888 Happy With Nevada/Delaware Poker Compact

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

Internet betting giant 888 has issued a statement regarding the online poker compact signed between the states of Delaware and Nevada, saying that it is happy to see such a deal being struck and is hopeful that other states will follow in their footsteps.

The statement lauded the two states for their stance on growing their online poker player pools, and noted that the decision is an "...important strategic development in regulating the US online gaming market (that) will lead to an enhanced gaming experience for poker players."

The statement went on to read: "Through the group's All American Poker Network joint venture with Avenue Capital, the World Series of Poker brand was launched in Nevada in September 2013 using 888's gaming platform and technology."

"iGaming was launched in Delaware in November 2013 with poker, casino game tables and casino slots under the group's contract with the Delaware Lottery to be the primary vendor team, along with Scientific Games Corporation, using 888's gaming platform and technology."

888's CEO Brian Mattingley was also quoted in the statement, in which he said: "This pooling compact will help 888 and its partners deliver a world-class gaming experience to poker players in Delaware and Nevada given we are the only operator live in both, vindicating our approach to launch in all regulating states."

“We are grateful to both states for their continued steadfast commitment to regulating our industry. We look forward to additional states entering into such interstate agreements."

In other compact news, Delaware based Dover Downs had its CEO Ed Sutor give an interview on the issue, saying: "What that means, quite simply, is we'll have a lot more players who can come into the poker room. It will be a good thing for Internet gaming in the state of Delaware."

The executive went on to note that the compact comes down to numbers, as Delaware only has about 600,000 people who are old enough to play, while Nevada has about 2 million.

"In the game of poker, the game is more lucrative and attractive to players if there are more people participating at one time. This increases the availability of players to participate against each other," Sutor said.

Delaware has struggled with its online betting market since it launched in November of 2013, as the state has only brought in $396,000 in revenues since the activity was legalized.

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.