Pokerstars becomes first licensed international operator in the Czech Republic

PokerStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of parent Amaya by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries.

Amaya was awarded the ‘Live Games’ licence on January 28 and is set to launch PokerStars.cz in the coming days.

In a company statement Tuesday, PokerStars says it will offer Czech players a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, European Roulette and Double Ball Roulette, on desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android).

The launch follows new online gaming regulations which came into effect from January 1 in the Czech Republic (see previous reports).

The Czech operation joins PokerStars as the most licensed online gaming brand, now holding licenses or related operating approvals in 17 international jurisdictions.

Amaya has additionally applied for a licence to offer sports betting through BetStars in the Czech Republic and also expects to seek appropriate approval to expand its offering of online casino games on PokerStars Casino in due course.

“We are very proud to be the first online casino and poker operator to be awarded a license and support the newly regulated Czech market,” said Guy Templer, chief operating officer. “This underscores our commitment to supporting local regulations and obtaining local licenses wherever possible.”

PokerStars emphasises that it maintains the highest levels of player fund protection in the industry and segregates Czech player funds under trust agreements held separately from operating funds.

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