Nevada Could Get 3 More Online Poker Sites
Nevada, as one of only three current US states legally delivering state-sanctioned online poker, could be doubling the number of online poker sites licensed to shuffle up and deal for Silver State residents and visitors. The leader by a hair in consistent cash game traffic is WSOP.com, which was launched last fall. The Ultimate Poker website in Nevada was the first to be licensed and regulated as a legal online poker room run by a US-based company since the 2011 DOJ decision which allows each US state to legalize or outlaw Internet poker.
UP launched the site in April of 2013 as a free play version first, and though the Ultimate Poker cyber poker parlor has a loyal customer base, it has not grown much. The WSOP poker site pulls in a little more consistent traffic, and recently the Real Gaming online poker website in Nevada, supported by South Point, became the third online poker room in that state. That last entrant has been struggling to develop a presence, following software and other issues upon launch.
But the stagnant level of play seen in those three Vegas online poker sites has not dissuaded other firms from trying to get involved. Nevada originally licensed 12 companies to provide Internet poker web action through physical casinos located in and around Las Vegas. And just recently Nevada signed a historic player pool compact with Delaware, also legally licensed for Internet gambling, that will help boost traffic to the sites run by both states. Real Gaming had better hurry up and develop some consistent traffic and player support, because three more websites are ready to join the Nevada online poker party.
The respected 888 Holdings already runs a couple of websites in New Jersey that offer Internet poker and casino gambling, and the company is prepared to launch its officially licensed 888.com Nevada Internet poker room. 888 has a substantial history of running online gambling websites around the world, and the name notoriety should help drive traffic upon launch. The company’s Nevada operation will be handled through the All American Poker Network (AAPN).
Ace Play Poker currently delivers a free play online poker room offered through the Ongame Network, and they also are prepared to open a pay for play poker room in Nevada. Supported by American Casino and Entertaining Properties, they recently stated that they were ready to open their virtual doors “very soon.” Another couple of recognizable names, MGM and Boyd, have teamed up with Bwin.party to deliver Internet poker in Nevada. That same partnership has done well in New Jersey, but Bwin.party has yet to receive an Internet poker license from Nevada gaming regulators. With an established presence in New Jersey, licensing at this point by the well-known Bwin.party is all but a formality, and the company would make the sixth Internet poker room for Silver State residents and tourists.