Resorts CEO Still Pledges Loyalty to PokerStars for New Jersey

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement suspended PokerStars from seeking an online poker license in the Garden State. This was a disappointing setback for the online poker giant, but the company is still highly respected by the American gambling community. Mark Giannantonio, the CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, recently said that the casino still intends to pursue a partnership with PokerStars.

Lawmakers, regulators and gaming providers across the country have criticized PokerStars for illegally offering online poker to Americans after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed. However, Giannantonio told Press of Atlantic City that Resorts still thinks very highly of the online gaming provider.

The gaming community expected Resorts to pursue a partnership with another online gaming provider. However, Giannantonio said that the casino will wait for PokerStars to receive a license. Many online poker players have been eagerly waiting for PokerStars to return to the United States. Resorts is confident that the PokerStars brand will be an invaluable asset in New Jersey and feels it is worth waiting for the DGE to approve their license.

Resorts and PokerStars both announced their New Jersey online gaming partnership in July. The online gaming provider chose to work with Resorts after a deal with the Atlantic Club Casino fell through. PokerStars attempted to buyout the ailing casino, but the Atlantic Club chose to back out when the online poker provider failed to secure a license. PokerStars filed a lawsuit after the Atlantic Club backed out of the deal and kept the $10 million advance they paid, but a judge ruled against them.

In hindsight, PokerStars feels that it made the right decision. The Atlantic Club became insolvent in January and sold its assets to two of its former competitors. PokerStars will face much more promising opportunities with Resorts.