Key Takeaways
- The project of shared online poker liquidity between Spain, France, Italy and Portugal may have hit its first real stumbling block.
- Concerns that shared liquidity may cause an increased risk of money laundering and a decreased level of control over regulation has some Italian politicians speaking out against the agreement.
- Regulators in the other countries would like to see all four jurisdictions launch together by the end of the year.
The project of shared online poker liquidity between Spain, France, Italy and Portugal may have hit its first real stumbling block of the year: Certain voices in Italy—first from within the industry, then turning political—are raising concerns and seek to prevent its adoption.
Meanwhile, the French and Spanish authorities forge forward, still aiming to go live by the end of the year. The Spanish regulator recently stated that it hopes for a coordinated launch between countries, though now, it could be without Italy.
