888, Bwin.Party Receive Web Gaming Approval in New Jersey; PokerStars Waits
On Friday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement released a list of Internet gaming companies which have received a transactional waiver, thereby allowing them to "engage in Internet gaming activities" once the market launches on Nov. 26.
Among the companies approved on Friday were bwin.party, 888, Ultimate Poker, Betfair and Amaya Gaming, all of which will be eligible to participate in the "soft launch" trial period beginning on Nov. 21.
The news is big for bwin.party, which has teamed up with the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to offer a full-scale iGaming platform and is expected to be one of the leaders in the emerging market. Ultimate Poker has a partnership with Trump Taj Majal, and Betfair has joined forces with Trump Plaza.
Other companies receiving approval to offer Web gambling in New Jersey were Paddy Power North America, Scientific Games International, Williams Interactive, Betable New Jersey, Genesis Gaming, and Evolution New Jersey. Each of those service providers are authorized to engage in Internet gaming related business transactions once they enter into an agreement with a casino licensee or platform provider.
One major exclusion from the list on Friday was PokerStars, the world's leading online poker site. However, according to a spokesperson for the DGE, PokerStars and other companies who did not appear on the transactional waiver list could still be issued a permit before the Nov. 26 launch. The next list is scheduled to be released on Nov. 15.
Rational Group Head of Corporate Communications Eric Hollreiser told PokerNews on Friday that PokerStars is still committed to entering the New Jersey market.
"Our application remains under review by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and we remain committed to working with the Division to complete the review process," Hollreiser said.
Five of the 12 casinos in Atlantic City have been greenlighted for online gambling. Along with Caesars and its four properties in Atlantic City, the only other establishment still awaiting a permit is Resorts Casino Hotel, which will rely on PokerStars to get their joint operation off the ground. Revel Casino Hotel and The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel have not revealed any plans to enter the market.
We'll have much more on this story as it develops. Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+!
