The field of intrastate online poker in Nevada grew larger Thursday, as two more companies were given the OK to operate in the state.
The Nevada Gaming Commission awarded licenses to the technology firm WMS Gaming Inc. and American Casino & Entertainment Properties, which owns Stratosphere, Aquarius and Arizona Charlie’s.
In July, WMS partnered with 888, in an agreement that would allow WMS to offer US land-based casino operators a chance to enter the online poker industry.
ACEP was approved as an operator of online poker, a distinction granted solely to brick and mortar companies, while WMS is licensed as a manufacturer.
Along with WMS and ACEP, Shuffle Master, International Game Technology, South Point Poker, Monarch Interactive, Bally Technologies, Global Cash Access, WMS and ACEP have received online poker-related licenses.
As soon as this fall, South Point Casino is expected to be the first to offer real-money online games in Nevada.
Meanwhile, PokerTrip Enterprises became the first licensed online gaming marketing affiliate.
President and CEO Jon Friedberg has said that his company would help players receive benefits with the Nevada poker sites if they signed up through his affiliate. PokerTrip Enterprises is the parent company of AllVegasPoker.com and ThePokerAtlas.com, which provide enthusiasts with information on brick and mortar poker rooms.
After the license was approved Thursday, Friedberg took to Twitter to thank the commission “for the opportunity to contribute to NV’s continued leadership in gaming.”
