The popular online gambling platforms Full Tilt and PokerStars are no longer available on the “grey” markets. The reason for the discontinued services is the desire of Amaya Gaming to improve the spoilt reputation of both – PokerStars and Full Tilt.
Those who keep a close eye on the events and activities, concerning the platforms, know that Amaya Gaming is the new owner that intends to make them available on the US gambling market but the managers are well aware that the reputation of the websites needs to be improved prior to taking any other actions.
Two days ago, the website forums that serve as a place where poker players share their standpoints and tactics, were flooded with disapproving comments, coming mainly from players based in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. What made them discontent was the fact that their access to the two poker platforms was reduced.
PokerStars representatives made an announcement that the funds, the players in the affected countries have deposited, remain available and can be withdrawn at any time. The players also received emails, containing an explanation of the current unpleasant situation. According to the information sent, the decision was taken after careful investigation of the operations. Such kind of reviews are said to take place on regular basis with the help of a third party. What managers were trying to achieve was to keep themselves informed about any possible dangers the market can face and the measures that need to be taken in order further problems to be avoided
Amaya’s Target Markets and the UK Gambling Legalization
The announcement that disappointed the players, located in Qatar, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Senegal and 25 more countries, coincided with the date when the new UK online gambling regulations are going to be implemented. The implementing was even supposed to take place a month earlier but was postponed.
Now, every UK-based gambling provider is required to provide the UK Gambling Commission with a legal proof of their income for any market they are available at on grounds that it forms more than 3% of their total revenue.
Amaya is obviously really enthusiastic about entering the US gambling market. It is now waiting for the answer of the New Jersey’s State authorities who might give their consent and allow Amaya be a part of the state’s regulated online gambling activities.
Despite the announcement, claiming that Amaya won’t provide the Canadian gambling market with its products and services, now, it seems like there’s a slight change in the initial plans. There is a possibility of a partnership between Amaya and a Quebec lottery company but the deal is not likely to affect any other area that fall under a jurisdiction, different from Quebec’s.
Time will tell if Amaya’s attempts to become a leading gambling provider in the US are successful but there is one thing that leaves no room for speculations. The new strategy of Amaya does a wonderful job with the image of PokerStars and Full Tilt.
