The Senior Vice President of 888 Holdings recently talked to Poker Industry PRO. In his interview, he revealed that his brand is about to expand into a third state, after Michigan and Pennsylvania, before the end of 2021. During the interview, Yaniv Sherman covered various topics, including 888’s partnership with Sports Illustrated. The partnership’s goal is to offer gaming products and SI-branded sports wagering in the U.S.
888 Holdings, through WSOP.com, is going live at the start of next week, July 12, and in Michigan several weeks after. The company will be releasing its Poker 8 software for the first time to U.S. citizens through WSOP MI and WSOP PA poker rooms.
West Virginia Could Be the Next Stop
Online poker has been legal in West Virginia since 2019. However, its small population is unattractive for poker operators. But, if the state could join an interstate compact such as that with Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware, it would be good for business.
Fortunately, West Virginia has shown interest in joining the already existing Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Alternatively, the state could be entering another new compact that Michigan and Pennsylvania weigh about. The Attorney General from Michigan and Penn have asked the Department of Justice to clarify on the Federal Wire Act.
The clarification will give these states the go-ahead on a new compact. Then, 888 can comfortably enter West Virginia.
Hoping To Launch In Six State Interstate Poker Liquidity Network
Sherman noted that 888 is an ambitious brand looking to enter more states. He hoped that Michigan and Penn could enter into the existing interstate compact soon. Sherman said that 888 was looking forward to launching in a five or six-state interstate poker liquidity network.
Sherman looks toward entering three more states before the end of the year. He believes Poker 8 will be good for business. If Michigan and Penn could join the existing compact, 888 Holdings would create an 888WSOP network, the only kind in the U.S.
Connecticut Is Another Option
888 Holdings’ Vice president also hinted that 888 might come to Connecticut. Sherman said the company could enter the state by partnering with either of the two tribes in the state, its WSOP partner, or by its own. Connecticut’s newly updated online gaming program is effective since the beginning of July 2021. In the new plan, Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes retained their right to offer casino and poker gaming in the state. The two will also offer online sports betting.
The law also asks Connecticut to review the existing compacts with the two tribes. After, these reviews will be approved or not by the U.S. Department of Interior.
According to Sherman, Connecticut and West Virginia stand to benefit from a ready-made liquidity pool. This is true, especially when 888 launches Poker 8 software in New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada. So, if Connecticut or West Virginia will be looking to expand their online poker, they will benefit by partnering with 888.
The entire interview of the 888 Holdings Senior Vice President with Poker network PRO is yet to be published for the public. But some of the things Yaniv covered include his company’s online poker strategy, sports and casino industry in the United States.
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