PokerStars.com is working hard to re-enter the Dutch market. They want to allow players from the Netherlands back in through an alternative path. However, because they do not hold the necessary license, they are currently exploring the possibility of partnering with another legal entity.
PokerStars sees potential partnership with Pragmatic Solutions
In a bid to revitalize its poker platform, PokerStars is targeting players from regulated markets and exploring how they can provide access to these players.
Pragmatic Solutions supplies PAM software and is a sister company of game developer Pragmatic Play. PAM stands for Player Account Management and is responsible for player registration, account management, payment functions, limit setting, everything relevant to a player account. It is unknown which parties are currently Pragmatic customers in the Netherlands. It is also unknown whether new licensees will use PAM software.
With Pragmatic Solutions, they could have a reliable partner with years of experience at their side, as this company has built up extensive experience in delivering efficient platform technology for gaming and gambling providers operating at scale in rapidly changing, regulated markets.
By focusing on this platform, smaller, local licenses can be supported, and the Dutch market falls within this framework. This allows PokerStars to reopen its network to players who would otherwise remain inaccessible.
Leading poker platform is one of the most famous poker sites worldwide
PokerStars is known for its many tournaments and wide selection of poker games. You can also play Texas Hold’em and many variations there, both online and in person. Both beginners and experienced players can find a wide range of variations and participate in the biggest poker festivals.
A return to the Netherlands therefore seems increasingly realistic, as it was the most popular poker site in the country for years.
CCO Mike Woodbridge spoke to thousands of PokerStars employees
An innovative approach, in collaboration with external platform technology, could finally welcome Dutch players back. During a recent town hall, CCO Mike Woodbridge addressed the loss of players from regulated markets due to market exit.
Woodbridge expressed concern about the loss of revenue, but also about how liquidity in remaining markets was also declining. He specifically mentioned the Netherlands in his presentation and emphasized this market, but he did not put a timeframe on the comeback. This indicates that potential avenues are still being explored.
During his presentation, Mike Woodbridge outlined three routes to promote .com liquidity.
- The Flutter UKI platform would allow British players to reconnect to the international network, following the example of Italian players.
- Pragmatic Solutions could make it possible to serve small regulated markets like the Netherlands through their PAM software. In addition to focusing on the Netherlands, the flags of Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, and Greenland also appeared, suggesting a partnership with Pragmatic Solutions is closer.
- Another option is through direct integration with third parties, as is already the case in Switzerland and Belgium (via Circus).
Why did PokerStars leave the Dutch market anyway?
Before online gambling was legalized in the Netherlands on October 1, 2021, PokerStars was the most popular and largest poker website. Players praised its wide selection, numerous tournaments, and impressive international player base.
When new legislation for online casinos took effect, they withdrew from the Dutch market while awaiting a license. In September 2022, parent company Flutter Entertainment applied for a license but later withdrew it. PokerStars’ offering is still missed by many players.
Reportedly, PokerStars withdrew its license application because it failed the Dutch Gambling Authority’s integrity check, and for this reason also withdrew Tombola from the Dutch market.
Playing at PokerStars online again through another casino like Unibet or Holland Casino seems unlikely, as these websites use proprietary software or are connected to the Playtech iPoker network. The options discussed during Woodbridge’s presentation therefore seem more realistic. We’re curious to see how this situation develops.