The path has officially been cleared for PokerStars to make its return to the United States.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced on Wednesday that it has approved the application of Amaya, Inc. to offer online poker services in the state of New Jersey.
This means that both PokerStars and Full Tilt may operate legally in the state. A launch date has yet to be announced.
Decision Comes As Two-Year Anniversary of NJ iGaming Approaches
Interestingly enough the announcement of PokerStars' approval comes a couple of months ahead of the two-year anniversary of New Jersey launching legalized iGaming.
New Jersey officially launched its regulated market on November 26, 2013 and PokerStars was not part of that launch. Their application was later put "on hold" due to the company's continued association with founder Isai Scheinberg.
The Rational Group, parent company for PokerStars, sold to the Amaya Gaming Group in August 2014 and soon thereafter Amaya applied for licensing.
DGE Chairman David Rebuck has been conducting an extensive review of that sale and the process has taken over a year to complete.
Despite rumors of politics and other parties holding up the process, PokerStars has now been approved to offer online poker in New Jersey.
PokerStars Partnering with Resorts AC
PokerStars signed a deal with the Resorts Hotel Casino in Atlantic City in July 2013 after a failed attempt to purchase the Atlantic Club.
Now that Amaya's license has been approved both PokerStars and Full Tilt will offer gaming with Resorts serving as its live casino partner.
It is unclear at this time whether Amaya will choose to offer online poker on both sites or just PokerStars.
The current market in Atlantic City just barely supports the four sites presently serving online poker and most believe that PokerStars is the only other site that can operate feasibly in the state.
Also, only players from New Jersey will be allowed to play on PokerStars NJ or Full Tilt NJ. International players will not be able to access NJ players and vice-versa.
The question now is when the sites will launch. Some have speculated they will push ahead and open sometime in October. Others believe that December is a more realistic date.
With the two-year anniversary two months away, this could provide a prime opportunity for the company. Launching on November 26 would be a great way to celebrate the anniversary and bring added attention to the industry.