Whoops. Some users of Full Tilt poker’s online site saw an errant pop-up message saying that the site was now fully-licensed and operating in New Jersey.
It wasn’t, but there were signs that the real launch will be met with excitement as players quickly swapped screen shots of the message. Some reports say only one user actually saw the message, and then distributed the screenshot.
“We are pleased to announce that we have a new version of our game software fully licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, offering real-money gameplay on a regulated online gaming platform,” the message read.
The message was later identified as a glitch related to the licensing process the site—and also partner PokerStars—are going through with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The announcement was sent to the DGE, but somehow also popped up on user’s screens.
“This was only a message alert,” said Full Tilt and PokerStars communications exec Eric Hollreiser. “At no time was a real-money app available. No-one had the ability to play real-money games, nor register for the ability to play real money games on Full Tilt.”
The arrival of PokerStars and Full Tilt in New Jersey has been delayed—initially the sites expected to be operating by October 2014—as the licensing drags on, but the erroneous announcement has spurred hope among players that the two sites are getting closer to approval.
In a related matter, officials for SNG Interactive—the joint venture of UK-based Sportech and Stockholm software provider NYX Gaming—told eGaming Review that they expect to gain regulatory approval from New Jersey and launch an online site by February.
SNG is partnered with Atlantic City’s Resorts casino, as is PokerStars and Full Tilt. All New Jersey online gambling sites must be partnered with an Atlantic City casino.
Sportech CEO Ian Penrose told the magazine he believes there’s “definitely room for more brands” in New Jersey and SNG remains “very ambitious’ about its ability to carve out a “strong position” in the market.
