PokerStars becomes first foreign operator to earn Czech licence
PokerStars.cz to go live in the “coming days”, with access to global liquidity pool
PokerStars has become the first licensed international operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulatory regime.
The operator’s parent company Amaya was awarded a ‘Live Games’ licence by the Czech regulator on 28 January, and is set to launch PokerStars.cz in the “coming days”.
The site will feature a wide range of poker formats with access to PokerStars’ global liquidity pool, as well as traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Amaya said it has also applied for a licence to offer sports betting through BetStars, and will seek approval to expand its offering on PokerStars Casino.
“We are very proud to be the first online casino and poker operator to be awarded a licence and support the newly regulated Czech market,” said recently-appointed COO Guy Templer.
“This underscores our commitment to supporting local regulations and obtaining local licences wherever possible.”
PokerStars now holds licences or related operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions.
The newly-regulated Czech market officially went live on 1 January 2017, but international operators were initially left frustrated by the slow licensing process, with firms like Paddy Power Betfair and bet365 still awaiting approval.