PokerStars Bids for Delaware Poker License
April 1, 2013
The state lottery of Delaware, which oversees Internet gaming, just announced a request for proposals to assist in the launch of Internet gaming at a later date in the year, an announcement that was followed by several companies submitting their requests. According to GamblingCompliance.com, as of now Ration Group, the parent company of Poker Stars, and 13 other companies have already responded with offers to help bring online gambling in the state to fruition.
Some of the other big names in the industry that made their submissions include IGT, 888 Holdings, Continent 8 Technologies, Amaya Gaming (owns Ongame Network poker platform), Stan James PLC, and SHFL Entertainment.
According to Delaware lottery officials, there is great hope in the launch of real money online gambling happening some time before the end of September. As such, the companies interested in submitting their offers have been asked to be set to go live by that schedule.
The companies are said to offer a variety of services though their specific nature is yet to be revealed. However, when the state’s lottery was announcing the opening for proposals, they were seeking suppliers in four areas: Game Content Vendors, Operations Management Provider, Backend Technology Platform Provider, and Support Services Vendors.
The state of Delaware is after companies with a track record of operation for not less than a year, and with experience in North American and European markets.
The dates for the launch of online poker in Nevada and legalization in New Jersey draw closer. With this progress, state lawmakers are anticipating a broader player pool through interstate compacts. This is an industry with millions of dollars potentially at play, and other states’ legislators, such as Illinois and California, are also seriously considering avenues to get in.