Ladbrokes cleared to launch tournament poker in Italy
Ladbrokes is to launch an online poker tournament service in Italy in early January after receiving a licence from Italian regulator AAMS, the operator announced this morning.
Ladbrokes will launch an online poker tournament service in Italy in early January after receiving a licence from Italian regulator AAMS.
The launch follows that of its licensed Italian sportsbook into the Italian market last year, and Ladbrokes chief executive Christopher Bell (pictured) confirmed Ladbrokes would now look to offer poker cash games, bingo and casino into the market in 2010, as regulation allows.
Bell said: “We are committed to expanding the international reach of our online business and Italy is an excellent regulated market opportunity. We hope that further positive changes in regulations in Italy will allow us to further expand our product range by launching cash games in poker, as well as bingo and casino gaming.”
The regulated Italian gambling market is expected to be the largest in Europe in 2009, with regulated online poker on course to generate 280m in gross revenues for operators, according to industry data provider H2 Gambling Capital.
Earlier this year, Ladbrokes announced its plans to sell its Italian retail business and focus on developing its online presence in the Italian market. Ladbrokes currently has over 35,000 registered customers in Italy.