AGA Objects to PokerStars Purchase of Atlantic Club
The American Gaming Association is opposing PokerStars efforts to buy a casino in Atlantic City.
The American Gaming Association has filed a petition against the purchase of the Atlantic Club Casino by PokerStars
The AGA filed a petition with state casino regulators citing federal charges settled by PokerStars and its parent company Rational Group Ltd.
The new online gambling laws in New Jersey specify that operators must be owners of casinos in the state. The AGA’s complaint suggests that already established casinos will be challenging potential competitors.
A spokesman for PokerStars, Eric Hollreiser, said that “These are matters for expert regulators to determine, not self-interested partisans picking a public fight. We will continue to work positively with regulators in New Jersey and elsewhere whenever they review our qualifications.”
In January the Rational Group agreed to by the Atlantic Club, one of Atlantic City’s 12 casinos.
However, the deal is yet to be approved by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and Casino Control Commission.
If the deal is approved it will allow PokerStars to set up an online presence in the state. According to the law existing operators can offer all current games as long as their hardware is based in Atlantic City.
