PartyPoker‘s parent company and co-owner of BetMGM has received a three-year interactive gaming license in Nevada. Entain applied for the license under BWIN.PARTY (USA). The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has anonymously approved the British sports betting brand, allowing it to continue offering interactive gaming services.
In the Silver State gambling laws, interactive gaming refers to online gaming and betting. In this case, Entain is limited to providing internet poker.
Two years ago, the then-named GVC Holdings gained a similar license. The brand was to provide interactive gaming for two years.
But, the company could not launch its services, online poker. It is assumed that the brand found the wire act complicated as it would limit shared liquidity across states.
It also felt the market size was not ideal. The license was slated to expire at the end of this May.
Entain had already decided to apply for a permanent extension rather than another provisional license. However, Nevada’s gaming board decided to grant a temporary permit leaving the brand with no option but to settle.
Clean Gaming Activities
The last time Entain wanted the interactive gaming license, it was deemed “dirty.” The regulatory board was not impressed by the brand’s links with unlicensed gaming activities, especially in Turkey.
However, the company has made some changes now. Its long-standing CEO Kenny Alexander is no longer with the company. Also, it rebranded to Entain Plc and promised to implement responsible gambling measures. Another thing the company will do under new leadership is to operate in 100 percent regulated jurisdictions by 2023.
One of Nevada’s gaming board members said he was impressed by the changes Entain had made. Despite these changes, the board chooses to grant a three-year extension instead of a permanent license the brand has asked for.
Will the Company Finally Go Live With PartyPoker and BetMGM?
The question of when Entain will go live with its poker product in Nevada is still a mystery. However, with a three-year extension, the company has more time to launch online poker in Silver State.
The company did extensive preparation prior to the recent hearing leading to the grant of the license extension. These preparations are probably indications that the brand plans to launch online poker finally.
If it does, Entain will be one of the companies taking advantage of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Nevada is one of the three states (others include Delaware and New Jersey) allowing operators to combine their player pool.
WSOP.com is the only brand with a combined player pool from the three states, while PokerStars cannot as it is not allowed to operate in Nevada. Meanwhile, PartyPoker has been operating in New Jersey under PartyPoker US Network for almost a decade. It has an opportunity to offer similar services to residents in Nevada.
It’s a Good Year To Launch Online Poker
Following a favorable wire act ruling, new online poker is launching to a better market. Translating the wire act was hard. But, with the recent interpretation of the statute, the issue of interstate poker will finally be put to bed. This will allow more operators to launch in various markets and promote multi-state internet gaming.
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