PokerStars first to be awarded Czech licence

Following changes to the online gaming regulations, world’s largest poker site is free to add the Czech Republic to its shared liquidity pool.

PokerStars will become the Czech Republic’s first licensed online poker room after new regulations came into force at the start of this year. While the country has allowed online betting since 2009, the new rules allow foreign online poker and casino operators to apply for Czech licences for the first time.

Having acquired a Live Games licence by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries Department, players will now be offered a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across PokerStars' shared global liquidity.

Amaya have also applied for licence to introduce their sports betting site, BetStars, as well as introducing their range of online casino games.

Chief operating officer of Rational Group, Guy Templer said;

“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. This underscores our commitment to supporting local regulations and obtaining local licenses wherever possible.”

The move into the Czech Republic, expected within the next few days, further stretches the Amaya owned operator’s global reach having already gained licences in sixteen other countries.