PokerStars picks up online casino, poker licence in Portugal

Amaya-owned PokerStars is to expand its services into Portugal after securing an online casino and poker licence in the country.

Portugal’s Serviços de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) national regulatory body yesterday (Monday) confirmed that it had awarded the licence to Reel Europe, a division of Amaya.

The licence covers tournament poker, Hold’em and Omaha cash games, as well as online blackjack and French roulette.

PokerStars, which will launch in the country through the PokerStars.pt platform, is the first online poker brand to secure approval from the SRIJ, and only the third online casino operator.

The company had been active in the country up until last year, but opted to withdraw its services ahead of the national licensing application process.

Related article: PokerStars and Full Tilt to exit Portuguese market