PokerStars builds trading team ahead of sportsbook launch

PokerStars parent company the Rational Group is building an in-house trading team ahead of its planned 2015 sportsbook launch, eGaming Review can reveal.

The world’s largest poker site this morning confirmed it had “recently” appointed Ian Marmion to the role of trading director with the former bet365 VIP trading manager in charge of recruiting staff to its sportsbook division.

Marmion, who also held the position of trading director at Victor Chandler, is understood to have conducted a number of interviews in recent weeks as the operator looks to develop in-house trading capabilities and reduce a reliance on third-party pricing suppliers.

Amaya Gaming, which acquired the Rational Group for $4.9bn in August, last week confirmed it would bring its proprietary sportsbook to market next year on both the PokerStars and Full Tilt brands.

CEO David Baazov said the firm had developed “key differentiating factors” in-house, but would also call upon on some third-party suppliers.

“The business intends to leverage third-party services for non-differentiating components while we continue to control the loyalty program, customer service, and other key differentiating factors of the business,” Baazov said.

eGR understands the primary aim of the PokerStars’ sportsbook will be to keep poker-playing customers from leaving the site, rather than as an acquisition tool aimed at competing with the likes of bet365 and William Hill.

PokerStars’ move into sportsbook is part of a wider expansion into additional gaming verticals, having launched online casino in Spain earlier this year.

Amaya recently confirmed it will roll out PokerStars casino globally, and that it will be available to half of its player base by the end of the year.