PokerStars wins first live games licence in Czech Republic

PokerStars has become the first online gambling operator to obtain a live games licence in the Czech Republic.

The Amaya-owned company is expected to utilise the licence to launch a website in the country within the next few days, with Czech-based players able to access services via PokerStars.cz.

Punters in the country will be able to access PokerStars’ established online poker games, as well as various internet casino titles such as blackjack and roulette.

Online gaming has been legal in the Czech Republic since 2009, but legislation had restricted the market to domestic operators only.

However, new laws introduced in January of this year have now opened up the market to licensed foreign operators.

Guy Templer, chief operating officer of Rational Group, the Amaya operating business that is responsible for PokerStars, 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.”

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