This Week in USA Online Gambling Regulation News

Senators Urge Department of Justice to Ban Online Gambling

Three US senators addressed a letter to the US Department of Justice asking them to support a bill that would ban federal online gambling. The letter stated, “We must act before we find virtual casinos making gambling pervasive in our society, invading living rooms, bedrooms, and dorm rooms across the country; a result we know the DOJ does not want to see.”

The letter was sent by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). As of yet there has been no response from the Department of Justice.

Borgata Reports Losses

Borgata, one of the Atlantic City land-based casinos that launched an online enterprise in New Jersey, reported an operating loss of $1.8 million in the quarter which ended on June 30. On the bright side, they also reported reaching a "key milestone" by breaking even in July.

Keith Smith, chief executive of Borgata's managing owner Boyd Gaming Inc., commented that he expects the recent decrease in online gambling revenue in New Jersey to end when cooler weather returns.

Amaya Completes Acquisition of PokerStars; Sights Set on New Jersey

On August 1, Amaya Gaming announced the completion of its acquisition of the Rational Group, the parent company of PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. The acquisition was originally predicted to take place at the end of September; its early completion indicates that PokerStars has re-focused its sights on New Jersey and has high hopes for being re-accepted by the state's Division of Gaming Enforcement. Re-acceptance would mean that ability to launch an online gaming site in New Jersey. 

Adam Small, co-owner of Pocket Fives, commented that this could be good news for New Jersey. “The acquisition of PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker by Amaya is great news for poker players in New Jersey. It means that more than likely the top poker company in the world will soon be offering its games there.”