Portugal granted a license to PokerStars

PokerStars obtained the first online poker license in the Portuguese gaming market.

Portugal.- PokerStars achieved the first online poker and casino license to operate its international acclaimed website in the Portuguese market. Earlier this month, the Amaya’s poker platform had announced the launching of its services in the European country, as the Serviços de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (Gaming Regulator and Inspector) –SRIJ– approved the legalisation of the sector this year.

The SRIJ granted on Monday the first online poker license to REEL Europe Ltd in Portugal, the international filial which will operate Pokerstars.pt gaming platform. The company is currently developing the expected website; however, they have explained that it would be launched with a segregated liquidity pool, following the recent Portuguese gaming laws.

The segregated liquidity pool would limit the betting services, although Portugal is still debating further framework for share liquidity with other European Union gaming markets, such as Italy, Spain and France. Certain tournaments and games that require cash participation would be prohibited by current laws.

Portugal’s license 005 allows the renowned poker operator to offer other poker tournaments as well as Hold’em and Omaha cash games. Pokerstars.pt would also include its distinguished portfolio of casino games such as blackjack and French roulettes.