PokerStars will makes its return to the US online gaming market on March 21, when the poker giant begins operations in the state of New Jersey.
The move completes a significant turnaround of PokerStars’ fortunes stateside, having been barred from operating in the US in 2011 when, with several high-level employees facing federal indictments, parent company Rational was blacklisted and ordered to pay $800m in forfeitures.
Amaya bought Rational in 2014 for $4.9bn and quickly began the process of rehabilitation, moving on the indicted individuals and opening discussions with the New Jersey regulator.
In September last year, PokerStars was given the green light to resume operations by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.
In partnership with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, the PokerStars site will offer poker, table games and slots.
Amaya CEO David Baazov said: “PokerStars is the global leader in online poker and trusted by its customers for its robust and innovative technology, world-class security and game integrity.
“We are honoured and excited to now bring these experiences to New Jersey.”
Despite the New Jersey gains, PokerStars’ US woes are far from over with Amaya contesting the December ruling by a Kentucky judge that the company should pay $870m for operating between 2006 and 2011 in a state where casino gambling is illegal.
Source: Associated Press
