A recent move for licensing in Nevada has led to speculation that GVC may be considering bringing its PartyPoker brand to the state.
GVC was approved last week for a Nevada license in partnership with MGM Resorts International to launch Roar Digital, a joint venture online sports betting platform.
The hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission, which actually grants the license, was not as contentious as the hearing last month in front of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, where the company was found suitable for licensure.
At the first hearing GVC CEO Kenny Alexander was extensively questioned about the company’s involvement in Turkey, where online gaming and sports betting is illegal. GVC divested itself of the relationship in Turkey for no gain, but in the end, the Control Board only recommended a two-year, limited license that will require oversight from GVC board member Virginia McDowell, the former CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos.
Tony Alamo Jr., the chairman of the commission, said that was adequate.
“You have a leash and that gives me some comfort,” he said. “I don’t think I need to shorten the leash. I’m very comfortable going forward that you won’t step on a nail.”
While the license will allow Roar Digital to operate MGM sports betting, the license application also included a request for “interactive gaming,.” The phrase covers online poker in Nevada.
MGM also owns the Borgata in Atlantic City, which is partnered with PartyPoker in New Jersey for online gaming. PartyPoker could conceivably share players between the two states under an agreement between Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey for player sharing.
GVC’s application was approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The company still needs approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
The move also comes as PartyPoker announced its first-ever MILLIONS Live event on US soil, with a $10,300 buy-in and $5 million guarantee. The event will be held at the Aria in Las Vegas from June 28 to July 2.
Currently, WSOP.com—which also operates in New Jersey—is the only company offering online poker in Nevada. WSOP.com is also partnered with 888 Poker, which operates in New Jersey and Delaware.
However, the recent opinion by the U.S. Department of Justice calls into question the validity of inter-sate player sharing agreements. The DOJ opinion—which is being challenged in court—says all online betting where information crosses state lines could be illegal. The DOJ has put off enforcing the opinion until June.
