PokerStars Moving to Isle of Man

In what appears to be a move to setup up yet another online poker room IPO, PokerStars is moving its operations from Costa Rica to the Isle of Man. The migration may come as earlier as the end of this year.

The possible float on the London Stock Exchange is unconfirmed, but the move is a definite sign that it may be in the works.

The Isle of Man is working to position itself as an online gaming-friendly location so that other online poker companies might move there, as well. According to Bill Mummery, head of e-gaming development on the Isle of Man (and former director of Betinternet, an online gaming company who moved there), many firms have been looking seriously at the island as a potential home. The island has eliminated corporate income tax and changed the duty structure to make it more attractive to the gaming companies.

Mr. Mummery said that PokerStars’ decision to relocate is a “milestone” for the island.