Atlantic Club Claims it Knew Nothing About PokerStars Running Afoul of US Law

Responding to a lawsuit filed by PokerStars, Atlantic City casino The Atlantic Club insists it knew nothing about PokerStars legal problems in the United States despite extensive mainstream press surrounding the matter.

PokerStars had entered into a deal to acquire the financially strapped casino. The Atlantic Club’s owners, Colony Capital, abruptly backed out of that deal two weeks ago and PokerStars immediately filed suit.  

Stars settled with the US Government late last year following an April 15, 2011 indictment against two of its former executives.  The company paid restitution for continuing to accept US customers following the passage of prohibition in 2006.

Owners of The Atlantic Club casino have asked an Atlantic County court for an immediate cancellation of a temporary injunction that prevents the owners from negotiating with other potential buyers, reports John Brennan of the Bergen Record.   

“[It] would be a catastrophic result for the Atlantic Club if the temporary restraining order is not vacated and the request for a preliminary injunction is not denied,” Colony Capital’s attorneys wrote. “Sellers would almost certainly miss the opportunity to pursue other options during the critical summer season and prior to the November 2013 launch of online gaming in New Jersey.”

There remains some question as to whether PokerStars would be able to obtain a gaming license in the state of New Jersey.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com