, MTT), and lottery.
The traffic at IDNpoker is impressive, and it has been the only site to challenge PokerStars’ dominance in the past five years. While it briefly surpassed PokerStars in June 2019, it has consistently maintained its position as the second-largest poker network.
However, playing multiple tables on IDNpoker may not be feasible, given the current limitations.
Cash games
It is nearly impossible to determine the exact number of cash game tables being played on IDNPlay Poker at any given time. With over 20,000 connections, there are hundreds of tables available around the clock.
Key features of the cash games include a mix of NLH and PLO (approximately 70%-30%), games played up to NL/PLO 6k, 4/6/9-max games, minimum buy-ins of 20bb, and variable chip values based on the skin and local currency. However, the IDNPlay client only allows playing on one table at a time.
MTT
While IDNPlay does feature scheduled tournaments in the lobby, the rake is relatively high, and the tournament grid is not sufficient for serious tournament players. There are no SnG or Spins available in the lobby.
Game softness
The IDNPlay network is known for its soft player field. The traffic is predominantly Asian, and the tables are not dominated by regulars. Many amateurs join the tables with small stacks, aiming to double their buy-ins, while others consider poker to be just another casino game.
Attitude towards professional players
The IDNPlay global terms and conditions do not explicitly mention professional players. Regulars are not common across the network, and certain restrictions are indirectly in place due to the network’s old-fashioned software.
Reliability and trustworthiness
IDNPlay is registered as an Accredited Local Gaming Agent and Service Provider by the Offshore Gaming Licensing Department in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The site also holds a Random Number Generator certificate issued by bmm Testlabs.
It is worth noting that players from the Philippines are not allowed to play on the network. Additionally, the network’s certifications stand out because Asian networks typically operate without any official documentation.
Overall, IDNPlay has a mixed reputation among players. Their Asian roots, significant traffic, buggy software, and past controversies have contributed to their reputation. However, their unmatched soft traffic continues to attract many players, given the current state of major poker rooms.
Deposits and cashouts
IDNPoker supports multiple currencies, including Chinese Renminbi, Korean Won, Indonesian Rupee, Japanese Yen, US Dollar, Malaysian Ringgit, Thai Baht, Vietnamese Dong, and more. Each skin works with local banks and different payment methods for players.
However, overseas players who wish to play on IDNPlay must use the services of agents, who typically work with cryptocurrencies or e-wallets.
Software review
The software used on IDN Poker is its primary in-browser client, which lacks many options found in standard poker rooms and apps. Skins like ShenPoker add a module that connects to IDN servers, opening the IDN lobby in a separate window after a few seconds.
The client is minimalistic and not modern, lacking filters. However, it features buttons for different games (NLH, PLO, MTT) and allows tables to be arranged based on the number of seated players. The table themes may be outdated, but they serve the purpose of providing a distraction-free playing experience.
The client can feel laggy at times, and without the incredible traffic, many regulars would not choose to play on IDN.
Mobile client
IDNPlay offers an Android client, while the iOS client is currently unavailable. The Android client is essentially a copy of the web-browser client for mobile devices.
During our tests, the client worked well, and it is particularly useful for players who want to use an Android emulator to play on a PC. It is important to note that the web-browser client is compatible with all mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and functions smoothly.
IDNPlay network history
IDNPlay’s history is fascinating. Until 2016, the network was relatively unknown online. However, it suddenly rose to second place in the PokerScout ranking. Although IDNPlay claims to have launched in 2010, there is little information about their success in the English-speaking market. Most assume that their popularity in local markets is a result of intensive marketing campaigns and participation in gaming conferences throughout Asia.
In 2017, an IDN Poker representative briefly engaged with users on the 2+2 forums to address accusations of bots and superusers. However, they left soon after, leaving a negative impression among the community.
In 2018, we added all IDNPlay rooms to our blacklist due to various bugs and player complaints. However, in 2020, ShenPoker representatives reached out to us with evidence of their efforts to address these issues. After reevaluating the situation, we decided to work with IDNPoker again while still acknowledging the potential risks associated with playing on the network.
Pros and cons
IDNpoker may not be suitable for everyone, especially players from Europe and America who have numerous options available to them. However, those who seek soft fields and are willing to take their chances will find IDNpoker appealing.
As one of our players aptly put it, “You can leave IDN, but IDN will never leave you.”
Pros:
- Genuine Asian traffic with casual players at every table
- Safe access with rakeback from WPD
- Over 20,000 connections
Cons:
- Basic web-browser client
- Shady past
- Unclear licensing
If you have any questions about IDNPlay, feel free to reach out to us. We are available seven days a week!
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