PokerStars and Full Tilt withdraw from Slovenia

Amaya-owned PokerStars and Full Tilt have withdrawn from the Slovenian market. Both brands will cease operations in the country today (Monday), with Slovenian players being given the option to withdraw any remaining balances at their own convenience. The move comes after both brands last week also exited the Israeli market. In a statement issued to Pokernews.com, a PokerStars spokesperson said: “Our management team regularly reviews our operations market-by-market to assess commercial opportunities and business risks for our brands. “Following a recent review, we have decided to stop offering real-money games to players who are physically located in, or have a registered address in, Slovenia from July 4, 2016. “Player balances remain safe and secure, and players are able to withdraw their real-money balances at their convenience.” The spokesperson added that neither PokerStars, Full Tilt or Amaya expect to pull out of any other regional markets in the near future, and left the door open for a potential return to Slovenia if online gaming legislation is passed in the country. “We do not currently expect to withdraw services from any other locations in the foreseeable future, and a full question-and-answer page has been provided for affected players,” the spokesperson said. “We hope that we will be able to return to the market in due course, and will continue to support the implementation of fair and consistent regulation that serves the needs of all stakeholders and includes a strong commitment to consumer protection, particularly of vulnerable people, in Slovenia. “There is already a successful framework for such regulation in Europe and PokerStars is currently licensed in 12 EU countries. “We hope to apply for a licence in Slovenia when it is possible.” Related article: Amaya adds board members, confirms new acquisition talks