In June 2014, PokerStars, the world’s biggest online poker company, was acquired by Amaya Gaming for $4.9 billion. It was a game changer and the entire industry speculated on what next.
In December 2015, PokerStars announced the launch of a new brand called BetStars. Depending on the different regulated jurisdictions, BetStars will be hosted across three different websites; Betstars.com, Betstars.eu and Betstars.uk and will be available on desktop, iOS and Android applications.
The new brand offers betting options for over 25 different sports including tennis, football and basketball, with more sports such as horse racing scheduled to be added throughout 2016. BetStars will also offer speciality offerings such as poker, eSports and in-play betting; offering its customers a seamless experience for all three major services (sports betting, casino and poker).
Here’s what Rafi Ashkenazi, CEO of Rational Group, (PokerStars’ parent company), had to say:
“We’re very excited about the launch of the BetStars brand, and expect it to be one of the most talked about sports betting sites in 2016 as it continues to evolve with new products and features that we believe will set us apart as a betting brand for the true sports fan.
We’re applying the same dedication and passion we have for poker to sports betting, and intend to create an authentic, world-class offering.
The BetStars brand will build on this passion and provide a safe, trustworthy and, most importantly, exciting environment for sports fans.”
Despite Amaya’s CEO David Baazov taking an indefinite leave of absence amid insider trading charges, the BetStars has made some healthy progress in 2016 so far including product innovations and some effective TV advertising.
