We previously detailed the passage of an amendment to Nevada's online poker law that allows Nevada's governor to reach agreements to create joint player pools with residents of other states. Since passage of the amendment, Nevada has entered into an interstate online poker compact with Delaware, and it is widely believed that an agreement with New Jersey will soon follow. Despite both states' residents having access to the other's online poker websites and casinos, there has never been a website that aggregates both states' online poker websites . . . until now.
New Interstate Online Poker Website
Last week, the Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that it had approved an interactive gaming system that will eventually aggregate the online poker websites of multiple casinos located in Nevada and Delaware. The logic is that allowing players to use a single website will increase player pools and, therefore, potential winnings for players. The interstate online poker website will also have a number of benefits for casinos and online poker companies. For instance, by consolidating players on a single website, casinos and online poker operators will receive a greater return on their marketing efforts and be able to offer players a wider range of poker products.
The interstate online poker website will be operated by industry mainstay, 888 Holdings. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board announcement, 888 Holdings' interactive gaming system will create an inter-operator poker network that will initially only include Caesars' current online poker website, WSOP.com, and a forthcoming online poker website to be operated by Treasure Island Casino.
Further Approval Needed
Despite the fact that the interstate online poker website received approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, it will still need the approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission before it may go live. The Nevada Gaming Commission is scheduled to make a ruling on the matter on July 24, 2014. We will keep our readers updated with any further developments regarding this issue.
This topic should be of interest to gambling attorneys and those interested in online poker law in general. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, please e-mail us at info@kleinmoynihan.com or call us at (212) 246-0900.
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