Global Poker Brands Kick Off 2024 with Multiple Market Exits

With the start of a new year, it’s not rare to find poker rooms withdrawing from various international markets. This is because every year brands evaluate the regulatory changes and profit from each market and decide whether it’s worthwhile to continue operating in that jurisdiction.

It’s also the time when ambassador contracts end. Therefore, we’re not surprised to see some massive changes in the markets where many of the leading poker brands operate.

Four Top Poker Rooms Withdraw From Various Markets

While the following brands might not be as renowned as GGPoker, they’re still popular in their own right.

Partypoker

This poker room withdrew from Mexico, one of the bigger gaming markets, on February 1st. The brand is well-known for not operating in grey markets, which is exactly what Mexico is. Unlike other forms of gambling, online poker isn’t yet regulated in the country.

It’s no surprise to see partypoker withdraw from Mexico. Entain, its parent company, released a statement a few years ago that said it wanted to generate 100% of its income from nationally regulated markets by the end of 2023. Despite being the second-largest Latin American market, the brand held to its principles.

PokerStars

Also in February, PokerStars, the second largest poker room after GGPoker, withdrew from Peru. The country implemented new gambling laws in 2023, stating that any entity operating in the country must have a national gaming licence and pay a 12% tax levy on net profits.

In response, PokerStars withdrew from the market once the time came to apply for a licence between February 10th and March 10th. So far, PokerStars has no new plans to enter the market, though a representative stated, “If the situation changes, we will, of course, advise.”

888poker

This poker room is another that withdrew from Peru due to the new gambling regulations. However, that wasn’t the first market exit. In January of this year, the brand shifted its Middle Eastern and Northern African players to a local company, Sunflower Seed.

According to Sunflower Seed’s 888 branded website, “this partnership is committed to providing a safe and secure first class casino gaming and betting experience.” However, it doesn’t provide poker yet, but focuses on sports betting and casino games.

Unibet

The last major brand to make exits in early 2024 is Unibet. This room is set to exit the Ukrainian and Bulgarian markets in April. However, it already withdrew from Japan and India in January. This change is because the Kindred Group, the umbrella company behind Unibet, accepted an offer from FDJ, the French lottery group, to acquire Kindred’s outstanding share capital.

As such, the group started withdrawing from various grey markets. Thanks to Ukraine requiring operators to establish a local business in the country to operate legally, it’s no surprise that Unibet withdrew instead.

What This Withdrawal Means

Ukraine and Mexico are two of the largest markets operators have exited from. As such, these withdrawals might significantly impact the poker rooms’ client bases. While it’s admirable to withdraw from grey markets, only time will tell what impact it will have on the brands' revenues.