As a software vendor, we know: many gaming startups don’t have a business plan or the exact idea how to make their projects successful. That’s not about PokerGrant. From the initial idea to agent program details, these guys had a clear vision what to do and why.
Therefore, it is not a surprise that PokerGrant had become our headline project quickly. Read more to know how and why.
The idea
Everything has started with ambitious customers, a good understanding of CIS online gaming market, and the basic knowledge of the global online poker market. They wanted to have:
- Real money gaming software with desktop and mobile clients,
- The ability to customize this software and to add new features,
- Integrated marketing options and players’ loyalty tools,
- Multiple payment gateway integrations,
- Quality and responsive technical support,
- Scalable platform,
- Server software that would fit Maltese gambling commission licensing demands.
EvenBet Gaming software met all of these objectives. We offer all clients types, and in a few weeks before the PokerGrant start, we have finished working on our native mobile app for iOS and Android. With our own developers’ team, we are always ready to implement any custom feature to our software. Our RNG already had iTech Labs certification that was a good basis for obtaining a license from the strict Malta licensing body.
Client software choice
It might become a surprise for newbies in online gaming business but clients’ choice depends much on the target market. It is hard to make a typical Middle Eastern poker fan download a desktop app (most of them believe they are not secure) or to find many CIS residents that would like to use web client (they usually find desktop applications more secure and comfortable to play).
The primary target markets for PokerGrant initially were in CIS countries and Eastern Europe. The top choice clients for these regions are desktop (as the fastest and easiest to run) and mobile (to play from anywhere). When talking about mobile, Android is the most important platform.
In addition, the desktop client has the best customization potential – nearly unlimited. The native mobile app is a very agile app as well, and the HTML5 technology is progressing.
Unique touch
In the first year since launch, we have been working with the customer on new features and polishing client software. Among the special options added, were the following.
1. Special opponents’ statistics module.
Our default desktop poker client comes with player’s personal stats – hands played, wins, etc. For PokerGrant, we have developed enhanced module with comprehensive data on all opponents that are available to all users. It works both in desktop and mobile clients.
Every player may take a brief look at the data and understand the financial position of the opponent and his preferable playing style. The module shows stack size, percent of pre-flop raises, 3-bets, and several more parameters. An experienced poker player may get a lot of information here.
2. Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments were added to PokerGrant package.
The customer has noticed the new gaming industry trend and has started running these games on their peak popularity. In the first weekend, users played over 100 tournaments of a kind!
3. Innovative client software design.
The first PokerGrant client version had a design that was slightly different from our default – the customers wanted to start a project quickly and to polish it later. Within six months after launch, we have completely updated website and desktop client design, and then – mobile applications design as well. This allowed the customer a quicker to market timeline while addressing lower priority graphical requirements.
Marketing and partnership
Marketing makes a huge difference in online gaming business, and PokerGrant founders know it. That’s why in its software package we have realized the following options.
- First deposit bonus program for players – they may get up to 100% of the money they deposit in the room.
- Rakeback for the most loyal players up to 70% and VIP club with Cash Game Points that are used in the room’s promo store.
- “Neverending money” – a balance refill program for active players, mainly beginners that learn to play real money poker.
- Classic affiliates module for poker communities, websites, and media. Partners that send new players to PokerGrant receive commission for each payment these players make to the room.
- Several types of achievement based promotions. While playing in a room, users receive special points that give access to limited tournaments, secret money chests, etc.
All these modules and programs are managed in PokerGrant’s back office.
Starting a Network
After all basic custom options and marketing tools were developed and tested, PokerGrant has started the next stage of their business objectives – creating a network.
Due to the scalable and reliable gaming server, the project may significantly increase the load and the number of players without losing in performance. At the same time, finding new websites – network partners will help increase the audience and therefore to get more rake, players loyalty, and profit.
The PokerGrant real money network main principle is attracting players for mutual profit. The more players there are in the network the more rake each partner will generate.
Technically, the network is also rather simple. All the partners use PokerGrant gaming server and customized client software. They may have their own branding, special cash tables, and tournaments, but all players will have access to global network events and tables. Client software is rented from EvenBet Gaming; the business model is based on monthly paid rake commission.
PokerGrant audience
After six months of active work on poker room and promotions, PokerGrant was shortlisted by Poker Scout – the main global poker rooms rating. It hit global top 50, and it’s a pretty good result for a beginner on a highly competitive market.
The main audience in first months was mostly from CIS countries as long as all promotions were targeted on it. The situation is slightly changing as the partners’ list is growing, and PokerGrant managers are sure that the network will also have a high impact on audience demographics.