It’s been one year since Econsult Solutions presented its gambling study to Pennslyvania’s Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. That study concluded that the PA market for regulated online gambling (casino and poker) was worth some $184 million in first year revenue, and $307 million in ongoing revenues. Since, two of Pennsylvania’s neighbors – New Jersey and Delaware – have wrapped up their first year in the industry, and are deep enough into their second that meaningful year-over-year comparisons can be drawn. What follows are updated revenue projections for Pennsylvania’s iGaming market, utilizing data from Econsult and other reputable sources, and…

New York State Senator John Bonacic (R-42) has introduced a bill that would bring regulated online poker to the Empire State. Full text of the bill (S 5302) is available here. You can track the bill’s progress here. This marks the second consecutive year that Bonacic has introduced online poker legislation. HIs attempt in 2014 – matched by companion legislation in the Assembly –  failed to move beyond committee. The bill is largely similar to the one introduced by Bonacic in 2014. One key difference: this version lacks a so-called “bad actor clause” that would preclude companies, individuals or assets involved in…

PokerStars is bringing the big guns to California. Two of the site’s most recognizable faces (at least for the American audience) will be in California’s capitol city this week, as Jason Somerville and Daniel Negreanu will host a live demo at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on May 21 from 10am – 12pm. The demonstration, which will include the chance to play against the pros (play-money, of course), will come just one day after a joint Senate / Assembly informational hearing for online poker. The demonstration will occur in parallel with the Capitol Weekly California Gaming Conference, which OPR will…

Online gaming operator 888 has revealed that is has made an offer to acquire the entire issued and to-be issued capital of rival company bwin.party. The operator said in a statement that the acquisition would comprise cash and 888 shares. Further development occurred this morning when Mark Kleinman, City editor at Sky News, tweeted that a joint Amaya-GVC bid could be on the cards, with Amaya taking bwin party’s regulated poker and casino business while GVC took over the sportsbook  side of the business. But if an agreement looks near-certain to be signed off by shareholders, it will be the workings of the…

On an earnings call today covering Amaya’s 1Q15 results, CEO David Baazov reiterated that PokerStars NJ remains “on track” for approval and launch in the third quarter of 2015 as outlined in Amaya’s last call. Baazov’s statement echoes sentiments expressed recently by New Jersey regulators and the owner of PokerStars’ NJ partner Resorts AC. Baazov offered somewhat mixed commentary on California, sounding both positive and non-committal notes that lacked specificity (understandable given the muddy waters surrounding the issue). “We’re very pleased with the efforts and what we see,” said Baazov, adding that “we’re very very excited about what momentum we…

Carbon Poker sent emails out to affiliates on Friday with bad news.  The site decided to stop offering its affiliate program effective June 1.  There is a silver lining.  Action given by players referred to Carbon Poker before June 1 will continue to generate revenue share for their affiliates. This move comes amid the slowest payout times in the past year at Carbon Poker.  U.S. players report waiting 10-12 weeks for checks to arrive from Carbon Poker.  Skrill was recently dropped as an option for players outside the U.S. Players outside the U.S. had their pending Skrill requests recently reversed. …