PokerStars has moved players from the Netherlands on to their dot.EU poker room, according to multiple player reports today.
PokerStars.EU was first established in February 2012. It is licensed under the Malta LGA, whereas the primary poker room is licensed in the Isle of Man. Other than the change in jurisdiction, the player experience is identical: The player pool is the same as on pokerstars.com; the choices of games and stakes are unchanged; and the same deposit and cashout options are available.
The main reason for establishing a PokerStars.EU was primarily one of player taxation: Malta is part of the European Union and, according to some, players do not need to pay tax on winnings from sites licensed in EU member states.
Swedish and Finnish players were transitioned on to the new platform when it went live back in February. Since then, Polish, Slovenian and Romanian players have also reportedly been moved over. Today’s addition of the Netherlands brings the total to six countries, although no official list has been made available by PokerStars.
The Lotteries & Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA) is by far the largest regulatory body worldwide, listing over 600 online sportsbook, casino and poker operators holding active licenses. It has come under criticism recently for failing to protect its players or enforce its regulations—it has failed to act adequately in ongoing disputes with two of its licensees, Purple Lounge and Everleaf Gaming.
