Breaking News: New Jersey Suspends Review of PokerStars
In a major blow to the world’s largest online poker firm, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has suspended the review of PokerStars application for an online gambling license for two years.
“The Division of Gaming Enforcement has determined that the application of Rational Services Limited (PokerStars) casino service industry licensure (CSIE) will be held in a suspended status for a period of two years,” the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said in a statement. “The Division, within that period, may consider a request for relief to reactivate the application if significantly changed circumstances are demonstrated at which time the Division’s investigation of PokerStars and its affiliated entities and associated individuals will be resumed to assess suitability.”
PokerStars had previously attempted to acquire the Atlantic Club Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City last year but that deal ultimately fell through.
PokerStars had accepted customers from the US long after passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which has lead to more intensive scrutiny. “The Division’s determination is based primarily on the unresolved federal indictment against Isai Scheinberg for the alleged violation of federal gambling statutes, namely, the Illegal Gambling Business Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), and the involvement of certain PokerStars executives with Internet gaming operations in the United States following the enactment of UIGEA,” the New Jersey DGE said in its statement.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com