Players were informed via email on how to download the new software. A visit to the Ladbrokes Poker website now proudly details the new VIP loyalty program benefits, as well as the availability of joining Speed Poker, the iPoker Network's fast-fold variant.

All Ladbrokes player account balances and points made the move once players downloaded the new iPoker software. In terms of VIP levels, each player was placed in the highest level achieved during the previous 12 months of online poker play.

Although it may be too early to get an accurate read on the effect of player traffic as a result of Ladbrokes' transition, it appears that poker networks in general are suffering. iPoker spent a good portion of 2013 in second place in global rankings behind PokerStars, according to PokerScout.

As of this writing, iPoker is now tied for third place with Full Tilt in worldwide player traffic numbers, with 888poker taking over second place. Whether the addition of Ladbrokes can help iPoker to once again gain the no. 2 spot will be watched intently throughout the industry.

Microgaming's MPN is the second-ranked poker network in the world, holding down 10th place among poker rooms and networks combined. But player numbers appear to be declining and the loss of Ladbrokes certainly won't help. A scheduled departure by Unibet early next year will also lead to even less liquidity at MPN.

Unibet's exit is rather interesting, as the poker room is eschewing its status as a skin as part of a network in favor of establishing a standalone poker site not bound by the constraints of network policies. Whether a trend emerges that finds other poker rooms following suit remains to be seen.