PokerStars, a prominent online poker platform, has announced its affiliation with the Portuguese Online Betting and Gambling Association (APAJO) as an affiliate member. Since its establishment in 2018, APAJO has been dedicated to representing operators and members in discussions with regulators, government bodies, and legislators in Portugal. By joining APAJO, PokerStars aims to contribute its expertise from other licensed jurisdictions and collaborate with the association to promote responsible and safe online gambling in Portugal.
PokerStars Supports Responsible and Safe Play:
As a new affiliate member of APAJO, PokerStars is committed to supporting the association’s efforts in fostering a responsible and safe play environment in Portugal. APAJO has already made significant strides in this regard, having developed a comprehensive Responsible Gambling Manual that exceeds legal requirements and includes a wide range of recommendations. By joining forces with APAJO, PokerStars aims to leverage its experience and knowledge gained from operating in other licensed markets to contribute to the promotion of responsible gambling practices in Portugal. The company’s affiliation with APAJO demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a positive online gambling experience for Portuguese players.
Expansion into Regulated Markets:
PokerStars’ affiliation with APAJO aligns with the strategic direction of its parent company, Flutter Entertainment. As one of the leading online gambling operators, Flutter Entertainment aims to expand its presence in regulated markets worldwide. By joining APAJO, PokerStars gains a valuable opportunity to strengthen its position in the Portuguese market and further its growth in the online gambling industry. The affiliation highlights the company’s focus on compliance and its willingness to collaborate with local industry stakeholders to drive positive change.
MGA Games Expands Presence in Portugal:
While PokerStars solidifies its presence in the Portuguese market through its affiliation with APAJO, other companies are also recognizing the potential of the country. MGA Games, a renowned provider of online casino games, recently signed an agreement with Bwin.pt to enhance its presence in the Portuguese market. This demonstrates the growing interest among industry players in establishing a foothold in Portugal, a market that holds significant opportunities for online gambling operators. The increased competition is expected to stimulate innovation and benefit Portuguese players with a wider range of options.
APAJO’s Plans for 2023:
Ricardo Domingues, President of the Board of APAJO, expressed satisfaction in welcoming PokerStars as an affiliate member. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to create an entertaining, safe, and sustainable online gambling environment in Portugal. Domingues also highlighted APAJO’s ambitious plans for 2023, with PokerStars expected to play a crucial role in driving these initiatives forward. Additionally, Domingues extended an invitation to other licensed operators to join APAJO, signaling the association’s openness to further partnerships and collaborations.
Membership and Industry Collaboration:
PokerStars joins a distinguished list of members in APAJO, including Betano, Betclic, Bwin, Casino Portugal, ESC Online, and Solverde.pt. This growing membership base reinforces APAJO’s position as a leading industry association in Portugal and strengthens its ability to advocate for the interests of its members. By working together, these operators can foster a collaborative environment that promotes responsible gambling practices, advances industry standards, and supports the sustainable growth of the online gambling sector in Portugal.
PokerStars’ affiliation with APAJO as an affiliate member marks a significant step in supporting responsible and safe online gambling practices in Portugal. By joining forces with APAJO, PokerStars aims to share its expertise and contribute to the development of a sustainable and entertaining online gambling environment. This partnership aligns with Flutter Entertainment’s strategy of expanding into regulated markets and demonstrates the growing interest in the Portuguese market among industry players. As APAJO looks ahead to its ambitious plans for 2023, the collaboration with PokerStars and other industry members will play a vital role in driving positive change and shaping the future of online gambling in Portugal.