888 Plans Online Gambling Expansion Into California, Florida, New York
With online gambling already legalized in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, 888 Holdings has its eyes on bigger fish, some of the most populous states in the US.
888 boss Brian Mattingley signaled moves into potential emerging online gambling markets like California, New York and Florida.
“There are now nine more states considering [legalising online poker]. California is beyond doubt the biggest prize, and between California, New York, New Jersey and Florida that’s 50pc of the potential market,” Mattingley said.
California’s efforts to legalize Web gambling have been stymied by the powerful Tribal casinos who insist on full inclusion. Florida and New York are yet to jump into the fray.
888 experienced a 41pc rise in first-half profit before tax to $35.5m (£22.9m), as more players used its poker and casino games on smartphones and tablets, according to financial numbers released Wednesday. 888 already enjoys a partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
Shares fell 1.3pc to 143.1p.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
