PokerStars to exit Australian market mid-September

rStars has confirmed that it will exit the Australian online poker market at some point in September. This decision follows the approval of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, which will effectively ban online poker.

The company has not announced yet the official exit date but in an email sent to its Australian users it said that it will transition out of the country in mid-September. In the same email, PokerStars informed that players’ funds are safe and available for withdrawal. Additionally, it said that any unused Star Coins and tournament tickets and money will be converted into cash.

The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 was introduced to the government late last year and voted through in March. As a revision of Australia’s gambling law from 2001, the new rules aim to tighten restrictions on offshore operators offering online services. Under the new amendment, online-gambling activities not specifically authorised within the regulation are considered illegal and will be banned, including online poker

PokerStars is one of the last international gambling providers to exodus from the Australian market. 888poker, 32Red, and Gaming Innovation Group have already pulled out their virtual stakes; whilst online bingo operator Vera&John was the first gambling operator to leave back in December.

The online poker operator said it will be watching the market closely for future opportunities to re-enter it in a legal manner. “We’re proud to have seen the Australian poker community grow so strong over the last decade. We do respect the Australian Government's decision in taking steps to protect consumers and hope that in time we’ll be able to serve real money poker to you again,” read the official email.