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State Senator Raymond Lesniak, who is behind efforts to legalize online gambling in the state of New Jersey, says he welcomes PokerStars. The world’s largest real money poker site is looking to acquire the Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City.
Lesniak said in a statement issued earlier this week: “New investment in Atlantic City is good for New Jersey. It is great to see a modern, global company like PokerStars interested in investing in our state and teaming up with one of the iconic Boardwalk casinos, The Atlantic Club. These kinds of opportunities can be transformative and provide more proof that New Jersey – not Nevada – can be the hub for a new wave of growth in the gambling industry.
“PokerStars is the biggest company in online poker and we should welcome them bringing their American headquarters to New Jersey.”
Stars recently settled with the US Government in regard to its offering services to US citizens following passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Two of the company’s founders were indicted on charges of money laundering and bank fraud. Stars exited the American market in April of 2011.
Current draft legislation in Congress would seemingly prevent PokerStars from re-entering the US market for a period up to five years, however, it is doubtful federal legislation will pass before year’s end. In the meantime, states like New Jersey are looking to move forward with their own laws.
Online gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
