PokerStars signs New Jersey deal
PokerStars links with New Jersey operator Resorts Casino in partnership deal
PokerStars looks set to re-enter the US market through a deal with New Jersey casino operator Resorts Casino.
The terms of the partnership deal, which comes just days after Stars latest bid to revive its deal to acquire the Atlantic Club were rejected in a New Jersey court, have not been disclosed but any prospective site will use the PokerStars brand.
The Isle of Man-based operator had a $15m deal to acquire the Atlantic Club ruled out earlier this year and many had written off their chances of entering the US regulated market as a result.
But the deal with Resorts looks set to allow them back into the US market and is sure to be met with significant objections from some of the other land-based operators in the state.
The deal is subject to regulatory approval from the New Jersey authorities and is likely to lead to a renewed war of words in the state, following the AGA’s bid to get Stars’ previous licence application thrown out.
Morris Bailey, Resorts’ Company Chairman, compared PokerStars to its other major gaming partners and called its new online gaming partner a “blue chip brand”.
Mark Scheinberg, CEO of PokerStars owner The Rational Group, said the firm was “very happy” to invest in New Jersey and they were excited about building a “successful relationship with Resorts”.
“Resorts is a fantastic partner for us and we are looking forward to launch PokerStars in the US in association with the other quality brands Resorts has brought to Atlantic City,”