PokerStars has announced that its Belgian-facing site, PokerStars.be, has become one of the first online gaming services to receive the nation’s coveted Casino de Namur A+ License. A joint venture with Circus Groupe, the website earned the honor after a stellar showing in its trial period.

This is an important step forward for the regulation of online gambling,” said Belgian Gaming Commission Chairman Etienne Marique. “Not only is the legal framework offering the possibility for operators to offer their online games of chance but, from an economical point of view, gambling operators are given opportunities in Belgium. And all this in an environment that protects players more than illegal websites do. For example, excluded players cannot play at licensed websites and an average hourly loss is applicable to each player.”

Initially licensed by the Belgian government in late 2011, PokerStars.be is now fully open for business. Besides allowing access to fully-stocked cash games, the new license also grants players the chance to participate in massive international tournaments, including PokerStars’ own World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP).

“We are delighted,” said PokerStars Head of Business Development Guy Templer, “to be able to offer a locally licensed product to Belgian players through our partnership with Circus Groupe. This furthers our goal to obtain licences in all newly-regulated markets and we look forward to working with the Circus Groupe and the Belgian Gaming Commission.”

While things are looking up for PokerStars, rouge members of the Belgian gaming community should expect a rough year. The nation’s government has stated its intention to allow only fully license operators to offer services within their borders, so some of the smaller sites could be out of luck.

With a victory secured on the Belgian front, PokerStars now turns its attention to other developing markets on the European continent. The company already possess operating licenses in Italy, France, Estonia, and Denmark, giving them a leg up on the international competition.