ne poker giant PokerStars has been granted a temporary one-year sports betting licence by Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden.

The operator, owned by Amaya, will launch sports betting early next year in Denmark. As part of its overall goal, the company intends to apply for a full five-year license after its initial launch.

Eric Hollreiser, vice president of corporate communications at Amaya, said: "We're pleased to offer sports betting under a licence that ensures local oversight of the industry and allows PokerStars to bring its gaming expertise and high standards of integrity, compliance and security to Danish bettors.

"This furthers Amaya's commitment to the responsible growth of online gaming by supporting local regulation that protects players, creates a viable, competitive marketplace and provides revenue for local governments."

The Danish market is the second to offer PokerStars products within the last four months. Last August, PokerStars secured sports betting license in Ireland.

PokerStars currently has an online casino licence to operate in Denmark, which allows it to offer poker and casino games. It plans to launch casino games after sports betting in 2016.