The online poker platform that is popular round the globe, PokerStars, is about to lose its loyal customers and diehard fans. The reason that led to this outcome was the decision of the authorities to change the exchange rates of the different currencies they work with.
The decision was announced last week and it was followed by howls of protest. A great number of players expressed their resentment and disappointment with these changes. It would be unrealistic to pretend that the owners of PokerStars were surprised by the reaction of the audience. On the contrary – they were prepared to face opposition and disapproving comments but nobody expected that one of the so called Hall of Famers would support the unhappy players instead of PokerStars’ decision.
Everything started a few days ago when a representative of PokerStars officially announced that there will be a change in the method the company deals with the exchange rates of the currencies. Actually, the amenity is believed to affect predominantly the USD, GBR, EUR and CAD exchanging matters. There will be a limit, concerning the depositing funds and withdrawing activities.
Until recently, poker players were not supposed to pay any kind of taxes in order to convert the money they have won into the currency of their home country. Some exceptions applied though. Nevertheless the tax few of the players were asked to pay was modest.
The PokerStars representative explained that when the player would like to make a deposit, the system will automatically display the price they will have to pay for that service. According to the expert, the amenity shouldn’t be regarded as something out of the ordinary because that’s a common procedure in many countries.
However, the players were not too satisfied with that announcement and made some deeper research. They came to the conclusion that the percentage of the exchange rate is pretty much the same as the tax that is usually required by bank institutions and online payment methods platforms for providing this kind of services. The players described Amaya Gaming as a greedy company that is careless towards the future of the online gambling business.
As mentioned above, one of the members of the Hall of Fame was bitterly disappointed with the latest actions of the Amaya Gaming authorities. “MeleaB” was furious at the PokerStars authorities and despite the success he had with the platform, the latest events made him make up his mind.
As a response to the player’s disapproving comments, PokerStars’ authorities said that the poker platform will no longer be the best platform for currency exchanging. Despite the increased fees, PokerStars is still offering competitive prices.
According to Eric Hollreiser, the strategy of the authorities is a wise move. What’s more, bearing in mind the fact that the gambling industry worldwide is problematic, more companies are expected to implement similar fees and changes with the aim of remaining competitive and thriving.
