PokerStars Increases NJ iPoker Traffic by 30%

Five years after being forced from the US market, PokerStars made a triumphant return to New Jersey on March 21, 2016. From the outset, PokerStars NJ swiftly jumped ahead of its competition, and just over two weeks later commands an impressive 42% share of the state’s cash game market. Commenting on the site’s initial performance, Amaya Interim CEO Rafi Ashkenazi said:
“I’m very proud of our employees, including those we have hired in New Jersey, who have worked diligently to prepare for the launch of a robust, stable platform backed by great customer service. We hope to continue our early positive momentum in the market as PokerStars NJ continues to roll out additional marketing and promotions.”
Prior to its entry, New Jersey had an average of 320 cash players over a 7-day period, with the Caesars/WSOP/888 partnership accounting for 190 players, and Party/Borgata/PalaCasino the remaining 130 players. Since the launch of PokerStars NJ, however, the market has grown 30% to 430 players, with PokerStars now boasting 180 cash game players, followed by WSOP/888poker (150), and Partypoker (100).
PokerStars has achieved this impressive feat despite the other companies having been in New Jersey’s ringed-fenced market for more than two years. Needless to say, it would appear that US players have missed playing on the world’s number one ranked poker site, but whether the novelty will soon wear off, and the market will still consist of 430 players two months from now remains to be seen.
In the meantime, New Jersey residents have been treated to an increase in marketing efforts in order to procure their custom, with PokerStars NJ currently running a $100,000 Spin & Go promotion. In addition, 888poker NJ is holding its Spring Fever Giveaway, and WSOP.com also running several promotions, including the Road to the WSOP.
The one fly in the ointment as far as PokerStars is concerned is the insider trader allegations hanging over the head of Amaya CEO David Baazov. PokerStars currently holds a 6-month license to operate in the Garden State, and not a full iGaming license, but if the charges against Baazov prove correct there is always the possibility that PokerStars could lose its license.