Recently, Poker News Daily discussed the launch of PayNoRake.com as well as its first weeks in business with Shaun O’Neill, the site’s Director of Affiliate Marketing. PayNoRake allows its members to receive up to 100% rakeback, which is calculated daily. The minimum amount received by players on the Action Poker Network site is 50% back. It’s a revolutionary concept in a rapidly-growing segment of the online poker industry.
Poker News Daily: How was the idea for PayNoRake created?
O’Neill: We wanted to launch a unique product that rewards the player and the affiliate like no other poker site does. We had seen rakeback grow to unbelievable levels as players became more educated and understood that they could play a game they enjoy and be rewarded at the same time. So, it seemed like a natural progression to launch PayNoRake.com, the only poker site in the gaming industry that is solely dedicated to rakeback.
PND: How did you become involved and why?
O’Neill: I’ve been working for the Action Poker Network for almost 12 months as the Director of Affiliate Marketing. So, a large part of my time is spent dealing with affiliates and working out ideas and plans. This was truly a great opportunity and, as an affiliate program, we view it as an exceptionally unique offering.
PND: What was the biggest challenge in its development and how were you able to overcome it?
O’Neill: Some of the biggest challenges were faced by our IT team, such as the automated daily rakeback payments.
PND: What feedback have you received from players so far?
O’Neill: Players love the concept and why wouldn’t they? They’re playing the game they enjoy and, at the same time, they’re being paid. You can’t top that.
PND: What promotions are you currently undertaking?
O’Neill: Right now, we’re giving players the chance to win seats into the European Poker Tour (EPT) Grand Final in Monaco, which I would classify as the most prestigious event in live poker. The EPT final is truly amazing, as it brings some of the best poker players in the world together with players who have never played live and have qualified via online satellites. Stages for the EPT Monaco start for as little as 15 cents. We are also about to start offering packages to the World Series of Poker for 2009.
PND: In your opinion, what is the future of online poker?
O’Neill: Positive. Very positive. In spite of some political controversy swirling around online poker, the industry is still a long way from reaching its peak. There is still huge growth potential in poker. For example, a lot of countries have just started to join the online poker community. Places like Latin America and Eastern Europe are both areas where we are starting to see a lot more action.
PND: In your opinion, what is the future of rakeback?
O’Neill: The future of rakeback is simple: PayNoRake.com. Players are becoming better educated and they know that they can be rewarded for playing poker. This can be from affiliates offering players great incentives such as poker chips or up to 100% rakeback from PayNoRake.com.
