Tables Turned – Caesars Extends Support to PokerStars in U.S.
10 years ago
17 Feb
According to Online Poker Report and several other sites that followed up on the news, the situation in the U.S. regulated market could be undergoing a serious change. Chris Krafick of Gambling Compliance tweeted on Saturday that Caesars' Executive Vice President Jan Jones Blackhurst told him that the company is changing their stance toward PokerStars.
Caesars' Jan Jones Blackhurst told me the company believes Amaya Gaming Group-PokerStars "should be considered for legalization in the U.S."
— Chris Krafcik (CKrafcik)
February 13, 2015Up until recently, Caesars were one of the most vocal opponents against allowing PokerStars to enter the U.S. regulated market, referring back to the bad actors clause, e.g., the companies that continued offering online poker services in the States after the UIGEA had been passed.
The most recent developments indicate that the company is ready to reconsider its position on the matter and even extend a friendly hand to PokerStars.
The implications
Caesars have thus far proven to be a very powerful opponent in the game of admittance to the U.S. market. With their financial means and influence, the company was able to put numerous obstacles in the way of PokerStars.
With this latest shift, it seems that the companies are on a path to forming an alliance. Such a pairing could mean that the landscape of online poker in the States will likely undergo some big changes.
Head of Corporate Communications for Amaya Inc., Eric Hollreiser, posted a short statement on Twitter, welcoming the support of any entity willing to help with bringing online poker (and PokerStars) to the U.S.
We welcome the support of all those who want to see a US online gaming market that protects consumers, generates tax revenue and creates a responsible, vibrant and competitive marketplace. We are encouraged by the recent comments from Caesars, California tribes including Pala, Rincon and United Auburn and several dozen card rooms who believe that working together is best way to promote the industry, protect individual freedom & counter misleading, negative campaign of self-interested, anticompetitive groups." @Eric Hollreiser
The coalition between PokerStars and Caesars could turn out to be a powerful entity against Sheldon Adelson and his constant efforts to stop online poker regulation in the U.S. The two industry giants working together could perhaps put together all the required resources to put up a real fight versus the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.
Despite all their differences, this alliance seems a natural progression considering that both companies do have a common goal and can benefit from strength in numbers against the strong opposition of Adelson.
One thing is certain – this latest alliance could bring about some very exciting developments in the very near future.
Photo: lasvegas.se
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