SPANISH COURT SIDES WITH POKERSTARS

11/18/2012 :  SPANISH COURT SIDES WITH POKERSTARS
 
Codere initiated action halted
 
A Barcelona court has found in favour of PokerStars, rejecting claims brought by Spanish multi-national gaming company Codere accusing PokerStars of operating illegally in the Spanish market prior to online regulation.
 
The court found that PokerStars had operated lawfully in the country prior to attaining its licence as the lack of regulation at that time meant there was no relevant law preventing such activity.
 
"This ruling confirms the legal advice we have been given and which we have followed in Spain for years," said Paul Telford, Group General Counsel.  "We are very pleased the court agreed with our position and look forward to continuing to provide our licensed poker services as the leading brand in the Spanish market."
 
Antonio Vázquez-Guillén, partner at Allen & Overy, PokerStars' counsel for the case, said that the "Barcelona court judgment is absolutely clear in its conclusion that PokerStars has always operated in Spain according to the law. We are very happy with this outcome. It clarifies a question that, in our view, should never have been brought to a Court of Justice."