PokerStars to Begin Offering Online Sports Betting: Obtains License From Ireland

PokerStars, the world’s largest real money online poker company, has announced it has obtained a Remote Bookmaker’s License from the Republic of Ireland, making it possible to offer online sports wagering in jurisdictions where the activity is legal.

PokerStars’ existing poker and casino games in Ireland will continue to operate under its European license from Malta, though that jurisdiction has taken quite a hit in recent days following word that some of the nation’s licensed online gambling sites were tied to an Italian Mafia syndicate.   Stars could ultimately opt to move all of its licensing to Ireland.

 “We’re very pleased to receive a license for our sports betting offering on PokerStars in Ireland,” said Stephen Fisk, Managing Director of Sports Betting for PokerStars. “Our operation of poker, casino games, and now sports betting shows that players trust us to deliver a variety of games in a fun and exciting way.  We look forward to building on this by operating under this new license.”

The news comes just as PokerStars is set to launch a Daily Fantasy Sports platform, a move that could herald its entry back into the United States.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com