PokerStars to Cease Operations in the Czech Republic

Until that date, players can continue to play and withdraw their funds from the site. However, as of June 6, 2024, depositing new funds into PokerStars accounts will no longer be possible.

Withdrawal Instructions and Account Settlements

PokerStars has urged all its Czech players to withdraw their funds by June 20, 2024. The company assured that any remaining balances after this date would be refunded to the registered bank accounts of the players.

Entry fees for poker tournaments that have not yet commenced will be refunded, and non-cash rewards will be converted into cash and added to players’ balances.

Players can still participate in the EPT Prague event by registering on-site, with all buy-in options available.

Industry Impact and Speculations

This move follows the departure of PartyPoker from the Czech market at the end of 2023, making PokerStars the second major online poker operator to exit since the implementation of new gambling regulations in 2017.

PokerStars was the first foreign company to obtain a license for online poker in the Czech Republic post-regulation.

While the exact reasons for PokerStars’ exit remain speculative, discussions on poker forums such as Lucky Bird Poker suggest that upcoming legislative changes set to take effect in July might be a contributing factor. No official statement has been released by PokerStars regarding the specific motivations behind their decision.