Online poker operator Pokerstars, which has for weeks warned that changes to Australian law will compel it to withdraw from real-money operations, has set a firm date of September 11 2017 for its exit.
In a communication to players, the company advised:
“The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill (2016), which was passed earlier this month and effectively bans all online gambling sites not locally licensed under Australian State or Territory law, has now been granted Royal assent.
“It’s been some time in coming, but sadly we can now confirm that PokerStars will be withdrawing real money services from Australia on September 11, 2017.
“Any funds that you have in your Stars Account are, and will continue to be, safe and available for withdrawal. Please remember to open any unopened Stars Rewards Chests. You can continue to spend your StarsCoin in the Rewards Store, and a $1 Cash Rebate has been added to facilitate converting your StarsCoin to cash. Any tournament tickets and tournament money will be converted to cash for withdrawal, effective from the market exit date.
“PokerStars will continue to offer the best play money poker action around through the main PokerStars client on desktop, web and mobile, and also through the brand new PokerStars Play app on iOS and Android.
“As supporters of sensible online gaming regulation and the most licensed poker brand in the world we hope that future legislation will be considered that will allow PokerStars to return to Australia.”
The communication ends with a plug for the Australian Online Poker Alliance action group, urging players to join the organisation.