- Betclic-Everest is withdrawing from the Russian market, a spokesperson has confirmed to pokerfuse.
- Last month, a number of online poker sites were added to an official blacklist in Russia.
- PokerStars, whose domain is on the blacklist, and 888 have each issue statements indicating that they will continue in the market.
Betclic-Everest is withdrawing from the Russian market, a spokesperson has confirmed to pokerfuse.
A reason for the group’s withdrawal was not given.
The group operates, among many other brands, Everest Poker, previously a sizeable independent online poker room which moved to the top-tier of iPoker in late 2012.
Last month, a number of online poker sites were added to an official blacklist in Russia. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Russia are required to block access to sites on the list which includes mainly political, pornographic and drug related domains.
It lead to Betfair—primarily an online betting exchange which also operates a top-tier iPoker skin—to announce its departure from the Russian market. According to a statement sent to affiliates, the group will close to new signups and will suspend all Russian marketing, but will continue to serve existing customers.
PokerStars, whose domain is on the blacklist, and 888 have each issued statements indicating that they will continue to operate in the market.
Betclic-Everest is also withdrawing from the Belgian market, according to reports earlier this week. Belgian authorities seized €600k from the group, which faces charges from the Belgian Public Prosecution Office that it operated an illegal gambling business in the country.
