888: US Online Poker to Soar From 2015

888, one of the world's largest online gambling operators, expects to launch online poker in Nevada this summer, and anticipates that its product will boom by 2015.

Bullish on US online poker

"In Nevada we are awaiting final-sign-off by the gaming control board on our software," 888 CEO Brian Mattingley was quoted as saying by Reuters on Tuesday, adding that the online poker product should go live by the third quarter. 888 recently became the first operator to receive a Nevada license and is also aiming for a New Jersey license.

As Nevada and New Jersey start handing out more licenses and other states pass their own regulations, a lot of marketing spending will be made by companies jostling for position in the United States in the next year, Mattingley said. He added 888 will "start to see some really influential numbers" to its business from 2015.

Taking on Europe too

In the meantime, 888's strong performance in Spain and Italy has seen its revenues rise 9%  in the first quarter of 2013. The Italian online gambling business received a boost after the government allowed companies to offer online slots as part of their comprehensive Internet casino packages.

The latest word, according to EGR magazine, is that a 888 sportsbook launch in both Spain and Italy is imminent, following a new supplier deal. Should they manage to complete that arrangement, it will likely boost revenues further and give 888 more confidence as it takes on the all-important American market.