Recently, PokerStars announced that online casino games will be available on its gaming platform. While the decision has been lauded by players and industry analysts, it has caused some poker players discomfort. One such player is Vicky Coren, who has announced her departure from Team PokerStars. Victoria Coren-Mitchell has been with PokerStars since 2007.
She has had a very successful relationship with the company, playing on its professional team for seven years. Unfortunately, she will not continue on with PokerStars because she does not support the decision to offer casino games, like pokies, roulette, and craps.
“They are providing a new service that people want, and I know they intend to abide by some key principles of responsible gaming,” she wrote in her blog this week, recognises that PokerStars has made a business decision to keep itself on top in the online gambling market. However, she states that she cannot endorse a site that offers games of luck: “Poker is the game I love, poker is what I signed up to promote”.
Vicky has not announced any future plans as of yet. After winning the European Poker Tour in San Remo earlier this year, it is likely that she will have many potential sponsors knocking on her door. However, she may continue to play as a free agent, considering that she has quite large collection of tournament winnings in the bank.
PokerStars issued a statement in response to her leaving: "We respect Victoria Coren’s decision to leave Team PokerStars Pro following our recent announcement to add casino games. We’re sad to see Vicky go and remain thankful for her support of the game and the company and wish her success in poker and in life."
It seems that she is still on good terms with PokerStars, and we are eager to see what’s next for Vicky in the world of poker.
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