Radical Changes Under Consideration at WPN: Mandatory VPIP and Preflop Restrictions?

The Winning Poker Network (WPN)—which includes US-facing poker rooms like PokerKing and ACR Poker—is considering implementing major rule changes at its cash game tables. These changes are currently listed as being in the "Planning" phase on the network’s public development roadmap:

They are not guaranteed to be implemented yet,
But they’ve moved beyond the "Under Consideration" stage and are now actively being evaluated.

Mandatory Minimum VPIP: Ensuring More Action

WPN is exploring the idea of enforcing a minimum VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot) requirement at certain tables. Players would need to maintain a minimum VPIP percentage—typically around 25%, based on a set number of hands—in order to remain seated.

Players failing to meet the threshold might be removed and replaced by others in the queue.

This approach is commonly seen in live poker rooms, aimed at discouraging overly tight play. In the online realm, similar concepts have been used in closed club apps like ClubGG or GGPoker’s high-stakes invite-only tables.

Preflop Raise Restrictions: Pot-Sized Only, No 3-Bets?

Another proposed format would allow only pot-sized preflop raises—with no 3-bets allowed—at specific tables. This would represent a major shift in preflop dynamics:

More multiway pots would occur,
Aggression would be reduced,
It would be harder for regulars to apply exploitative strategies.

It remains unclear whether the VPIP and raise restrictions will be applied together at the same tables or introduced as separate experimental formats. So far, WPN’s communication suggests the latter is more likely.

Goals: More Recreational-Friendly Play & Reduced RTA Impact

These changes appear aimed at two core goals:

Making the games more enjoyable for recreational players,
Reducing the impact of real-time assistance (RTA) tools.

WPN’s roadmap also includes several other experimental features, such as:

Peel Suspense River Card – A dramatic river reveal in all-in spots, similar to GGPoker’s feature
Straddle Option – For added action in cash games
All-In Outs Display – Shows how many outs a player has during an all-in

OSS XL: WPN’s Largest Online Tournament Series

Meanwhile, WPN is currently running the largest guaranteed prize pool series in its history. The Online Super Series XL (OSS XL) takes place from May 11 to June 3, with a total of $50 million in guarantees.