Caesars Backs Bid by Pokerstars to Operate Legally in the US

Chris Krafcik of Gambling Compliance confirmed that Ceasars supports the legalization of the Amaya Gaming-owned online poker brand in the US.

Executive vice-president, Jan Jones Blackhurst, responsible for communication and government relations at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, says the company approves of PokerStars request to be fully legalized in the US under US gambling laws, although Caesars adamantly supports the ‘bad actor’ clauses regarding online poker bills.

The clauses were to bar gaming operators or market affiliates from applying for a licence, to practice online gaming in the US after December 31, 2006. This date coincides with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

Until now PokerStars has been operating in the US under a 'gray' legal area since April 2011 at which time the Justice Department brought a lawsuit against the executives for infringing the law. PokerStars paid the heavy fine incurred without admitting that they had done anything wrong.

Identification of a possible consensus position

Caesars' support for PokerStars came shortly after Assemblymen Mike Gatto and Reggie Jones-Sawyer. introduced new rules to have wagers play online poker in the US and specifically in California, after a letter had been sent to them to try to find a concensus, through dialogue, concerning personal participation in unauthorized gaming whether by mobile or PC.

The letter was sent from Caesars’ online and land-based partner in California, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community. It also cited that it was important that state regulators make amendments to the bill so that 'licensed operator, service provider, or marketing affiliate' could practice online gaming.