Ultimate Poker, one of the state’s three licensed online poker websites, shut down last November, citing weak revenues and a limited pool of players. Now, one year after the website’s exit, the factors that motivated its closure show no signs of disappearing.
The state Gaming Control Board no longer reports how much revenue Nevada receives from online poker specifically, because without Ultimate Poker, there aren’t enough operators in the market to warrant such a study. When the state did report the data, online poker revenue crossed the $1 million mark only once, in June 2014. Total state gaming revenue that month was $906.9 million.
Online poker hasn’t been a boon for state coffers, because as Ultimate Poker found out, there simply aren’t enough players in Nevada to fill digital tables.
State officials tried to address the issue in March by allowing Nevada gamblers to play online poker with people in Delaware. But it is unlikely to move the needle much, given that the population of Delaware is less than half the population of Clark County.
What would improve the fortunes of online gaming here?
• More interstate agreements. Right now, the lone place where that’s possible is New Jersey, the only state besides Nevada and Delaware to legalize online gaming. Except unlike Nevada and Delaware, New Jersey also offers legal online casino games other than poker. Additional states, notably California and Pennsylvania, are considering legalizing some form of online gaming, but none have enacted any measures yet. Should one of them overcome the political and logistical hurdles standing in their way, it could be a tremendous boost for Nevada’s market — if the newest online gambling state agrees to let its players gamble with players in Nevada.
• Legalizing games besides poker. Online casino revenue brings in far more money for New Jersey than online poker. If Nevada were to take a similar approach, the state likely would see its online gaming market take off too. But the political will does not appear to be present, either from lawmakers or from the casino industry.
• Legalizing online poker at the federal level. A Congressman from Texas has introduced legislation multiple times, including this session, but it hasn’t gotten any major traction. That’s unlikely to change as long as Nevada’s top politician in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, remains receptive to a ban on online gaming that has been introduced in Congress. Still, lobbying efforts and shifting political winds could change things.
• Continuing to capitalize on in-person events. WSOP-com, owned by Caesars Entertainment Corp., is the dominant online poker provider in Nevada. The website found success by tying into the live World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. The Online Poker Report, which tracks the industry, wrote in July that “if the success of an online poker tournament series is measured by its ability to shatter guarantees, then the WSOP-com Online Championship in Nevada may have been the most prosperous event in U.S. regulated history.”
Online poker dealt a tough hand in Nevada - Las Vegas Sun News
This is just the first step for Pennsylvania as the bill still has a long vetting process as it must first obtain a full house vote before going on to the senate for approval. If the bill moves past this stage, then it will eventually get placed on Governor Tom Wolf’s desk for review and it will be up to the governor to decide whether online poker can be legalized in Pennsylvania or if he has to veto the bill.
It appears that the state of Pennsylvania might be moving past all of these challenges as the House Gaming Oversight Committee recently approved HB 649 bill after members voted 18-8 in favor of the bill. Analysts initially expected California to become the fourth state to legalize online poker but the entire process appears to have hit a roadblock and there will be no rollout in 2015.
This is just the first step for Pennsylvania as the bill still has a long vetting process as it must first obtain a full house vote before going on to the senate for approval. If the bill moves past this stage, then it will eventually get placed on Governor Tom Wolf’s desk for review and it will be up to the governor to decide whether online poker can be legalized in Pennsylvania or if he has to veto the bill.
Nevada’s underwhelming online gaming market likely won’t grow into a cash cow anytime soon.
Ultimate Poker, one of the state’s three licensed online poker websites, shut down last November, citing weak revenues and a limited pool of players. Now, one year after the website’s exit, the factors that motivated its closure show no signs of disappearing.
The state Gaming Control Board no longer reports how much revenue Nevada receives from online poker specifically, because without Ultimate Poker, there aren’t enough operators in the market to warrant such a study. When the state did report the data, online poker revenue crossed the $1 million mark only once, in June 2014. Total state gaming revenue that month was $906.9 million.
Online poker hasn’t been a boon for state coffers, because as Ultimate Poker found out, there simply aren’t enough players in Nevada to fill digital tables.
State officials tried to address the issue in March by allowing Nevada gamblers to play online poker with people in Delaware. But it is unlikely to move the needle much, given that the population of Delaware is less than half the population of Clark County.
What would improve the fortunes of online gaming here?
• More interstate agreements. Right now, the lone place where that’s possible is New Jersey, the only state besides Nevada and Delaware to legalize online gaming. Except unlike Nevada and Delaware, New Jersey also offers legal online casino games other than poker. Additional states, notably California and Pennsylvania, are considering legalizing some form of online gaming, but none have enacted any measures yet. Should one of them overcome the political and logistical hurdles standing in their way, it could be a tremendous boost for Nevada’s market — if the newest online gambling state agrees to let its players gamble with players in Nevada.
• Legalizing games besides poker. Online casino revenue brings in far more money for New Jersey than online poker. If Nevada were to take a similar approach, the state likely would see its online gaming market take off too. But the political will does not appear to be present, either from lawmakers or from the casino industry.
• Legalizing online poker at the federal level. A Congressman from Texas has introduced legislation multiple times, including this session, but it hasn’t gotten any major traction. That’s unlikely to change as long as Nevada’s top politician in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, remains receptive to a ban on online gaming that has been introduced in Congress. Still, lobbying efforts and shifting political winds could change things.
• Continuing to capitalize on in-person events. WSOP-com, owned by Caesars Entertainment Corp., is the dominant online poker provider in Nevada. The website found success by tying into the live World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. The Online Poker Report, which tracks the industry, wrote in July that “if the success of an online poker tournament series is measured by its ability to shatter guarantees, then the WSOP-com Online Championship in Nevada may have been the most prosperous event in U.S. regulated history.”
Online poker dealt a tough hand in Nevada - Las Vegas Sun News
Both the state senate and assembly have been on recess since the end of August when the capitol officially closed the books on the passage of any potential legislation.
Unfortunately for proponents of online poker, that included Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s (D-District 59) AB 167, a bill that aimed to license Internet poker through tribal casinos, horse racetracks, and land-based card rooms.
As legislators meet with their local constituents across the state, a growing sentiment of support for Internet poker seems to cultivating across party lines and even tribal borders that currently hold a large monopoly on gambling.
“We have hundreds of thousands of people in California already playing illegally,” Rincon Tribe Council Member Steve Stallings told San Diego’s KGTV this month. “Their money is not protected. The integrity of the game is not protected.”
Read more: California Online Poker Garners Additional Support as New Year Approaches
Online poker became a legalized activity in three states in the United States in 2013 – Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware. During that time, other states have explored regulation but none have pulled the trigger. Over the next couple of years, several states are expected to begin or continue investigating whether they should offer iGaming to their citizens.
During their debates, they will look at the present regulated online poker market for suggestions and potential best practices for their state. Today we look at five things that other states can learn about online poker and iGaming legislation from states that have already regulated the game.
Stick With Experienced Operators
As we’ve learned the hard way in Nevada and New Jersey, it presently isn’t profitable for a company to start from the ground floor in the regulated marketplace. Ultimate Gaming attempted to do so and was out of business within a year. They just couldn’t carve out a large enough niche for themselves to survive in the market.
Real Gaming is the other ground floor operation that started in Nevada and while it is still in operation, it is doing much worse than Ultimate Gaming ever did in either state. The site presently average 3 players during peak hours and hasn’t average enough players to fill a Sit & Go in over a year. If not for the backing of South Point Casino in Las Vegas, we expect they would have shut down long ago.
Other licensees in regulated markets have chosen to partner with experienced operators such as 888 Holdings and bwin.party to provide online gambling services. This gives them a customizable backbone for their product along with brand recognition that was sorely missing with Ultimate Gaming and Real Gaming.
Abandon the Poker-Only Model
We’ve learned two important lessons in the last two years. First, gamblers want to play online casino games. Next, online poker is not growing on a state-by-state level. Over the last two years, online poker numbers have been steadily dropping and in New Jersey, iPoker is down 22.4% from 2014.
We aren’t saying that online poker isn’t viable but rather that it should be a part of a multi-faceted platform that includes online table games, slots and maybe even DFS. Daily Fantasy Sports is a booming industry and this is the time to get it regulated. States that choose to group DFS in with online poker and general iGaming will have the potential to reap huge rewards.
Set Realistic Expectations for Revenue in the First Five Years
Some analysts and NJ Governor Chris Christie set grossly inflated estimates for the first year of online poker in the state. Nevada also went a bit overboard, but nowhere near the insane numbers that were coming out for the Garden State.
Lawmakers need to look at first year numbers for Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware and adjust them for their market size to get a better idea of what to expect. Again, we recommend that they examine all angles and not just online poker.
Geolocation Works
What’s proven to be the most impressive feature of the regulated marketplace is the success of Geolocation and remote verification technologies. To date, there’s not been a single instance of underage gambling in any regulated state in the United States.
In addition, states have been able to successfully ring fence players in their state in a way that seemed science fiction just a few years ago. Any technology that can pinpoint players down to what side of a coffee shop they are sitting is pretty impressive.
Regulation is a Slow Process
When a state starts talking about regulating online poker or online gambling, we see a lot of wild claims about citizens being able to gamble online “later this year” or “by this time next year.”
The reality has been that online gambling regulation has taken at least two years to become a reality in most states. From the time an online poker or online gambling bill was introduced in any regulated state, it took at least 18 months before a bill was ultimately approved and games went live.
Keep in mind that after a bill is passed, online poker regulations have to be drafted and then licenses applied for an approved. Afterward, the various sites must be fully tested and approved for live play. This is not a quick process and any state wishing to explore iGaming should realize games will not go up immediately up legalizing the activity.
5 Lessons We Can Learn About Online Poker Legislation from Regulated States
The state Gaming Commission would determine which games would be offered, but it’s safe to assume poker would be among them. All three U.S. states that currently have online gambling have online poker. Nevada only has online poker.
Back in 2011, the state passed a bill for brick-and-mortar gambling facilities. Just the slots-only casino has opened, while MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts continue to take steps to make sure their respective projects become a reality. Both will likely be built, but they are years away. A tribal casino and another commercial Las Vegas-style casino are also in the pipeline, but are further behind in the process than MGM and Wynn.
Only those casinos could offer Internet gambling.
In addition to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania is considering online casino games. A bill in the Keystone State currently sits in the House for consideration.
Massachusetts Bill Would Legalize Online Poker
A bill filed by Massachusetts state Sen. Bruce Tarr would allow gambling facilities in the Bay State to one day offer their casino games on the Internet, according to a report Thursday from The Sun Chronicle.
The state Gaming Commission would determine which games would be offered, but it’s safe to assume poker would be among them. All three U.S. states that currently have online gambling have online poker. Nevada only has online poker.
Back in 2011, the state passed a bill for brick-and-mortar gambling facilities. Just the slots-only casino has opened, while MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts continue to take steps to make sure their respective projects become a reality. Both will likely be built, but they are years away. A tribal casino and another commercial Las Vegas-style casino are also in the pipeline, but are further behind in the process than MGM and Wynn.
Only those casinos could offer Internet gambling.
In addition to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania is considering online casino games. A bill in the Keystone State currently sits in the House for consideration.
Massachusetts Bill Would Legalize Online Poker
The committee’s budget projected $120 million to come from online gambling revenue and another $24 million from igaming license fees, Penn Live reported. But Pennsylvanians hoping to deposit and play regulated online poker soon can keep those credit cards in their wallets for now.
Read more: PA House Includes iGaming Regulation in Budget Proposal
Read more about this here
However, I believe the threat of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act will push more states to act rather quickly in 2016. Interested parties separated by goal differences will find ways to compromise, and the online poker scene will grow by more than one state in the next 12 months.
So, my optimistic predictions for 2016 online poker in the United States are as follows.
Pennsylvania Will Legalize Online Gambling
Massachusetts or New York Will Legalize Online Poker
PokerStars Will Be Approved in Pennsylvania
New Jersey and Pennsylvania Will Sign a Liquidity Agreement
California Will Legalize Online Poker
Read more: 5 U.S. Online Poker Predictions for 2016
To look back on the progress of online poker in the United States in 2015 – or lack thereof – may inspire little confidence that the next year will be much different. Though the state of Pennsylvania seems destined to legalize online poker, some have doubts about even that.
However, I believe the threat of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act will push more states to act rather quickly in 2016. Interested parties separated by goal differences will find ways to compromise, and the online poker scene will grow by more than one state in the next 12 months.
So, my optimistic predictions for 2016 online poker in the United States are as follows.
Pennsylvania Will Legalize Online Gambling
Massachusetts or New York Will Legalize Online Poker
PokerStars Will Be Approved in Pennsylvania
New Jersey and Pennsylvania Will Sign a Liquidity Agreement
California Will Legalize Online Poker
Read more: 5 U.S. Online Poker Predictions for 2016
Most of the nation will be focused on the race for the White House and other state and congressional races. Perhaps a state or two will surprise us, but it’s much more likely that a new push towards regulation begins starting in 2017.
That's a very careful Prediction. Interesting to see what will happen!!
The online gaming company is asking people to vote for one of twelve diverse charities that have been hand picked across four regions of the globe. The charity with the most votes from each region will receive a generous gift donation from the company for £7,500 in early 2016.
The campaign is part of the “Play It Forward” program which the company describes as “a community-driven initiative that focuses on the social pillars of health, sport and education.”
Below is the curated list of charities, with links that will cast your vote immediately, so all you need to do is chose who you want to vote for.
Whichever charity you decide on, (and remember, it doesn’t cost you anything to vote) make sure to get your vote in before next week, as voting closes on Christmas Eve (24 December 2015).
With such sizeable donations, it really does feel like Christmas may be Merry and Bright.
Isle of Man
Wish Upon a Dream – The charity granted its first wish in 2007. Every penny goes towards making dreams come true for sick and terminally ill children. Vote here
SUN (Service Users’ Network) – Established in 2001 the charity is run by and for users of mental health services, providing advice and support for people with mental health issues. Vote here
Isle of Man Women’s Refuge – Shelter, security, safety. The Isle of Man Women’s Refuge offers a safe haven for women and children who need to escape intimidation, bullying or violence at home. Vote here
UK & Europe
CLIC Sargent – The UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people, and their families. Providing clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help patients and their families cope with cancer. Vote here
StreetGames- Launched in 2007, StreetGames makes a real difference in disadvantaged communities through the promotion of ‘doorstep sport’. Vote here
Puttinu Cares – Established in 2002, based in Malta, Puttinu Cares offers a holistic approach of care for families with children suffering from cancer. Vote here
Africa
Save the Rhino – Save the Rhino has a clear vision: all five rhino species thriving in the wild for future generations. The charity supports endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia and conserves viable populations of rhinos in the wild. Vote here
Change Heroes – This charity aims to build the world’s largest community of people taking action by giving. $2.3 million raised to date in more than 40 countries, funding water projects, schools, scholarships, and much more. Vote here
UNICEF – UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation for children, working in over 190 countries, focusing on child protection, survival, education and equality. Vote here
Rest of the World
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – The world’s leading conservation organisation, works in 100 countries and is supported by 5 million members globally. Delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature, across the globe. Vote here
Cure Cancer Australia – Since 1967, Cure Cancer Australia’s single focus has been to find a cure for cancer. The charity acts as a frontline source to provide vital start-up funding for innovative, groundbreaking research projects across all types of cancer. Vote here
Oxfam International – Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organisations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries. One person in three in the world lives in poverty. Oxfam is determined to change that world by mobilising the power of people against poverty.
Microgaming Offers Online Poker Players a Chance to "Play It Forward" This Holiday Season | Pokerfuse Online Poker News
OK OK we had some big losers to. (But if you don't try you will never win something).
We wish that everybody could win but that is just impossible😡
Try again maybe this time you are lucky: Latest reviews for known gambling brands: Online gambling reviews - Latest reviews for known gambling brands.
Good Luck: Team ixgames-com (Luck will come to you soon or later)😡😡
OK OK we had some big losers to. (But if you don't try you will never win something).
We wish that everybody could win but that is just impossible😡
Try again maybe this time you are lucky: Latest reviews for known gambling brands: Online gambling reviews - Latest reviews for known gambling brands.
Good Luck: Team ixgames-com (Luck will come to you soon or later)😡😡
I would like to say that this year was fantastic. We had having too much winner that i can't count them
OK OK we had some big losers to. (But if you don't try you will never win something).
We wish that everybody could win but that is just impossible😡
Try again maybe this time you are lucky: Latest reviews for known gambling brands: Online gambling reviews - Latest reviews for known gambling brands.
Good Luck: Team ixgames-com (Luck will come to you soon or later)😡😡
While not the most thrilling or suspenseful game, we’d recommend Puppy Love for its simple gameplay, regular payouts and host of great features. Life doesn’t always need to be complicated to be satisfying – just ask man’s best friend. Bodog Casino
Bodog Casino releases Puppy Love 3-D slot
Don’t feel too bad for Ivey. He accumulated $1.7 million in live tournament winnings and reportedly made a killing in Macau high stakes cash games. Plus, he has nearly $23 million in career live tournament winnings and is worth millions.
The biggest event over the weekend, and in the GSSS III, was the GSSS #39 — $150,000 GTD NLH Main Event, which generated a $152,800 prize pool with 764 players ponying up the $215 buy-in. New Jersey's "selsk32285" scored big with an outright victory in this tournament to collect $27,219. Other top finishers in this event were "dgago003" banking $19,558 for second place, "BeastfromEast" snagging $12,033 for third place, and Brian "pure_reason" Wood helping himself to $9,320 for fourth place.
The GSSS #40 — $75,000 GTD NLH High Roller ended in a heads-up deal where "TheGyph278" won $22,652 as the official winner of the tournament, while "stingerbell24" banked $19,000 as the official runner-up. Other notable players to outlast the 89 entrants to pony-up the $1,060 buy-in to make the final table included Jay "Jonuzi" Deutsch (3rd - $11,748), Jesse "NoXcape" Elliot (4th - $9,879), Daniel "mj23style" Sewnig (5th - $8,188), Michael "Gags30" Gagliano (7th - $5,073), and Darren "kinginthenorth" Elias (9th - $2,314).
Over in the WSOP-com NJ/888poker NJ Sunday $30,000 Guarantee, it was "HoboJoJo" outlasting a field of 193 players to win $9,640. New Jersey's "mdubsdeezee" took second place in this tournament for $5,624.
The New Jersey Online Poker Briefing: "selsk32285" Wins the GSSS III Main Event | PokerNews