PokerStars obtain a Bulgarian online gaming license; prepare to rewrite Guinness World Record history, and launch plans for the Canada Cup.
The Red Spade is heading for Bulgaria as the Bulgarian State Gambling Commission has issued an online gaming license to the world’s largest online poker site.
The news comes just a few months after legislators voted to change the country’s archaic online gambling tax laws from 15% of turnover to 20% of gross gaming revenue, and six months after Stars had its domain added to the infamous Bulgarian black list of unapproved operators.
The news means that PokerStars have become the first online poker site to be given permission to operate in the country that spawned the likes of 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event champion Dimitar Danchev.
“Bulgaria is full of promise,” Eric Hollreiser, the Head of Corporate Communications for PokerStars stated in a press release. “Poker is extremely popular in the country and we are delighted with the news and are looking forward to work with the Gambling Commission so that we can launch as soon as possible.”
The latest addition to the family now sees PokerStars holding licenses in France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Belgium, Germany, Malta and the isle of Man. Missing from the list is the great U.S of A where it’s believed allowing PokerStars into the online gambling industry is akin to bringing a whore to your mothers dinner party.
PokerStars to Attempt Guinness World Record
PokerStars are determined to re-write history as they reach out to their loyal player base in a bid to beat the world record they set in June 2013 for the largest ever online poker tournament field.
That mammoth tournament saw ‘Mr.SlavaPro’ from Russia top a field of 225,000 entrants to set the world record and Stars want 5,000 more as they once again attempt the world record at the back end of February 2014.
Once again the tournament will be a $1 buy-in, only this time Stars will spice things up by including a guaranteed prize pool of $300,000 with $25,000 reserved for the winner.
With a player cap of 230,000 players it means there is a guaranteed overlay of $70,000; the top 60,000 players will receive a cash, meaning that more than 26% of participants will finish in the money.
If you do want to make history then mark down 13:00 ET, February 23, in your calendar. If the record is broken each player who participated will receive an official certificate from Guinness World Records.
The PokerStars Canada Cup
The Playground Poker Club in Montreal has teamed up with PokerStars to create the Canada Cup.
The 13-day festival will host a $2m guaranteed $3,300 Main Event and will also feature a $10,000 High Roller.
The event will operate between May 16-28 and online satellite qualification is available through the PokerStars client, or by playing live satellites at the Playground club.
The full schedule can be found here
