Last week, 888 Holdings and Caesars Interactive Entertainment announced they were continuing their current relationship in the UK by extending their licensing agreement to the United States.
Once online poker is legalized and regulated in the United States, 888 plans on using its Dragonfish division to power a group of poker brands brought to market by Caesars. With two of the biggest industry players standing behind this joint venture, it is safe to say it will quickly make its way to the top.
In a recent statement, 888 said:
“Utilizing 888’s state of the art poker platform, the agreement will allow the launch of a real money offering immediately as either federal or state based regulation is finalized and upon licensing by gaming authorities.”
Since the beginning of the year, 888 has been on the move and is currently taking all the necessary steps to eventually break into the US market. Last month, the company (along with four others) applied for a license to operate in Nevada.
In early 2011, 888 and Caesars teamed up to help grow the World Series of Poker brand in the UK. The fit was perfect, allowing Caesars to use its name recognition along with the software and hardware offered by 888.
Mitch Garber, CEO of Caesars Interactive Entertainment, released the following statement:
“888 has been successfully driving the World Series of Poker brand in the U.K. for the past three years, and with current momentum toward either a federal or state by state regulatory environment, 888 is uniquely positioned to support either outcome, without delay.”
As of right now, 888 Holdings and Caesars has an agreement to extend its licensing deal to the United States. However, the partnership is on hold while the US decides how to approach an overwhelming groundswell for the legalization of online poker.
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