Bwin.Party is latest operator to make peace with the Commonwealth of Kentucky after cutting a $15 million check to settle claims against them in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky went after Bwin in hopes of recovering losses by their residents prior to the implementation of the UIGEA in 2006.
For their part, Bwin.Party (which was still Party Gaming at the time in question) admitted no wrongdoing in the case and is now free to pursue other, legal, US activities. In an interview with Pokerfuse.com, Bwin.Party’s Director of Corporate Communications, John Shepherd said:
The agreement resolves the only remaining litigation involving the Company that stems from our pre-UIGEA U.S. activities. The agreement also makes clear that it does not prevent or limit bwin.party from offering internet gaming to Kentucky residents in the future, if lawful and licensed there.
That said, it should come as no surprise to hear that Bwin.Party may be pursuing a Nevada gaming license and is working on a partnership with Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts in New Jersey.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear Lauded Bwin.Party in a press release saying:
I’m pleased that we were able to recover losses on behalf of Kentuckians. bwin.party is making every effort to comply with the laws of the United States and demonstrate that they want to be known for their integrity and honesty in this industry.
Last week Kentucky settled cases against Absolute Poker and Full Tilt Poker in connection with Black Friday.
Do you think Kentucky is shaking down gambling companies? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.