Online poker giant PokerStars launched blackjack and roulette in Spain today (Wednesday) via its PokerStars.es domain.
The integration of casino games marks the first time PokerStars has offered games other than poker on its platform.
The addition of the games and continued growth in social gaming options will help maintain the brand’s leading position in online poker in Spain, a press statement said.
“We know that many of our customers are enjoying online casino games on competing platforms and our offering will enhance their experience with PokerStars and provide a safe, trusted and convenient way for them to be entertained,” said Gino Appiotti, President of Southern Europe for PokerStars. “PokerStars aims to remain the number one poker operator in Spain and strongly believes that in this market, adding casino games is the best way to serve players.”
In related news, Amaya Gaming Group’s Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars businesses reportedly withdrew from numerous grey markets today (Wednesday).
Player forum posts report the unexpected real-money gaming exit of the popular online poker rooms from Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, many African countries, Bahrain, Cuba, Egypt, Kuwait, North Korea, Sudan and United Arab Emirates amongst others.
The notification to customers from affected countries was short and to the point, saying:
“Our management team regularly reviews our operation along with independent 3rd party professionals to assess the business risk and opportunities for our brand on a market-by-market basis. Following our most recent review, it was determined that we would no longer offer real money games in your country”.
Customers can make cashout requests and convert tournament tickets and tournament money into cash. Freeroll and FPP buy-in tickets, however, can not be converted into cash. These will remain in player accounts for future play from other countries.
Industry speculation attributes the withdrawals to Amaya Gaming Group polishing up its act for favourable review of licence applications in the UK market and other soon-to-be-regulated regimes.