Could NJ Soon Become The Silicon Valley Of Internet Gaming?
September 16, 2014 6:53 pmSince the beginning of this year the only news coming from New Jersey’s beleaguered gambling industry has involved bankrupt casinos and below estimate online gambling results. According to State Senator Ray Lesniak (photo), however, that may all be about to change after he delivered a particularly upbeat assessment of New Jersey’s potential going forward, and in particular the role that PokerStars could play in the state’s resurgence.
Highlighting the importance Lesniak attaches to PokerStars’ return to US shores, an eventuality he said would happen within “weeks, not months,” the State Senator tweeted the following message:
“PokerStars launch will spark an AC revival. Stay tuned for a major announcement,” before adding three hours later: “With @PokerStars in NJ we’re on our way to being the Silicon Valley of Internet gaming.”
According to a report by analyst Robert DellaFave, PokerStars’ presence in New Jersey has the potential to give a massive boost to its online poker traffic, which could see its cash game numbers soar almost threefold from its current levels of 330+ (7 day average), and fourfold for its online tournament numbers currently at 2,500+ players.
However, PokerStars’ potential goes way beyond just online poker, and as Senator Lesniak explains:
“It’s going to be soon and it’s going to be huge. PokerStars is going to make a huge investment in Atlantic City, not just in Internet gaming but in their brand and in bringing attractions to Atlantic City.”
Furthermore, Lesniak hinted a new Nevada/Delaware/New Jersey interstate compact with PokerStars included could soon become a reality, but New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also emphasized that player liquidity may not be limited to just US regulated markets, but could also include other countries.
“The next step is to go international with Internet gaming,” commented Christie.
In combination, these exciting new developments taking place in New Jersey has given the state cause for optimism, and if realized could have the potential to start the renaissance in its declining but crucially important gaming market.