Stars Group to launch Czech sportsbook before end of 2017
Firm becomes first international sports betting operator to be awarded a licence
The Stars Group has announced plans to launch its BetStars sportsbook in the Czech Republic after being approved by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries.
The operator became the first online poker and casino operator to be licensed in the Czech Republic back in January.
BetStars.cz will be launched “later this year”, although the operator said it would not offer free bets or its Spin & Bet product thanks to the “provision of its licence”.
The sportsbook last month also began rolling out its new app across various EU markets. The updated product offers the same features but with a “brand new look and feel designed to enhance the overall user experience”.
“We’re proud to be the first international sports betting operator to be awarded a licence under the Czech Republic’s new licensing regime,” said Zeno Ossko, managing director of BetStars
“After extensive development, I am also very pleased that we are now able to begin offering players our exciting next generation mobile betting app, an integral part of our ongoing efforts to improve our product and overall offering for both existing and new customers.”
Several international operators have previously voiced displeasure with the new Czech licensing regime, with GVC withdrawing its applications back in May, and declaring the framework to be “incompatible with the principles of the European Union”.
GVC did not specify its problems with the process, but other operators have complained about the inefficiency of the Czech regulator and its apparent favouritism towards domestic brands.