PokerStars confirms partnership with California tribe
Online poker giant will supply its platform to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and three of California's largest card rooms when internet poker becomes legal in the state
PokerStars has confirmed it has struck a deal with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and three of California’s largest card rooms to act as their online poker partner as soon as it is legal to do so.
The deal will see the Commerce Club, the Hawaiian Garden Casino, the Bicycle Casino and Morongo all use PokerStars’ real-money poker platform and related services.
The partnership will also see the three entities working together as a coalition to promote the legalisation and regulation of internet poker in California.
There are currently two online poker bills in circulation and progress appears to be on the horizon as the tribes and card rooms look to compromise over licence fees, tax rates, and the number of ‘skins’ a licensed operator could offer.
Both bills would only allow licenses to be awarded to the state’s tribes and card rooms, meaning online operators such as PokerStars have to form partnerships if they are to gain a foothold in what will become the largest regulated internet poker market in the US.
PokerStars’ attempts to enter the fray have attracted criticism in recent months, with Native American groups arguing that its violation of UIGEA mean it should be blocked from re-entering the US market. The tribes collectively called on the California gambling regulator to come down hard on so-called ‘bad actors’ last month.
However Morongo tribal chairman Robert Martin said he was confident that the partnership would offer a “safe, secure, high-quality online poker experience” to players, and one that brings financial benefits to California.
“California has a long history and deep expertise in regulating live poker and we look forward to working with legislators and our industry colleagues to pass a bill that enhances competition and consumer protection,” said Keith Sharp, an attorney acting on behalf of the card rooms.
“PokerStars has a great history with California poker players, who want us in the market,” said Guy Templer, group director of strategy and business development for the Rational Group.
“We are the worldwide leader in regulated online poker and hold more national licenses than any other operator. We look forward to bringing our best practices in responsible gaming, online security, e-commerce, protection of players’ funds and game integrity to the California market,” he added.
The deal is the fourth time PokerStars has attempted to enter the regulated US egaming market, after agreements in Nevada and New Jersey fell through. PokerStars attempts to join forces with a land-based partner stretch back as far as 2011 when it signed a deal with Wynn.
Parent company The Rational Group made numerous attempts to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino in New Jersey, before signing a deal with Resorts Casino Hotel instead.
However last year the New Jersey regulator announced it had suspended PokerStars licence application in the state citing concerns over founder Isai Scheinberg.