MGM Plans To Form Nevada/New Jersey Poker Pool

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

The CEO of MGM Resorts International revealed to the Reuters News Agency that his firm is working on developing a project that would lead to pooling online poker players in Nevada and New Jersey together.

During his interview with Reuters, MGM CEO Jim Murren said, "I think it's likely that in 2014 we'll see a compact between New Jersey and Nevada. We've really been focusing on Nevada's ability to compact with other states, create more liquidity."

"We have a big team that is preparing us on a state-by-state basis and on the states that we believe will be the most productive for us. And we've been working with the state of Nevada on their efforts to compact with other states."

"I think at least 40 of the 50 states are in some stage of debating this internally. The ones most visible are New Jersey, New York State, Illinois and California. We're providing all the support they ask of us."

Nevada is a state with a relatively small population, meaning that its online poker player pool may be too small to be sustainable. By pooling players with other states, player liquidity would help stabilize the relatively small player base.

Nevada Gaming Control board Chairman A.G. Burnett agrees with Murren in regards to state compacts, telling Reuters: "Nevada is striving to do what it can in regards to compacts. We do not jump into the fire without having done a lot of cautious research and study into the particulars of such agreements, and that phase is nearing completion."

About the author

Dustin Jermalowicz // News Editor
Dustin Jermalowicz
Dustin has a long-standing passion for gambling. He has been writing professionally on the subject and breaking industry news for Casino Listings since 2011. His favorite casino games include Blackjack, Poker, and Hi/Lo. A proud native of Detroit, Dustin currently lives in Michigan.