PokerStars absent as second wave of licences awarded in New Jersey

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has issued a second wave of licences to suppliers, including Caesars Interactive Entertainment, bwin.party and Gamesys.

The companies have been issued a transactional waiver, which means they are able to launch on 21 November albeit to a limited number of customers as part of a five-day trial.

The DGE has also announced the companies currently being considered for a transactional waiver, including Paddy Power North America, Betable, and Pala Interactive.

Transactional waivers were also issued to: 888, the All American Poker Network, Cadillac Jack, Ongame, Bally Technologies, SHFL Entertainment, GameAccount Network, Betfair, CAMS, and Fertitta Acquisitionco.

“The award of our license approval to operate as an internet gaming services provider in the State of New Jersey alongside Caesars Interactive is another milestone for 888. New Jersey is an important market as we continue to re-launch the brand in the US market,” said Brian Mattingley, chief executive of 888.

Companies under consideration for a transactional waiver are: Genesis Gaming, Rush Street Interactive, Evolution New Jersey, Williams Interactive, and Scientific Games.

The first operator to be awarded a licence in the state was the Borgata Hotel & Casino, followed by the Golden Nugget, Tropicana, and the Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza.

All the operators plan to be ready to go live when the state logs on to egaming at 9am on 26 November, following a five-day trial period.

PokerStars did not appear on the list of operators awarded a licence by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, however a spokesman for the poker giant said its application was still under review.

“Our application remains under review by NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and we remain committed to working with them to complete the process,” he said.

A DGE spokesperson said the next set of licences will be issued next Friday.