GAMBLING INSIDER

Online poker operator PokerStars, owned by Amaya Gaming, has announced its withdrawal from the Slovenian market along with its sister company Full Tilt.

“Our management team regularly reviews our operations market-by-market to assess commercial opportunities and business risks for our brand”, a representative of PokerStars said in a statement issued to Pokernews.com.

“Following a recent review, we have decided to stop offering real-money games to players who are physically located in, or have a registered address in, Slovenia from July 4, 2016."

PokerStars, which is currently licensed in 12 EU countries, has moved to assure customers that their balances remain “safe and secure”, while an email has been sent to all of PokerStars’ Slovenia-based customers advising them on how to proceed.

Players will be able to withdraw their balances "at their convenience".

The operator has not ruled out a potential return to the Slovenian market, should online gaming legislation be passed in the country and remove its “grey market” status.

The representative added: “We do not currently expect to withdraw from other markets in the near future.

“We hope that we will be able to return to the market in due course, and will continue to support the implementation of fair and consistent regulation that serves the needs of all stakeholders and includes a strong commitment to consumer protection, particularly of vulnerable people, in Slovenia.”

Both PokerStars and Full Tilt ceased their operations in the Israeli market on 27 June.