- At noon local time on Monday, Ultimate Poker ended its online poker operations in Nevada. The company withdrew from New Jersey last month, and is now closing its entire Ultimate Gaming operation.
- Much of the commentary which followed the announcement over the weekend focused on the reasons for and recriminations about the closure. However, there are wider implications which are likely to carry more importance for the future of online poker in Nevada and the US.
- Liquidity and the poker software help define the entertainment experience for players. In the case of Ultimate Poker, both were weak.
- If WSOP and bwin.party lobbied for an interstate compact between Nevada and New Jersey, both markets, both companies—and both state treasuries—could see the benefits.
At noon local time on Monday, Ultimate Poker will end its online poker operations in Nevada.
A message was posted on its website last Friday explaining that no new registrations or deposits are being accepted. All tournament dollars and tickets will be converted to their cash equivalents. Players are free to withdraw their complete balances, any remaining funds will be refunded by check starting the week of November 24.
The decision comes less than two months after it announced it was closing its New Jersey operations, but certain key reductions in its work force at the time raised questions about its future Nevada operations.
Whilst the company later stated it was committed to remaining in the state, the loss of sponsored pros and key execs lead to continued speculation of its future plans.
Ultimate Poker’s withdrawal from Nevada gives WSOP a practical monopoly in the market. While Real Gaming is also authorized to operate real money online gambling in the state, it currently registers no consistent online poker liquidity.
New online poker rooms are expected in Nevada soon, with the launch of two 888-powered sites—one under 888’s brand, the other under Treasure Island. However, all will pool liquidity with WSOP on a single site.
