Carbon Poker – Historical Review
📜 Historical Review: This poker room is no longer operational. This page serves as a historical archive for reference and educational purposes.
⬛ Carbon Poker (Merge Network) – Historical Review
Carbon Poker was the largest skin on the Merge Gaming Network, one of the smaller but notable poker networks that served primarily US-facing markets after the 2006 UIGEA legislation limited options for American players. Carbon Poker gained popularity as a refuge for US players post-UIGEA and post-Black Friday, but eventually succumbed to payment processing difficulties and declining player trust.
📋 Key Facts
| Active Period | 2007–2017 |
| Network | Merge Gaming Network |
| Peak Traffic Rank | Top 15 globally (2011-2013) |
| Reason for Closure | Gradual decline, payment processing issues, eventual closure |
📖 History & Rise
Carbon Poker launched in 2007 on the Merge Gaming Network. It positioned itself as a reliable option for US players who were increasingly limited in their online poker choices. After Black Friday in 2011 removed PokerStars, Full Tilt, and others from the US market, Carbon Poker and the Merge Network saw a significant traffic boost as displaced players sought alternatives. For a period in 2011-2013, Merge was among the top networks serving US players.
⚡ What Made It Special
Carbon Poker was known for offering a decent software client, reasonable tournament schedules, and various promotions to attract players. The site accepted US players at a time when options were severely limited. The Merge Network’s player pool was softer than average, attracting recreational players who valued accessibility over regulation. Carbon Poker also offered rakeback deals that were competitive for the era.
💥 The Downfall
Carbon Poker and the Merge Network began experiencing significant payment processing issues starting around 2014-2015. Players reported increasingly long withdrawal times, with some waiting months or even years for cashouts. Trust eroded as reports of non-payment mounted on poker forums. The network gradually lost traffic as players moved to more reliable alternatives. By 2016-2017, the site was effectively defunct, with remaining player balances largely unrecoverable.
🏛️ Legacy & Impact
Carbon Poker’s story illustrates the risks of playing on under-regulated networks, particularly those focused on serving markets where online poker operates in legal gray areas. The payment processing failures that ultimately killed the site could have been prevented by proper regulatory oversight requiring segregated player funds and financial audits. For European players, Carbon Poker’s fate reinforces the value of choosing operators with MGA, UKGC, or equivalent licensing.