rStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of Amaya Inc’s ‘Live Games’ license.

Although the country has authorised online betting since 2009, new iGaming regulations which came into effect on 1 January, opened the market to foreign online poker and casino operators for the first time.

This will mark the end of a blackout period when PokerStars and other operators left the market due to the enforcement of new laws without correct licenses.

The operator is set to return to the market on PokerStars.CZ “in the coming days”.

The operator will offer Czech punters a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games on both desktop and mobile devices.

Chief Operating Officer, Guy Templer comments: “We are very proud to be the first online casino and poker operator to be awarded a license and support the newly regulated Czech market. This underscores our commitment to supporting local regulations and obtaining local licenses wherever possible.”

Currently, Amaya has licenses or operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions, with the company also applying for a sports betting license that would be offered through BetStars in the Czech Republic.