Recently we have seen many new poker markets forming, but sadly some are also closing.
888poker has notified their Australian and Slovenian players that they will no longer have access to 888poker’s real money games.
Players from both countries received the following notification that only briefly explains whats going on:
“Following a business reevaluation, we’d like to inform you that 888poker’s services are not being offered to players residing in Australia and therefore your account will be closed as of 01/16/2017. You can still withdraw funds from your bankroll at any time using our web cashier. Please check your email for more information.”
Australia is making legislation changes
We can not confirm or deny any of the possible reasons for the decision 888poker made.
The common belief is that it is due to the Australian amendment to the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001.
Up until now, poker was in the grey zone, meaning there ware no laws allowing or prohibiting it in Australia. But, the proposed changes to the Interactive Gambling Act will probably change that.
The new bill allows only for licensed betting operators to offer their services in Australia. It also only focuses on licencing online betting.
Sites that offer mostly poker and casino games, will therefore have no choice but to leave the market. The companies that choose to stay will face astronomical fines.
The new law will allow for the Australian Communications and Media Authority to impose $1 million fines per day for individuals and up to $5 million per day for companies.
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How about Slovenia?
The departure of 888poker is only the latest in a row of similar moves by other sites.
It all started with PokerStars leaving the market only to be followed by the Betsson Group poker rooms.
At this moment Slovenia has no laws that would prohibit or allow off-shore gambling companies to offer their services.
There ware rumors that the companies ware leaving the Slovenian market in order to not endanger the legislation process.
Only time will tell if the Slovenian authorities are really working on regulating the market, but there is at least some hope.
If you are interested in whats going on with poker in Slovenia, you can find more information on the Slovenian version of our site – www.vip-grinders.cc
Best Alternatives for Australians and Slovenians
If you played on 888poker and are now on a look out for a new site to play on, we suggest you try out any of the following poker sites:
