PokerStars Expands Italian Presence: ISOP Partnership and New Formats Launched

PokerStars is sending a clear signal for further growth in Italy. While its parent company, Flutter, is working behind the scenes on a massive consolidation of its global online poker brands, the Italian division is focusing on bridging the gap between digital offerings and prestigious live events. Last week, the operator renewed its partnership with the Italian Series of Poker (ISOP) for a second season and launched an exclusive promotion for the Italian market.

The Spin & Go Grand Slam promotion has been running since August 3 and will continue until the end of the month. The goal of this online tournament series is to qualify for a major live final, scheduled for September 6 at Casino Campione d’Italia. This strategy demonstrates how vital local partnerships have become for global players to remain competitive in strictly regulated markets. Italy is considered one of the most important yet challenging markets within the European Union due to its specific licensing and player protection requirements.

Numbers and facts

A key component of the current offensive is the expansion of the slot portfolio. Push Gaming announced in June 2026 that it would offer its titles via PokerStars in Italy. This followed the appointment of Edoardo D’Angelo as Head of Italy for Push Gaming earlier in the year. This personnel move highlights the focus on regional expertise.

“The Italian igaming market is a key focus for Push Gaming in the coming year, and this partnership with PokerStars is a huge step in growing within the region.” - Edoardo D’Angelo, Head of Italian Region at Push Gaming

The Spin & Go format has proven to be a success for the operator. The live version was first tested in 2024 at EPT Barcelona, followed by an official launch at EPT Prague later that year. In 2026, the format has already been utilized at EPT Paris and the PokerStars Open festival in Malaga, showcasing the global scalability of this fast-paced tournament style.

Background

The activities in Italy take place against the backdrop of a global restructuring at Flutter. The objective is to bring brands such as Betfair Poker, Sky Poker, and Paddy Power under the umbrella of the PokerStars Network (PSN). This consolidation is intended to increase efficiency and grow the player pool. However, in Italy, the market remains isolated due to national laws, making specific promotions like the Grand Slam even more relevant for the local community.

Casino Campione d’Italia serves as the physical anchor point. Live poker has seen a massive resurgence post-pandemic, and linking online qualifiers with an on-site experience at one of Europe's most traditional casinos is a proven method for customer retention. The ISOP holds a high status in Italy, and continuing the cooperation for the 2026/2027 season ensures PokerStars a permanent media presence in the scene.

Why it matters for German players

For poker players in Germany, such developments in Italy are often indicators of future trends, even though the legal situation at home is much more strictly defined by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). While Italian players benefit from exclusive live connections, German users must adhere to the strict requirements of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). These include the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system and the 1 euro per spin stake limit for virtual slot games.

PokerStars operates in Germany with a corresponding license on the official GGL whitelist. This means that while German players can often participate in large international tournament series, they face strict limits regarding slot offers and deposit methods. The cooperation observed in Italy with providers like Push Gaming only occurs in Germany if the respective games have been individually audited and approved by the GGL. German customers should therefore always ensure they are playing on the German domain (.de) to enjoy full legal protection and the security of a licensed operator.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The expansion of PokerStars in Italy shows that large operators are willing to invest heavily in local markets despite strict national regulation. For German GGL-licensed casinos, this means increased competitive pressure. When global brands enhance their regional offerings through exclusive partnerships and live events, purely digital providers in Germany must excel through superior service and strict adherence to player protection. Furthermore, the consolidation of Flutter brands could lead to technological innovations reaching the German market more quickly, provided they are compatible with local regulations.