Most of the Merge Network of poker sites have been open to US players for some time, but with the exception of Carbon Poker – one of the largest poker sites at Merge. Earlier this year, Carbon announced a temporary leave from the American market to address customer service and cash out problems. To the delight of many players in the US, Carbon has just announced their return. Carbon will be again open to the American market at the end of August.
After Black Friday, thousands of poker players from Full Tilt Poker, the Cereus Network, and PokerStars flocked to other poker sites, including many of Merge’s properties. Though any businessman will tell you an influx of customers is beneficial, there can be a breaking point. Carbon experienced this, and found their systems overloaded and unable to handle the number of new players. As a result, they temporarily withdrew to strengthen their business to better service players in a move showing commitment to their current base, and to proper customer service of their newer customers.
The concerns initially felt by Carbon have been addressed, with the advent of their return. The return of Carbon is a welcome announcement, especially as Bodog Poker will be exiting the American scene at the end of 2011 to refocus on their global operations. Players may take notice of Carbon Poker’s offerings, which Carbon claims can generate as much as a 47% rakeback. Though far from the size of a site like PokerStars, Carbon does boast north of $50k in weekly tournament guarantees.
Carbon Poker will reenter the American market between August 20 and 31.