Italian poker players will have their own software - PokerStars.it
The Italian government has put a bad beat on the country’s poker players, with new legislature restricting online activity.
It is now illegal for Italian citizens to play at poker rooms without an ‘Italy's State Monopolies Autonomous Administration’ (AAMS) license. The license stipulates that no cash games, only tournaments can be played, poker rooms that are located in Italy can be used by Italian tax payers only, and only Italian based servers can be utilised.
PokerStars has moved hastily to retain its Italian player base, forging an agreement with the Italian government and establishing PokerStars.it, which meets the AAMS requirements. PokerStars will see the legislature as a marketing blow, as two of its most esteemed pros, Luca Pagano and Dario Minieri, herald from Italy. The latter was made famous for being the youngest ever SuperNova VIP player, and buying a Porsche Cayanne with his FPP points.
This summer has seen a wave of anti-poker legislature across the globe, with Russia officially denouncing poker as a skill game, and closing down all card rooms. Italy follows the likes of Denmark by introducing tax on poker winnings.