*Update* Please see our statement and further discussion here
This thread is to discuss the topic of Full Tilt Poker player de-tracking as reported in our news.
Furthermore we reported about the comparison of the old and new VIP-system in this news
We want to start off by providing our view on points that have been raised elsewhere, namely that the de-tracking might be to the benefit of players based on the hope that the costs savings would be used for lowering the rake or increasing bonuses. This is wishful thinking. In fact, the early signs - looking at information published about the new Full Tilt Poker VIP program - show that regulars will be significantly worse off than before. This seems to fit a general industry trend where regulars are seen as a "necessary evil" by poker rooms (from whom to protect the fish), and if you take their benefits away, they will swallow it for lack of alternatives. Changes are made slowly and carefully, such that players are more likely to accept them.
As a poker school and community, we strongly oppose any discriminatory moves against serious poker players and have publicly voiced our opinions here, here and behind the scenes.
Yet, ultimately it is only the players' voices that count and the Full Tilt re-launch might set a dangerous precedent in the poker industry and act as an example for other rooms to follow.
The negative trend will slowly grow stronger until the players decide to fight back.
If you share those concerns, you can contact Full Tilt at support@fulltiltpoker.com.