Mansion Poker is to close its virtual doors to UK players on September 15 due to the changing online gambling legislative scene in the country, according to an email communication sent to British players this week.
The communication reads:
“Due to changing regulations regarding online gaming in the United Kingdom, we must inform you that Mansion Poker is required to close its doors to UK players on September 15th, 2014. As a result, we kindly request that you withdraw any and all funds you have in your Mansion Poker account.”
Players are referred to TitanBet Poker, where incentive arrangements have been made that enable Mansion players to retain VIP status and player points whilst claiming a 200 percent sign-on bonus.
TitanBet.co.uk is a new site announced by Playtech subsidiary PTES last week and clearly targeted on British players. Although licensed currently in Antigua, it is understood the site is seeking a UK p.o.c. licence as part of the iPoker network. (see previous report)
Mansion is the latest in a growing wave of operators who are referring UK players elsewhere, consolidating with UK-facing sites or seeking British licensing…and accepting the future imposition of a 15 percent tax hit.
Two other PTES-managed skins on the iPoker network, Titan and Winner, have launched .co.uk websites and are believed to be in the process of transferring Brit players to the new sites, clearly with the intention to remain in the UK market with the requisite licensing.