Next Week Caesars Interactive to Publicize Launch Date for Nevada Online Poker
Yesterday we told you that it looks as if Ultimate Poker will soon be ending its reign as Nevada’s only regulated online poker site currently in operation.
On Monday, Caesars Interactive Entertainment is set to hold a conference call in which they will reveal the date on which they will launch their World Series of Poker branded real-money online poker web site in Nevada.
In the six months since Ultimate Poker first opened its doors to Nevadans, there has been much speculation about which site would be the next to go live – and when. Monday we may finally have that answer.
Executives, members of media to be present on Monday’s call
Caesars’ top brass has invited members of the media to participate on Monday’s call, in which they will field questions about the company’s plans for the Nevada online poker marketplace as well as fill in details about the platform, software, and the like.
“More than 15 years in the making for the company, and 43 years after the World Series of Poker was first held, the WSOP brand will make its United States online real money poker debut soon,” read a statement the company put out in advance of the call.
Nevada market thus far allows only for online poker
Though Nevada made history when it first passed legislation to regulate real-money online poker in the United States back in 2011, it did so to the exclusion of other forms of online betting.
When New Jersey and Delaware joined the Silver State in green-lighting Internet-based wagering, both states went a step further to allow for comprehensive online betting, meaning casino games and other types of wagers will be offered in addition to online poker. Real-money games are expected to go live in those states later on this fall.
Interstate deals could prove lucrative for Nevada casino industry
Meanwhile, Nevada’s Republican Governor, Brian Sandoval, himself a former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, does have the power to enter into interstate online poker compacts with other states that have enacted laws to regulate the game.
This stands to make the nascent U.S. online gambling industry very lucrative for Nevada’s large casino outfits, most of which have a presence in other states and thus will have a markedly increased market. As iGaming laws in all three states require the bettor to be physically located in the respective state when accessing real-money gambling sites, the potential for bets to be placed over state lines would serve to swell the customer base considerably.
Many gambling industry experts believe that Nevada lawmakers will likely work to allow for online casino games to be offered in the state in the not-too-distant future, though no such legislation has as yet been put forward.
Check back with us next week as we update you as to when Caesars will be kicking off its WSOP online poker site.
