What does a Brexit from the EU Mean for Online Poker?

With the latest news out of the United Kingdom, most of the world is left wondering what will happen next after a Brexit vote was met with a majority vote. Most analysts, experts and every day citizens imagine the effects it will have immigration, and the economy. In reality the UKs exit from the EU could have direct ramifications on most of the world's economy, including online gambling. Poker Stars announced an increase in fees for those using the British Sterling Pound on their site immediately after voting took place. This could have been for the sharp decline on the value of both Sterling and Euros that saw both reach 30 year lows. The fact is, Brexit is having a real impact on online poker already. The real effects could come within days, weeks, or even years. Most importantly, will be where players will be allowed to play. Many online poker rooms and casinos follow the EU rules and regulations, could this mean that players inside the United Kingdom will not be allowed to play on sites in the EU? And vice versa. The United Gambling Commission has already adopted their own regulation when it comes online gambling and does not follow the EU rules in this regard. Little effect will be made on players inside the UK in the immediate future, since they already play on sites holding a UKGC license. This leads us to the fact that the UK is considered one of, if not the best at regulating online gambling. Without their guidance and voice, online casinos regulated under the EU umbrella could see a decline in customer retention and overall market share. Inside the UK, one of the largest gambling sites still calls Britain their home. Bet365 is the largest employer in their city, and could face a decision that would have a major impact in that area. If the EU decides that all online gambling sites must be operating within the EU in order to offer games to residents in their jurisdiction, this would mean Bet365 would either have to move, or lose a big share of their market. Finally, we have the messy world of online regulators and licensing. Many of these offshore regulators are considered British territories and will now be considered outside of the EU. There's a good portion of casinos and poker rooms that call these tiny islands under British rule their regulators. Essentially, they would be in the same boat as Bet365 if the EU decides that all sites must be licensed and regulated by a country within the EU. Technically these islands did reside within the EUs reach, even though they are mostly off the Eastern Coast of the United States in places like Bermuda and Cyprus. There is no need to panic as of yet, most experts say it will take 2 years to negotiate Britain's exit from the UK, and it may not even happen at all. They are already calling for another vote, and other parts of the UK including Scotland and Wales could hold a vote to leave the United Kingdom as most of their population voted to stay within the EU. The real answer to this question is - no one quite knows what will happen. However, the reality is, a lot could change over the coming months.