Online poker room operator PokerStars is reportedly planning a move to the Isle of Man, possibly foreshadowing a rumored future float on the London Stock Exchange. Presently based in Costa Rica, PokerStars has already achieved licensing from the Isle of Man, and a move to the island is in the cards for next year. The planned PokerStars move comes on the heels of recent efforts by the Isle of Man to market itself as an attractive operating base for online gaming companies.

Regarding the possibility of going public, any concrete decisions have yet to be made, but making such a move would likely help solidify PokerStars, currently the number two online poker operator, in the online poker market. The successful float of PartyGaming has led other smaller online gaming companies, such as PokerStars, to consider doing the same. In addition to PokerStars, other online gaming enterprises eyeing an IPO include Gala Group. Coral Eurobet, Cassava Enterprises (managing company for online casino 888.com), Trident Gaming, Betfair and fellow online poker room PokerRoom.com.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Friday, 05 August 2005