Not the information Ontario poker gamers have been hoping for. These ready for PokerStars’ long-anticipated return to the province might want to stay affected person somewhat longer, because the launch of its new platform has been postponed as soon as once more.
In a put up printed on its Ontario X account in the present day, PokerStars introduced that the scheduled launch of PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario wouldn’t go forward as deliberate. The operator stated it might share additional updates as quickly as extra info turns into accessible.
The newest setback marks one other delay in what has change into a for much longer migration course of than initially anticipated.
PokerStars accomplished the same transition within the US market earlier this 12 months, launching PokerStars Solely on FanDuel on April 1. Ontario was initially anticipated to observe shortly afterward, with the brand new platform slated to go reside in early Might.
Nonetheless, as Might arrived, the operator knowledgeable gamers that extra time was wanted earlier than launch. After a number of weeks, PokerStars ultimately confirmed June 3 because the goal date for the Ontario rollout.
That date has now come and gone and not using a launch.
The precise purpose behind the most recent postponement stays unclear. It may very well be associated to technical preparations, regulatory approvals, compliance necessities, or a mix of things. Regardless of the trigger, loyal PokerStars gamers have now been offline far longer than initially anticipated.
In the meantime, rival operators have continued to function with out interruption. The extended absence of PokerStars has seemingly benefited rivals, significantly GGPoker Ontario, which at present holds the place because the province’s largest on-line poker operator.
The excellent news for gamers is that this delay doesn’t seem more likely to stretch on for weeks.
Responding to questions from gamers on social media, PokerStars indicated that the launch remains to be anticipated to occur quickly. When one person requested whether or not the delay would final a few days or drag on for much longer, the operator recommended it was the previous, saying it expects the postponement to be measured in “days not weeks.”
In one other alternate, the operator hinted on the purpose behind the setback, noting that delays are generally an unavoidable threat with regulated market launches and referencing “regulator/authorized/compliance approvals” as an element.
Whereas the feedback don’t present a definitive rationalization, they counsel that regulatory and compliance processes could also be taking part in not less than some position within the delay.
What to Count on from FanDuel Poker in Ontario?
Though in the present day’s launch didn’t materialize, all indications level to the delay being comparatively quick. Primarily based on PokerStars’ responses to gamers, the brand new FanDuel Poker Ontario remains to be anticipated to reach inside days fairly than weeks.
As soon as it does launch, Ontario gamers will probably be greeted by a considerably totally different poker expertise beneath the PokerStars on FanDuel model.
The brand new platform is not going to run on PokerStars’ proprietary software program. As an alternative, it’s going to use Playtech’s iPoker software program, that means the look, really feel, and performance will differ considerably from the PokerStars consumer that Ontario on-line poker gamers have used because the market launched, although the branding will nonetheless be there.
Gamers can anticipate adjustments throughout nearly each a part of the platform, together with match lobbies, desk layouts, gameplay presentation, rewards mechanics, and the general person interface.
PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario has already outlined a number of launch promotions earlier than its launch date. Amongst them is the No Sweat Collection, a promotional freeroll marketing campaign that can distribute a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars} value of match tickets.
The operator has additionally introduced a brand new lineup of flagship Sunday tournaments beneath the FanDuel Poker model. Occasions such because the Sunday Dynasty and Sunday Defend are anticipated to assist ship roughly C$100,000 in assured prize cash throughout launch weekend.
As well as, welcome affords will probably be accessible to all gamers, no matter whether or not they beforehand held an account on PokerStars Ontario, FanDuel On line casino, or each. Gamers may even achieve entry to a brand new rewards program often called Dynasty Builder.
At current, GGPoker stays the clear market chief in Ontario. Nonetheless, FanDuel Poker’s latest efficiency within the US demonstrated that the model can shortly achieve traction. Following its relaunch south of the border, the platform quickly climbed to the highest place, surpassing WSOP On-line in each site visitors and income.
For that purpose, FanDuel Poker is predicted to take an aggressive strategy in Ontario as nicely. Its arrival ought to present a significant problem to GGPoker and add one other robust competitor to the web poker panorama in Canada’s largest regulated market.
