Microgaming Permits Spanish License Applicants to Continue Accepting .Es Traffic

Despite reports that the Microgaming network is pulling out of the Spanish market, PokerUpdate is pleased to confirm that all Microgaming operators who are currently applying for a Spanish licence will be permitted to continue accepting Spanish traffic.

Richard Cunningham, Head of Poker at StanJames, stated: “The Microgaming Network has been asked by the Spanish regulatory authority to deny access to customers who are registered with skins who have not applied for a license to operate in Spain. Players registered at Stan James and new players wishing to join from Spain are more than welcome.”

Regulated markets cropping up in France, Belgium and now Spain are showing a familiar trend. Smaller sites are slowly being pushed out of the markets due to the increases in operational costs and taxes.

Poker rooms that have reportedly applied for Spanish licences include PokerStars and PartyPoker, with Ladbrokes also expected to apply. The larger, more established sites are capable of swallowing the increased costs until fully establishing themselves in areas with less competition than before and new potential customers.

It is unknown why earlier reports suggested that Microgaming was pulling out of the Spanish market entirely. One possible explanation is that NordicBet, who leaked the information, is using scare-mongering tactics to prevent its competitors from stealing traffic during this transitional period.