PokerStars is developing its PokerStars Network (PSN) model to connect fragmented player pools across different regulated markets.
PokerStars Ambassador David Lappin explained that online poker has become increasingly divided by different regulatory systems, taxes and ring-fenced markets. PSN is designed to bring more players into shared liquidity pools where local regulations allow.
The network can operate through several structures. These include the global .com pool, shared regional pools such as France, Spain and Portugal, shared liquidity across certain North American states and ring-fenced markets such as Italy.
David Lappin, PokerStars Ambassador, explained:
If you can create a network model where companies that are part of the Flutter family can join in from places where PokerStars aren’t and essentially pool the liquidity back together again, it’s almost like bringing the pieces of the puzzle back and getting everyone back under the one roof.
The model also allows external operators to participate. Partners can use white-label Access setups or franchise the PokerStars brand, depending on the market.
For players, larger liquidity pools could mean fuller tables, bigger tournament prize pools, shorter waiting times and a wider range of stakes. The exact structure of the network depends on local gambling regulations.