winter scenery with traditional Norwegian red wooden houses on the shore of Sundstraumen strait at night with northern lights. Location: Lofoten; Norway, Europe. PokerStars to Exit Norwegian Market: The Why and When winter scenery with traditional Norwegian red wooden houses on the shore of Sundstraumen strait at night with northern lights. Location: Lofoten; Norway, Europe. PokerStars to Exit Norwegian Market: The Why and When
Key Takeaways
  • PokerStars exits the Norwegian market, effective October 26.
  • Players were informed via email, access to accounts is assured.
  • Likely influenced by intensified regulatory actions.
  • Regulator’s new powers to block unlicensed sites.
  • Part of PokerStars’ strategic moves in disrupted markets.

“For commercial reasons, we have decided to stop offering our products to residents of Norway from 26 October 2023 and have informed our customers accordingly” PokerStars is set to exit Norway at the end of this month, PRO can confirm. An email was sent to players last week informing them that starting Thursday, October 26, their online services will no longer be available.

In a statement issued to PRO on Friday, a representative from PokerStars acknowledged the impending withdrawal from the Norwegian market, citing “commercial reasons” as the driving force behind this decision.

“For commercial reasons, we have decided to stop offering our products to residents of Norway from 26 October 2023 and have informed our customers accordingly,” PokerStars told PRO.

The operator assured its customers that they would still retain access to their accounts, and their funds would remain secure, allowing for withdrawals at their convenience. Real-money online poker play will continue to be available.