Online poker players in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware are about to experience a major change in their environment. That change will be the result of the State of New Jersey’s decision to enter an interstate compact that shares players pools from the three states.
This latest development could provide a much needed shot in the arm for a segment of the US online gambling market that’s struggled to find an audience. Despite seeing regular revenue gains in its online casino market, New Jersey has yet to see any significant gains in its online poker market.
It’s a very similar story in Delaware, where online poker revenue was an anemic $18,000 last month. In Nevada, regulators have stopped reported online poker revenue entirely, which is definitely a bad sign.
In a statement to the press, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie sounded enthusiastic about the arrangement saying:
New Jersey has been a pioneer in the development of authorized, regulated online gaming, which has been a budding success since its launch in late 2013. Pooling players with Nevada and Delaware will enhance annual revenue growth, attract new consumers, and create opportunities for players and Internet gaming operators. This agreement marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for online gaming, and we look forward to working with our partners in Nevada and Delaware in this endeavor.
While interstate gambling compacts are generally good news for operators, there are some operators who won’t be invited to the party. In states like Nevada, that have “bad actor” clauses in their gaming regulations, certain operators who offered play to US players before it was legal, won’t be eligible to participate in the the player pools.
As of this writing there’s been no specific timetable set for the beginning of pooled online poker play. All sides, however, have stated that they’re moving as quickly as possible.