GVC abandons Czech market
Operator to withdraw all brands from the market, claiming the framework is “incompatible with the principles of the EU”
GVC has withdrawn its applications for Czech Republic online gambling licences, declaring the licensing frameworkto be “incompatible with the principles of the European Union”.
The firm had applied for several licences for the new regime when it came into force in January 2017, but said it had abandoned its plans and would keep Czech customers blocked from its sites.
“It has become apparent through the application process that the recent changes to the gaming laws of the Czech Republic, together with their practical application by Czech Authorities, are incompatible with the principles of European Union and must therefore not be applied,” the firm said in a statement displayed to Czech customers on its Bwin site.
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.
One point of contention was the introduction of the ‘CzechPoint’ – a system which requires customers to register for online accounts in person at certain land-based stations located throughout the country.
GVC continued: “We have therefore reluctantly taken the decision to withdraw our applications, close all Czech player accounts (save for withdrawal) and no longer provide gaming services within the Czech Republic under the current licensing regime.”
The decisions means brands like bwin and Sportingbet will remain unavailable to Czech players, as they have been since the licensing process began, although GVC voiced hope it would be able to return to the market should the regulatory framework change.
“We fully support the development of a regulated and fully functioning online gaming market within the Czech Republic and hope that the authorities of the Czech Republic reconsider the issues that have been raised and work with operators to succeed in achieving this goal,” the operator said.
EGR Intel understands that GVC is close to finalising terms with a local partner for its partypoker brand, which would enable it to relaunch the poker room into the Czech market in the coming weeks.
PokerStars is still the only major international operator to publicly announce it received a Czech licence, despite the market being open for almost five months.