PokerStars Not Included in Latest New Jersey iGaming Approvals

PokerStars was not included in the most recent round of iGaming approvals issued today by gambling regulators in New Jersey.

Today’s update from the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement only addressed new vendors and new ancillary companies.

It did not address the transactional waiver (or 92a(1) license) that PokerStars would need to consummate an online gambling partnership with a land-based NJ casino.

PokerStars’ future in New Jersey

The failure of PokerStars to win the required approval from New Jersey regulators at this point in time does not mean the company is completely shut out of the New Jersey market.

The DGE has made it clear that the licensing process is a dynamic, ongoing one. And until either the DGE or PokerStars publicly closes the door on the issue, it is likely that negotiations between the two remain active.

But today’s developments do make it difficult to see how PokerStars will be able participate in New Jersey’s initial launch, set for a beta opening on November 21st and a full opening on November 26th.

New Jersey’s launch lineup emerging

As the launch date for regulated online gambling draws closer, the list of casinos likely to take part in that launch continues to firm up.

Based on the licenses issued so far, public preparations and conversations with those involved, here’s what we expect the launch lineup to look like:

• Borgata / bwin.party (poker and casino).
• Caesars / 888 (poker and casino).
• Bally’s 888 All American Poker Network (poker and casino).
• Trump Taj Mahal / Ultimate (poker and casino).
• Golden Nugget / Amaya (casino, possibly poker).
• Tropicana / Gamesys (casino only).
• Trump Plaza / Betfair (casino only).

One interesting caveat to the projected list above: Caesars has yet to receive an Internet Gaming Permit for any of its properties.