PokerStars in regulated Ontario market launch
Flutter Entertainment subsidiary awarded permit to make legal return to Canada after dealing its first hands in the market over 20 years ago
PokerStars has been awarded a permit to operate in the Ontario igaming and sports betting market by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The registration provides for a regulated poker, casino and sports betting offering delivered via a localized version of the PokerStars app.
As part of the launch, PokerStars has committed to hosting a special launch series, the Ontario Platinum Series, between July 10-18, with the series offering a $1.5m guaranteed prize pool.
In addition, PokerStars will debut a rewards program and new weekly flagship event, the New Sunday Majors, which will run with a $100k guaranteed prize pool.
PokerStars has strong roots in the Canadian market through its previous owner The Stars Group, which was headquartered in Ontario. The poker operator has twice found itself in the crosshairs of Canadian regulators, mainly through the alleged activities of prior CEO David Baazov.
To ensure a smooth transition from unregulated to regulated gambling accounts, PokerStars has said it will include a step-by-step guide accessible upon player login.
This will then create a new account to be activated on the new PokerStars.CAON website.
PokerStars group marketing director Tom Warren hailed the move towards regulated operations as something of a nostalgic moment for the global online poker goliath.
“In many respects Ontario is our home market, given the first ever hand of PokerStars was played here over 20 years ago, so we are thrilled about the new regulated environment within which our players can play,” Warren said.
“A lot has changed in that time, but our commitment to offering our players the most epic and thrilling experience in the market hasn’t – and we can’t wait to get started,” he added.
The poker and casino operator is also expected to utilize its content-led partnership with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) signed in April, in which the PokerStars brand becomes the MLSE’s official gaming partner.
In addition to the use of MLSE team marks in advertising and marketing, PokerStars Casino and PokerStars will now be featured prominently throughout Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors games, including rink board and on-court signage.