The online poker market in New Jersey has not taken off as per initial expectations. The amount of traffic being driven to online poker websites is of serious concern and online gambling companies face stiff competition to carve a niche for themselves in the garden state. In the midst of this competition, PokerStars, the biggest online poker website in the world is all set to enter New Jersey and capture a large percentage of marketshare.
PokerStars was initially not granted a license by the state of New Jersey due to a number of concerns.
Other online gambling companies such as the WSOP were provided with licenses and had the initial opportunity to launch and establish themselves. PokerStars application for an online poker license was turned down by state authorities earlier this year. The main reason behind the rejection of license application was because there were charges pending in federal law charges against the founder of PokerStars, Isai Scheinberg.
However, according to recent comments made by the New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak, PokerStars could soon be entering into the New Jersey online poker market. While PokerStars is yet to receive an official license, Ray Lesniak has used Twitter to share his opinion which suggests that it is just a matter of time before PokerStars license gets approved. Lesniak sent out tweets which read
@PokerStars launch will spark an AC revival. Stay tuned for a major announcement…
— Senator Ray Lesniak (@SenatorLesniak) September 11, 2014
With @PokerStars in NJ we're on our way to being the Silicon Valley of Internet gaming.
— Senator Ray Lesniak (@SenatorLesniak) September 11, 2014
Obtaining a poker license can sometimes be a long drawn out process with no fixed deadline. However, PokerStars will be on a fast track basis and could get an official license in a matter of weeks instead of waiting for a number of months. Being the largest online poker website in the world, PokerStars is expected to dominate the market in New Jersey and also provide the state with much needed revenue.
Lesniak stated that PokerStars will not only play a major role in the online poker market in New Jersey but will also be instrumental in increasing the attraction of Atlantic city. PokerStars has already started registering trademarks in the U.S. for specific phrases and logos such as the Caribbean Adventure and World Cup of Poker.
