Leading online gaming operator and platform provider, 888 Holdings PLC (888) (888:London) has confirmed the May 1 launch of its interstate poker network that will see poker players throughout three regulated U.S. states, including Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, compete together in the tournaments and poker formats of their choice via the one-of-a-kind proprietary platform.
In April, Caesars Entertainment Corporation subsidiary, Caesars Interactive Entertainment, announced that it would soon begin to share online poker liquidity between the trio of states by way of its brands, 888Poker.com and WSOP.com, according to the press release.
Meanwhile, Nevada and Delaware, have, since 2015, been sharing poker liquidity across the operator’s interstate network, and now, New Jersey will be joining. 888’s U.S. partners include The Delaware Lottery, Caesars with WSOP and the All American Poker Network.
Along with the launch of the interstate poker network came a slew of new and exciting tournaments and prizes with WSOP.com offering online poker players in each of the three states $100,000 Sunday Tournaments and more.
Chief Executive Officer for 888 Holdings, Itai Frieberger, said that the launch of its interstate poker network is “another significant milestone for the iGaming market in the U.S.”
Frieberger went on to say that the launch further demonstrates its commitment and “unique position” in the online iGaming market of the U.S. The CEO also thanked regulators in all three states for “initiating and supporting” the effort and hopes to see more states join the poker network soon.
Head of Online Poker for WSOP.com, Bill Rini, said, “We’re thankful for the efforts of all involved that made this milestone possible. We’ve been with 888 since Day 1 of our U.S. operations and it’s a testament to our shared passion for poker that we’ve been able to reach this momentous achievement together.”
For its part, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) Director, David Rebuck, added that they’ve “been happy” to take part in the process and to see it seamlessly implemented by all parties. Rebuck added that the DGE is “pleased for the additional opportunities this agreement provides not only for online poker players in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware, but also for other states that may want to participate in the future.”