PokerStars Receives Irish Regulator’s Approval

PokerStars Receives Irish Regulator’s Approval for Remote Bookmaker’s Licence

The government of Ireland recently introduced the Betting Amendment Bill requiring remote gambling operators to secure a remote operator gambling licence. In light of the said amendment, PokerStars announced last Wednesday that Ireland’s Irish Revenue Commissioners have granted approval for the issuance of a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence to PokerStars.

Although the licence gives PokerStars permission to offer sports betting products and services, as well as accept real money wagers from Irish punters in accordance with local laws, it comes with the obligation to pay the government of Ireland, 15 percent tax on net revenue effective August 01, 2015. The Amaya-owned online poker operator had also paid €10,000 (£7,014) in licence fees.  Under the amended Betting Act 1931 those that continue to offer remote gambling products within Ireland’s jurisdiction will fined up to €300,000 (£211,000).

Through the PokerStars website, Irish punters can access the PokerStars Sportsbook via web-based browser, or mobile device, as it is fully integrated in the PokerStars 7 software without any modifications whatsoever. The Irish licence is only for the sportsbook, since PokerStars’ offering of online poker and online casino games in Ireland remain operational by virtue of PokerStars’ Malta-issued remote gaming licence.

PokerStars mentioned in the press release that the company is currently continuing with the expansion initiatives for their sports betting platform. Initiatives include broadening of the sports betting options on the 18 sports available to Irish players, and increasing the number of promotions. The PokerStars announcement also conveyed that its sportsbook offering would soon cover more markets, incorporate more features and sports, including horseracing events.

The Managing Director of Sports Betting at PokerStars, Stephen Fisk, conveyed the company’s delight in receiving the Irish sports betting license. Mr. Fisk remarked that their poker and casino games, and now sportsbook operations show that online players trust them to deliver a diverse selection of games in an entertaining and exciting way. He added that they are looking forward to growing their sportsbook while operating under the newly approved licence.

About PokerStars Sportsbook

PokerStars Sportsbook is also available in the UK and can be accessed via desktop and mobile devices. The company maintains that their sports betting odds are comparable to the betting odds offered by the more established bookmakers. The PokerStars-branded sports-betting platform accepts bets on basketball, football, handball, ice hockey, rugby union, tennis, and volleyball.

Last June 2015, PokerStars also received permission from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) to offer sports wagering products, in addition to its existing licence to offer its online poker and casino games in Spain’s gambling market.

About Ireland’s New Gambling Regime

Under Ireland’s new Gambling Act 2015, the amendments introduced included the imposition of a new set of tax rates on remote gambling products and services offered to Irish punters. The new tax rates came into effect last August 01, 2015. Gross Gaming Revenues earned on online gambling offerings such as online video slots and bingo games are charged with a one percent (1%) tax rate . Online sports betting products, however, are charged with a 15 percent (15%) duty based on net revenue.