Winamax is the number one online poker operator in France and is currently licensed to operate only in France.
The French online poker operator will soon have the opportunity to expand into Spain, Italy and Portugal as gaming regulators in the four countries agreed in July 2017 to enter into an online poker liquidity agreement.
The gaming regulators in these four countries found that the online poker market in their respective countries was sluggish and that there was very little opportunity for the market to change.
Poker players in Italy, Spain, Portugal and France have complained in the past that gaming regulations were too strict and as a result online poker players preferred to visit illegal poker websites.
The regulated online poker markets in these countries suffered as a result as the player pools dwindled and a lack of competition made it boring for the rest of the players. Online poker operators also suffered in the process as the sluggish market and low revenues meant that it was difficult for them to launch exciting tournaments and high stake events. Gaming regulators believe that by entering into an online shared liquidity agreement, the poker markets in all four countries will receive a much needed boost.
Gaming regulators are yet to announce when shared liquidity will commence and what date online poker operators can expect to start offering their services in all four countries. Winamax is not waiting for a date to be announced to start promoting its brand in Italy, France and Portugal. The company has signed top poker pros Mustapha Kanit in Italy and Adrian Mateos in Spain who will represent the Winamax brand and help the company establish its presence in these new European markets.
In a statement, Winamax said
Whilst waiting for the day to finally arrive, which has still not been decided but will be an incredibly important day for European poker, Winamax is proud to reveal the names of the first two professional players who will be representing Team Winamax amongst the Spanish and Italian communities
Winamax has done well to sign Mustapha Kanit as he is ranked number one on Italy’s all-time money according to the Hendon Mob. Kanit has won more than $9.2 million in career prize money while Adrian Mateos is ranked number two on Spain’s all-time money list with over $9.6 million in career prize money.
