PokerStars given six-month New Jersey license extension
Amaya can continue to operate PokerStars and Full Tilt in the state despite CEO David Baazov fighting insider trading charges
The New Jersey regulator has renewed Amayaâs license to operate its PokerStars and Full Tilt brands in the state despite CEO David Baazov stepping aside to fight insider dealing charges earlier this week. [private]
The renewal comes shortly after the regulator confirmed to EGR North America that it was keeping a watching brief on how the situation regarding the charges brought against Baazov unfolded.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) first gave Amaya the green light to launch PokerStars and Full Tilt back in September, with both sites going live on March 21 after a brief soft-launch testing period.
The gaming giant said the latest approval would last another six months, and comes just days after chief exec David Baazov agreed to take an indefinite leave of absence from the firm.
Amaya used the announcement provide an update on how PokerStars had performed since going live in the Garden State, and said it believed Stars had driven grown and had âquicklyâ become the market leader in poker.
âWhile itâs very early, weâre extremely pleased with the initial launch of PokerStars in New Jersey and the positive working relationship that Amaya has with the DGE,â Amaya interim CEO Rafi Ashkenazi, said.
âIâm very proud of our employees, including those we have hired in New Jersey, who have worked diligently to prepare for the launch of a robust, stable platform backed by great customer service.
âWe hope to continue our early positive momentum in the market as PokerStars New Jersey continues to roll out additional marketing and promotions,â he added.