ONLINE POKER SITES THAT COULD BE NEXT IN NEVADA

As a poker player in Nevada, I’ve experienced firsthand the thrill of the game, but the nevada/'>online poker scene has been quite limited. Currently, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the only brand offering real-money nevada/'>online poker in the state.

However, there are whispers and speculations about other operators gearing up to join the fray. Let’s take a look at some potential contenders that could soon be available for us players.

BetMGM Poker NV

BetMGM has been on my radar for quite some time. This joint venture between Entain and MGM Resorts International has been planning to launch its online poker platform in Nevada for over a decade. Finally, in 2024, we’re seeing some real movement.Recently, rumors have surfaced that BetMGM Poker NV might be launching soon.

In April 2024, MGM received an extension on its interactive gaming license, which is crucial for this launch. Although this was just another extension—MGM’s 14th—it did come with reassurance from regulators that we could expect BetMGM Poker NV to be ready within a year.In May 2024, executives from Entain sought a license for their partypoker software, which will power BetMGM Poker NV. The good news? They got it!

If BetMGM successfully launches in Nevada, it’s likely to connect with players in Michigan and New Jersey, forming a three-state online poker network that can compete with WSOP USA and PokerStars USA. Currently, BetMGM already has a shared player pool in New Jersey and Michigan, which means more action for all of us.

BetRivers Poker NV

Next up is BetRivers Poker, which is being developed by Rush Street Interactive (RSI). I’m excited about this platform as it’s expected to launch sometime in 2024.The foundation for BetRivers Poker is based on Phil Galfond’s project, Run It Once Poker, which RSI acquired for $5.8 million back in March 2022. They plan to integrate this into their existing igaming products.

Under the BetRivers brand, RSI offers online casino gaming in five states and mobile sports betting in 15 states.RSI aims to launch BetRivers Poker across multiple states right from the start. While they haven’t been very transparent about their plans, I believe Michigan and New Jersey are likely candidates for the initial launch due to their participation in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).Nevada is also a possibility for RSI; once they receive regulatory approval, BetRivers Poker NV could challenge WSOP NV.

There’s even potential for RSI to create a five-state network under MSIGA, including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia.However, there might be delays since Nevada currently lacks online casino gaming options. RSI has indicated they prefer states that support both online casino and sports betting.

PokerStars Nevada

Lastly, let’s talk about PokerStars, which has yet to make its mark in Nevada due to the “bad actor clause” within the state’s interactive gaming law. This clause prohibits companies that continued operating after the UIGEA was enacted in 2006 from entering the market.

Since PokerStars operated in the U.S. post-2006, it’s been barred from offering services in Nevada. However, this clause had a five-year lockout period that expired back in 2018. So why hasn’t PokerStars made its move yet?Gaming experts suggest that PokerStars could eventually regain access to the Nevada market through its partnership with FanDuel, which holds a license there and is part of Flutter Entertainment’s portfolio.

If PokerStars does enter Nevada, it would certainly shake up the competition. They would likely connect their existing player pools from New Jersey and Michigan right away with PokerStars NV. However, such developments may still be years down the line.

In conclusion, as a poker enthusiast eagerly awaiting new options in Nevada’s online poker landscape, I’m hopeful about these potential launches. Each of these platforms promises to bring fresh competition and exciting opportunities for players like us.