888 granted NV online poker licence
Gibraltar-licensed operator set to offer 888- branded poker product in Silver State.
888 has been awarded a licence to offer its online poker product to players in Nevada by the state’s Gaming Commission, in what CEO Brian Mattingley has described as “an historic moment” for the operator.
The approval, two weeks after the Nevada Gaming Control Board gave its recommendation, will see 888 partner with operator licensee Las Vegas casino Treasure Island to launch an 888-branded poker product.
The Commission’s approval puts 888 in a strong position as the only foreign online gaming company licensed to effectively act as an operator in the state.
Mattingley confirmed earlier this month that the company had entered into a joint venture agreement with investment firm Avenue Capital Group to offer a US-facing B2C gaming offering when regulation allows, initially in Nevada under the Treasure Island licence.
The CEO said yesterday: “This is an historic moment for 888. This is the first time a company uniquely providing online gaming has been licensed by any US jurisdiction.
“Seen in the industry as the gold standard of global gaming regulation, we are delighted to have been awarded our licence to operate in the State of Nevada, a decision that vindicates our US strategy. We look forward to working with all our strategic partners and to re-launching the 888 brand in the US following the finalisation of platform approval.”
The regulatory approval will be followed by stringent system testing by Nevada’s licensed independent testing labs, after which 888’s deal with Treasure Island and a previously announced partnership with Caesars Interactive Entertainment will come to fruition.