Updating the market, FTSE-listed GVC Holdings has informed that it has withdrawn all poker operations for the Australian market.
The operator will no longer service its partypoker brand, following this month’s introduction by the Australian Senate of provisions amending the ‘2001 Interactive Gambling Bill’ banning online poker and in-play sports betting services offered by online gambling operators.
partypoker, GVC’s lead online poker asset has begun its Australian market withdrawal, refunding customer accounts. Issuing a corporate statement GVC Holdings informed:
‘Due to regulatory changes, gambling firms licenced and operating outside of Australia will be forced to prevent customers resident in Australia from playing on their gambling websites. Therefore, from 31st August 2017 partypoker players will no longer be able to play from Australia. Players’ deposited funds are safe and available for withdrawal.‘
partypoker Managing Director Tom Waters commented on the update “We regret that this day has come as Australia is a strong poker market. We will continue to work with the Australian player alliance to lobby the government to provide a safe regulated environment for residents to play online poker in the future.”
