The run-up to the November launch of New Jersey online gaming has been filled with interesting developments. With the trial launch period set for November 21 and the official real-money launch for November 26, there has been a flurry of activity revolving around licensing and approvals for companies who will be among the first to offer new gaming options.
Who’s In
The past few weeks have revealed a series of licenses awarded to casinos who applied for permission to run Internet gaming websites. The Borgata was the first to receive one, followed by casinos like the Golden Nugget, Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, Trump Taj Mahal, and Tropicana Casino & Resort.
Another major list was released on November 1 with approvals for companies to begin work. The preliminary approvals were given by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to companies that must work with online gaming sites. The first category consisted of Ancillary Casino Service Industry Enterprises, such as Geocomply, Xyverify, Pokertrip Enterprises, Player Verify, and Aristotle International. The second category was Internet Gaming Related Vendor Registrants and included companies like Kalia, Skrill, Paysafecard.com, and Worldpay.
Who’s Almost In
And finally, a list of transactional waivers was released. Those authorizations indicate that the companies are basically approved, though the investigation into each application continues. However, the companies have already met a standard of satisfaction, needs, and suitability for the state’s online gaming industry. The list includes companies like Amaya Gaming, Gamesys, 888 Holdings, Bally Technologies, and CAMS. With the transactional waivers, the companies can officially work toward the November 21 soft launch of their respective sites.
But Where’s PokerStars?
One of the most obvious omissions from that list was PokerStars. Initial reports emerged that the company will not receive a license, and an update stated that PokerStars will not be involved in the first round of those offering Internet gaming on November 26. But PokerStars Head of Corporate Communications responded to the rumors on Twitter with this statement: “The failure to appear on either list does not mean PokerStars has been rejected by the DGE. It also does not necessarily mean PokerStars will not be a part of the initial launch of regulated online gambling in New Jersey.”
The Department of Gaming Enforcement also released a list of companies who are authorized to participate in Internet gaming in New Jersey but have not partnered with a casino or platform provider as of yet. Some companies have not even submitted an application for a transactional waiver. Among the names provided are major online gaming companies like Paddy Power and Williams Interactive, as well as Scientific Games, Pala Interactive of California, and Betable. All companies have taken steps to be involved in the US online gaming industry but have yet to forge the relationships necessary to participate in the initial New Jersey offerings.
