Maltese online casino and sportsbook operator, Kindred Group, has reportedly announced that its 32Red brand will be pulling out of poker from Tuesday morning via the closure of its Gibraltar-licensed domain at 32RedPoker.com.

According to a report from PokerNews.com, the Valletta-headquartered firm sent an e-mail to all registered players on Tuesday advising them that the 32RedPoker.com site would be shutting from May 19 due to the imminent mothballing of its partner Microgaming Poker Network (MPN).

Expert operator:

Launched in 2002, 32RedPoker.com is one of the veterans of the online poker world but the e-mail reportedly advised players that the domain’s Bad Beat Jackpot had already been decommissioned with any unused deposits due to be returned to players. The communication also purportedly detailed that the site’s quintet of Five Party Jackpots are to be similarly terminated from May 18 with any excess funds set aside for an upcoming freeroll prize pool.

Reportedly read the e-mail from Kindred…

“We regret to announce that 32RedPoker.com will be closing down on May 19 when the MPN closes. Please note that you will still be able to continue logging into your account, accessing banking and playing our casino games at 32Red.com after May 19.”

In-house alternative:

The Wednesday report explained that Kindred spent approximately $213.5 million in February of 2017 to purchase the 32Red brand. The operator’s e-mail subsequently purportedly went on to advise those still looking to enjoy online poker action to visit its Gibraltar and United Kingdom-licensed domain at Unibet.com.

Kindred’s statement reportedly read…

“Looking ahead, we recommend Unibet.com, our sister brand, who will ensure 32RedPoker.com players get the warm welcome they deserve.”

Further fallout:

In related news, PokerNews.com reported that the upcoming MPN closure has moreover prompted the domain at GrosvenorPoker.com to follow the likes Betfair.com, WilliamHill.com and Bet365.com in becoming a member of the iPoker Network from Isle of Man-headquartered innovator Playtech. This domain announced that player accounts will be automatically transferred from Tuesday although competitors are to be required to select an updated alias.