PokerStars completes NJ licence application
New Jersey regulators have until 9 July to investigate operator seeking to buy Atlantic Club casino
PokerStars is a step closer to acquiring the Atlantic Club casino after parent company Rational Group completed its application for interim casino authorisation in New Jersey.
The state Division of Gaming Enforcement has ruled the application complete as of 10 April, with this day marking the start of a 90-day investigation period, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
By 9 July, a report must be filed with the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, which will have 30 days to hold a hearing and make a final decision regarding PokerStars’ eligibility for licensure in the state.
Rational Group had been expected to complete the application in January, but it was reported last month not all parts of the required paperwork had been completed.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has objected to Stars’ application, accusing the operator of “systematically flouting US law”, but an item intended to discuss the AGA’s petition was removed from the DGE agenda at this month’s meeting. Ifrah Law, which represents PokerStars, has also filed a response to the AGA countering its arguments.
Rational Group confirmed in January it had agreed to but the casino in a deal thought to be worth in the region of £30m. If approved by regulators, the operator would subsequently be permitted to apply for an online gaming licence in New Jersey, after last July’s Black Friday settlement with US authorities left the door open for PokerStars to re-enter the US market where regulation allows.