AGA Pokerstars Petition Put on Back Burner


Thursday March 14,2013 : AGA'S POKERSTARS PETITION PUT ON THE BACK BURNER BY NEW JERSEY REGULATOR (Update)
 
New Jersey Casino Control Commission delays consideration of trade association's interference
 
The American Gaming Association's attempt to derail the acquisition of the Atlantic Club land casino by Pokerstars parent The Rational Group  appears – at least for now -to have been put on the back burner for more careful consideration by the New Jersey regulators.
 
In an unprecedented move earlier this month the AGA launched a strongly worded petition against the approval of Rational Group licensing, which is an essential precursor to the finalisation of the acquisition deal.
 
The trade group also sought to present its arguments at any hearing on the Rational Group's licensing that may take place in the future.
 
Although the Association's petition was originally placed on the agenda the next New Jersey Casino Control Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday March 13, it was removed prior to the meeting, with chairman Matthew Levinson explaining that it was a serious issue that required more time for deeper consideration.
 
The Rational Group has characterised the AGA move as an attempt to stifle competition to its members.
 
Earlier this month the Isle of Man company revealed that it had rejected an offer by AGA member Caesars Entertainment to sell it the World Series of Poker brand and a land casino in Nevada, suggesting some hypocrisy in the current attempt to oppose New Jersey licensing.
 
The New Jersey licensing application of the Rational Group has yet to be heard.