BetStars sets market-first with new licence in Czech

BetStars has become the first international sports betting operator to obtain a licence in the Czech Republic.

Following approval this week by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries, The Stars Group expects to launch its BetStars brand in the country before the end of the year.

The BetStars.cz platform will be accessible via desktop, web and mobile devices across iOS and Android, with players able to place bets on more than 20 sports.

However, under the provisions of its licence, BetStars will not offer free bets or the ‘Spin & Bet’ product.

In January, PokerStars, the flagship brand of The Stars Group, also became the first online poker and casino operator to secure a licence in the Czech Republic.

The latest approval comes after BetStars last month launched its next generation iOS mobile betting application and has now begun rolling the platform out across a number of markets in the European Union.

Although the updated app is only currently available on iOS, BetStars said there are plans to introduce versions to the Android and related stores in the near future

Zeno Ossko, managing director of BetStars, said: “We’re proud to be the first international sports betting operator to be awarded a license under the Czech Republic’s new licensing regime.

“After extensive development, I am also very pleased that we are now able to begin offering players our exciting next generation mobile betting app, an integral part of our ongoing efforts to improve our product and overall offering for both existing and new customers.”

Related article: PokerStars wins first live games licence in Czech Republic