PokerStars Leaves Switzerland But Will Return Through Partnership With Davos
It seems that PokerStars shut down its online poker operations in Switzerland on Monday, but the company says that they have planned a return to the country under the nation’s new regulations as soon as possible.
The nation’s new regulations are a reference to Switzerland’s Money Gaming Act, which began being enforced on Monday, July 1st, thus forcing many online providers who are not licensed in the country to leave the market on short notice.
Unfortunately, the global poker leader was not able to become fully licensed by the July 1st deadline, resulting in abrupt interruption in service – for which apparently players were not properly informed.
In order for PokerStars to operate legally in Switzerland, a partnership agreement with a land-based casino in the country is necessary, since they are the only operators who can offer online gambling products under the new regulations.
“We are currently working with our Swiss gaming partner who is responsible for arranging the necessary approvals with the authorities in order to provide licensed poker for Swiss residents,” officials from The Stars Group stated.
Even though they have yet to comment on this news, it is believed that this partner is Casino Davos, one of the four casinos that have already received approval to offer their products in Switzerland.
Although, the question now remains when they will open, but it is certain that PokerStars is incessantly working “to ensure PokerStars will continue to be the market leader in the Swiss poker market.”