Players logging on to Chan Poker today were greeted by a surprising message. It reads “All good things must come to an end….” and links to another page detailing that the site will be shutting down effective tomorrow, August 21. The message doesn’t go into any detail behind the site’s decision to shut down, but does assure users that all withdrawal requests will be honored. The site has raised some withdrawal limits to make it easier for users to move money off the site, but recommends processing withdrawal requests as soon as possible. Once users’ withdrawal requests are processed, their accounts will be closed down. The message on the site also mentions that Chan Poker is seeking a partner that will honor existing player point balances.
Billed as “the exclusing online poker room for Johnny Chan”, the site launched in 2006. Chan Poker is part of the Ongame Network, which includes several other poker sites including Mansion Poker and Hollywood Poker. While closed to U.S. players, the site boasted a fairy strong user base, and featured a Java-based browser version as well as the full download version. It will be interesting to see if any further information is forthcoming about the shutdown, and what will be next for Johnny Chan in the online poker world.