PokerStars makes move into Belgium

[The Buzz]

PokerStars has announced a partnership with Circus Groupe to offer online poker under the regulation of the Belgian Gaming Commission. Circus Groupe controls the land-based Casino de Namur.

The GPWA has a press release about the partnership:

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Circus Groupe and PokerStars, the world's largest poker site, have announced a partnership which makes it possible for both companies to offer online poker under the regulation of the Belgian Gaming Commission.

This partnership complies fully with Belgian law and allows the country's residents to participate on the world's largest poker site, overseen by the Belgian Gaming Commission. Participants can also qualify for the biggest live events across the world, such as the PokerStars European Poker Tour.

Circus Groupe includes Namur Casino, and joining forces with them allows PokerStars to work with a licensed partner in Belgium that has a wealth of experience in land-based poker. In return, the Namur Casino will be able to offer the most successful online poker platform to the Belgian market.

Sander Siezen, Marketing Manager for PokerStars Benelux, said: "PokerStars and the Circus Groupe are logical partners. Namur Casino has the largest live poker events offering in Belgium. PokerStars.com is the world's largest poker site and the largest in Belgium as well. In addition, PokerStars organises the largest live poker series, the European Poker Tour (EPT). This is also in line with our global strategy to obtain online poker licensing wherever it is available."

"This unique partnership with the number one player in the online poker market definitively puts Namur Casino on the European map," according to Rafa Diego, General Manager of Namur Casino.

"Attracting the world's largest poker site was made possible by the remarkable work of the Belgian Gaming Commission and the Wallonia Ministry of Finance, who were able to establish taxation which is perfectly suited for this type of activity," added Emmanuel Mewissen, CEO of Circus Groupe.

PokerStars operates worldwide under license from the Isle of Man Government. PokerStars' operational license applications have previously been approved by Italy, France and Estonia.

[AdrienneJay]

Perhaps the said moving of PokerStars to Begium is because they are no longer accepting poker players in Washington that's why they are now looking for an alternative to replace what has been lost.

[JoeAdams]

Yeah right, adriennejay said it right. I've heard that news too that they were no longer accepting players from Washington or perhaps it also has something to do with the taxation difference in both area.

[grem]

does this mean that players in Belgium can only play against others in Belgium?

[wagerjunction]

Not likely. They can play against anyone I'm sure.

[Anthony]

It looks like the Belgium players will have access to the PokerStars network. That would be very cool if it is the case.