888 awarded Nevada internet poker license


Friday March 22,2013 : 888 AND TREASURE ISLAND GET THE NEVADA ONLINE POKER NOD (Update)
 
A powerful partnership for the nascent Nevada online poker market
 
Execs at online poker software provider 888 Holdings and future online poker partner Treasure Island Hotel and Resort will be celebrating this week following the award of internet poker licenses by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday.
 
888 has been busy establishing a significant foothold in the nascent Nevada intrastate online poker market, signing provider deals with Caesars Interactive Entertainment and slot machine manufacturer WMS Industries
 
Brian Mattingley, chief executive of 888, told the NGC: “888 has chosen Nevada as its first U.S. market, and we are hopeful that future developments will present even greater commercial opportunities for 888’s Nevada-facing business."
 
In a company statement released Friday, Mattingley added:
 
"This is an historic moment for 888. This is the first time a company uniquely providing online gaming has been licensed by any US jurisdiction.
 
"Seen in the industry as the gold standard of global gaming regulation, we are delighted to have been awarded our licence to operate in the State of Nevada, a decision that vindicates our US strategy. We look forward to working with all our strategic partners and to re-launching the 888 brand in the US following the finalisation of platform approval."
 
The Commission has so far approved 21 companies, including Fertitta Interactive, MGM Resorts, Golden Nugget and Boyd Gaming, for online poker licensing.