Nevada Governor in interstate poker talks
Brian Sandoval also praises launch of US' first real-money online site Ultimate Poker
Governor Brian Sandoval has confirmed that Nevada has entered into discussions with other state governors in a bid to secure an interstate online poker compact.
Sandoval pushed through changes to Nevada law in February once it became clear New Jersey would legalise online gaming later that month. Nevada’s population is fewer than 2.8m, meaning its online poker liquidity in the state is less attractive than the potential in New Jersey, which included provision for interstate compacts in its legislation, with its population of more than 8.8m.
The Nevada Governor did not reveal which states he had been in discussions with but told the Las Vegas Review-Journal he had “talked with a few governors”.
“It’s very much in the early stages and we have a great opportunity because we have the infrastructure and other states have the players,” Sandoval said. “I’m hopeful we’ll continue to talk.”
Sandoval also said the real-money launch of Ultimate Poker last month has proven Nevada is “already ahead of other markets” with players “signing up from all over the world”. Ultimate Poker has dealt more than one million hands in just over two weeks, according to owner Station Casinos’ most recent financial results.
Although it has taken a few months longer than expected for the first online poker product to go live, Sandoval stressed the importance of the Gaming Control Board ensuring thoroughness in its pre-launch checks. “Over time, people will forget about that part and see how successful it will become,” he added.
However, the latest tribe-backed draft bill to circulate in California would prohibit the state from entering “internet gambling agreements between states”, with a source telling eGR NA “the last thing the tribes want is an interstate agreement with Nevada”.