- With the World Series of Poker getting underway in just two weeks’ time, a launch prior may be tough.
- Planning WSOP-themed real money poker room for players and residents in Nevada on 888’s software platform.
The launch of real money online poker under its Nevada license on WSOP.com is expected by summer, Caesars stated on a media conference call hosted Wednesday.
“We’re hard at work completing the necessary steps as required to bring it to market. We can’t confirm an exact launch date, but we know it will be this summer,” stated Seth Palansky, Caesars’ Vice President of Corporate Communications.
“The reality for us is, when we have it right and have all the appropriate signoffs, we’ll be ready to go … It won’t be too much longer.”
Launching prior to the start of the WSOP was not explicitly ruled out. However, with the first event starting in just two weeks’ time, time is running out.
Ultimate Poker became the first online poker room to go live in Nevada and is now into its third week of a 30-day “field test.”
Caesars Interactive Entertainment was approved for an online poker license in Nevada in December 2012. It plans to launch a WSOP-themed real money poker room for players and residents in Nevada on 888’s software platform. The two already have a partnership in Europe to operate a WSOP-branded online poker room.
888 was granted an interactive gaming license in March. It plans to launch The All American Poker Network (AAPN), and also has an agreement with Treasure Island to launch a poker room in Nevada.
There are many other hopefuls for the Nevada market: South Point Poker was the first to receive its online poker license and aimed to be first to market with its proprietary platform, but has since suffered unknown delays.
MGM, which has parnered with Boyd, has also been approved although recently voiced concerns over the viability of the market. Its partner, bwin.party, still awaits licensing approval. Bally, IGT and SHFL are among other companies approved for interactive gaming.
