Last week, 888 Holdings launched the first U.S. Multi-State Poker Network (MSPN) in the online gambling states of Nevada and Delaware. The launch brings fruition to the first interstate gaming compact signed last February 2015 by Governors Brian Sandoval (Nevada) and Jack Markell (Delaware).
As the company in-charge of operating the shared poker platform, 888 Holdings announced the successful deployment of the MSPN across the Nevada and Delaware regulated gaming environments. Current poker room operators in participation are the three (3) Delaware online gambling licensees: Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, the Delaware Park Racetrack and Slots, and the Harrington Raceway and Casino, together with Caesars’ WSOP.com, on the Nevada side.
Room for growth is imminent, since 888 Holding, which serves as the gaming software provider and partner of all four aforementioned MSPN participants, is about to launch its own poker website in Nevada via the Treasure Island Casino and under the All American Poker Network trade name.
Another element considered as growth factor is the time zone difference between the two online gambling states. It is likely that the peak-hour traffic will extend in the MSPN online poker sites, once poker players in Delaware start discovering that they can now access the ring games and tournaments offered at WSOP.com.
The MSPN launch is a much-needed panacea for Delaware’s new and still struggling Internet-based gambling industry. Last month, the Diamond State reported a disheartening 69 percent decline in online gaming revenues on a year-on-year basis. The revenue generated by all three Delaware remote operator licensees for the month of January 2015, amounted to only $27,695.
The growth impact of the shared liquidity pool is more pronounced in the State of Delaware, as PokerScout reports that the Delaware 888Poker platform peaked with 313 players last Tuesday night. A number that seemed like an impossible feat to achieve in Delaware before the MSPN launch. In the early hours of the MSPN kickoff, the three Delaware racetracks produced less than ten players.
In a press release, 888 Holdings CEO, Brian Mattingley expressed his excitement over the MSPN launch, and his hopes for the poker network to grow. He calls the MSPN launch a significant milestone for 888 as it also underscores a new era for U.S. regulated online gambling. Mr. Mattingley attributes the successful deployment across the two compacting states, to the flexible and full-bodied 888 gaming platform.
The 888 CEO added that the launch likewise opens up the possibility of seeing other U.S. states joining in the future, once they come to a decision to legalize online poker in their jurisdiction. In light of such possibilities, Mr. Mattingley considers it the company’s honor to be a part of the pioneering project introduced under the leadership of Governors Sandoval and Markell, and guidance of the gaming regulators of both states.
Delaware Governor Markell made it clear that the interstate agreement covering the MSPN network is open to other states that will legalize and regulate in the future. The Delaware Governor had previously announced that at present the interstate gaming compact is between Nevada and Delaware, but they know for a fact that more states joining in means more game offerings, leading to more revenue for all participating states.
