Manx-based egaming firm PokerStars is vowing to stay on the Island – and is predicting big things ahead for the company.

It’s after an announcement last night it would be bought out by Canadian firm Amaya.

The deal, which had been widely rumoured this week, will make it easier for the company to apply for licenses to operate in the US.

But in a statement, Pokerstars' head of corporate communications Eric Hollreiser says there’ll be no impact on staff at the brand’s global headquarters in Onchan.

He says that base of operations will remain in the Island for the foreseeable future – and the firm will continue to give to local charities and support local sport.

Mr Hollreiser also says the deal should accelerate the company’s growth, bringing new jobs to the Island.

Since it opened on the Isle of Man in 2006, it’s grown to employ 216 people here – and Mr Hollreiser says that’s expected to rise by another 10 per cent this year.