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Home » Poker Reviews » Ignition Poker

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April 25th, 2018 | Last updated on October 21st, 2019
Ignition Poker Highlights

Online Poker Sites For Money

  • Daily tournaments & cash games running 24/7
  • 100% bonus up to $2000 for poker
  • Excellent mobile poker app

With the biggest player pool of any US friendly offshore poker site – Ignition Poker are able to offer a bigger choice of cash games, poker tournaments and sit n goes than all the other US sites combined. New players can get $2000 deposit bonus to help check out the real money games. You’ll find the super-fast Zone Poker, mobile poker options and a huge $2 million in tournament guarantees every week.

How Tough is the Competition at Ignition Poker?

The success of this site has been attributed to some policies they put in place to prevent their poker games being overrun with pro or semi-pro grinders. This is known as the ‘recreational player model’ and has 3 parts:

  1. First, there are no screen names, you simply play as a seat number.This stops 3rd party tracking services from highlighting the weaker / losing players.
  2. 3rd Party tools such as ‘heads-up-displays’ and advice engines are not allowed.While some people still use them, the anonymous play severely limits their usefulness.
  3. Multi-tabling is restricted; it is only possible to play 4 cash games or SNGs at one time (though you can play more tournaments). This means that good / winning players are not at 12 tables each, making them over-represented compared to 1 or 2 tabling amateurs.

These rules go a long way to keeping the games soft – though the size of the site and number of new and inexperienced players does attract some good players. The key is to exercise table selection. There are plenty of easy games, so if you feel a table is full of ‘grinders’, then simply find another one. Compared to the cash games, tournaments are very soft – and a great place to start if you are new to US online poker.

Deposits and Cashouts at Ignition Casino

There are two main options when it comes to getting your money on board at Ignition. Bitcoin is fast-becoming the go-to option for US based online poker fans. This has several advantages – with the main one being that it is not in the jurisdiction of banks and financial authorities who restrict gambling site deposits! Setting up a Bitcoin wallet is very easy these days, and no longer just for technical people. Once you are set up, deposits will be instant. You will play in Dollars, with your deposit converted at the exchange rate at the time you make it.

The other group of deposit options involves credit cards. MasterCard, Visa and Amex brands are welcomed. You’ll be making a foreign purchase with your card, and many transactions will go through first time. If you do get blocked, then you could consider a pre-paid Visa card instead.

Withdrawals are via Bitcoin (though only if you have previously deposited with this) or via a paper check. There is no administration charge for the first check each month – though additional withdrawals will incur a fee.

How Valuable Are Promotions and Bonuses at Ignition Poker?

Ignition offers all new players a $2000 deposit bonus. This bonus clears at 15 points per dollar, and can be cleared in increments, with $5 coming your way after 15 points, then instalments as you hit the 400 points required to fully clear it. If you enjoy casino games – then you can claim an additional $1000 bonus for those on top.

I would rate the poker bonus at Ignition Poker as very easy to clear, and the promotions should help to keep your bankroll topped up for a long time to come.

Free

Poker Points are used for the main loyalty scheme. At the moment points which are earned in real money play can be used to buy tournament entries. This is up to and including the Sunday $100k guaranteed, which would normally cost $162.

Promotions change all the time, and include special offers tied into the big sporting events, winning seats in live poker tournaments in Vegas and beyond – and many weekday specials too. Make sure you keep your eye on the Ignition Casino website to make sure that you do not miss out on the latest offers.

Other Products at Ignition Casino

There is a lot more to this site than just a poker room, with slots, table games and entertaining specialty games too. Here is what to expect:

Free Money Sign Up Online Poker Ny
  • Slots: Ignition have a huge range of slots from RealTime Gaming and Rival Gaming. As well as classic slots, you’ll find interactive video slots with bonus games and crazy features. Some games have huge jackpots too.
  • Casino Table Games:The variations of Blackjack, Roulette, Casino Poker and others will keep table games fans entertained.
  • Other Games:Video Poker is a popular option, along with Keno, Bingo and several instant win type games too.

Breaking Down the Ignition Casino Poker Software

The best way to describe the poker software used by the Ignition Casino would be ‘solid and functional’. This is not the most visually attractive client, if anything looking a little dated – especially when compared to the bigger global sites.

You’ll find very easy navigation, with the 4 main game types at the very top of the screen (Cash Games, Zone Poker, Tournaments and Sit N Goes). Once you select one a line of boxes with different buy-in options and game types appear. By default, all the options are ticked, you can click to untick the options you do not need, which then narrows the choice of tables or tournaments to better suit your needs.

The tables are divided into segments with lines – you’ll see a spotlight on each player as it is their turn to act. There are no screen names at the tables, just seat numbers (or player numbers for tournaments).

You can download the poker client onto Windows or Mac computers.

Mobile Options for Ignition Poker

A mobile poker app is enabled via a responsive in-browser version of the client. This works on both phones and tablets (including Apple devices). At the time of writing only Zone Poker and cash games are available for mobiles, and you can only play one table at a time.

Ignition Poker Ownership and License Information

Ignition Poker is owned by a company called Lynton Ltd, and is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission from their territory inside Canada. The fairness of the deal at Ignition Casino has been independently verified by iGaming Labs.

Play now at Ignition Poker
  • Website:www.ignitioncasino.eu
  • Bonus:2000
  • Licenced:Antigua
  • Banned States:NY, MD, and WA
  • Payment Options:Visa, Bitcoin, Mastercard, Bank Wire
  • Support:Click Here
  • Legal Info:Click Here

The launch of PokerStars in New Jersey back in 2016 was maybe the most anticipated event in the history of US online poker. Since, PokerStars has brought the heft of its international brand back into the US and re-established itself as a major player in the expanding US poker scene.

Its partnership with Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania and the launch of online poker in PA in 2019 brings it one step further into the US market. Real money poker at PokerStars is back in the US to stay and it’s only going to grow from here.

Current US states where you can play real-money poker on PokerStars:

  • PokerStars Pennsylvania via Foxbet

How Can I Play on PokerStars in the US?

You can open a new PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA account from anywhere (and play play-money poker). But you must be physically within a licensed state’s borders (and be of legal age) to play real money poker.

Below find a complete overview of what PokerStars currently offers poker players in the US; check back to see which new states have been or are soon to be added. Casino classic 500 euro bonus.

PokerStars bonus code

PokerStars Bonus Code (PA and NJ):FREE30
Free Money Offer:Get $30 in free play with a $20 deposit
First Deposit Bonus:100% up to $600
Available To:Adults 21 or older, located in NJ or PA
Last Verified:Oct. 1, 2019

How to Get Free Money on PokerStars

Players that open a new account at either PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA and make a deposit of $20 or more are immediately eligible for:

  • $30 in free play

PokerStars Free Play Code: FREE30

Enter the above code in the designated field when creating your account to receive the bonus.

PokerStars Free Play Bonus includes:

  • $20 Bonus Money
  • $10 in Spin & Go tickets
  • Free entry into a $5,000 depositor freeroll
  • 1 million in Play-Money chips

Note:Freeroll ticket and play-money chips are added to your account immediately. The first $10 in bonus money is credited to your account within 36 hours of deposit; final $10 in bonus money credited to your account 7 days after first deposit.

Spin & Go tickets are awarded as follows:

  • Day 1: 3 x $1 Spin & Go tickets
  • Day 2: 1 x $2 Spin & Go ticket
  • Day 3: 1 x $5 Spin & Go ticket

PokerStars Spin & Go’s

Spin & Go’s are PokerStars’ signature Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments which multiply the prize pool randomly before the tournament begins.

Buy-ins are from $1-$25 and each tournament then awards from 2x to 1,000 times your buy-in.

Spin & Go’s are three-handed turbo events that play out very fast and can give you amazing opportunities for big scores (up to $25,000 prize pools) compared to the buy-in.

PokerStars Deposit Bonus

The first-deposit bonus for PokerStars US players is:

  • 100% match bonus up to $600

That means whatever amount you deposit (up to $600) will be matched by PokerStars in bonus money.

The bonus releases in $10 increments for every 100 VIP Player Points (VPPs) earned. That is equivalent to an unprecedented 55% rakeback rate.

PokerStars awards VPPs at a rate of 5.5 for every $1 in rake paid at cash games, SNGs and tournaments. Any portion of the bonus not cleared within 120 days expires.

As part of the offer, players also get a $5,000 depositor freeroll ticket. The bonus code is STARS600.

How Do I Download PokerStars?

New PokerStars players have two ways to download the PokerStars platform and hit the tables:

  • Full PokerStars download for PC or Mac (Apple)
  • Download PokerStars app for your iPhone/iPad/Android

Both are fast and simple. To start the download on your computer, just click the appropriate link below for your state (either NJ or PA) to get to the main PokerStars download page:

  • Download PokerStars PA right here

PokerStars software works for both for PCsand Macs; it’ll self-prompt you to download the proper format for your computer type. Once you’ve downloaded the PokerStars software you’ll finish the registration process by:

  • Creating your Stars ID (your poker screen name)
  • Setting your password
  • Entering the rest of your personal details required (email, age, etc) a
  • Bonus Code (see above)

Your account will be operational in minutes. You can also access your 1 million in play-money chips right away. If you want to play real money poker at PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA, you’ll also need to:

  • Download the Geolocation software to confirm you’re within state borders
  • Make a deposit to your account via any of the accepted methods via the “Cashier” tab

More on your deposit (& cashout) options below.

Download the PokerStars App

PokerStars has a slick and easy-to-use poker app for playing both play-money and real money poker. You can open an account via the App alone or create an account on your desktop and then log-in via the App to play.

To download the app for your iPhone or iPad:

  • Go to the App Store on your device and find the PokerStars App
  • Download to your iPhone or iPad
  • Register your account (or log in to your created account)
  • Make a deposit or buy/play with play-money chips

For Android users:

Since the Google Play Store doesn’t permit gambling apps you’ll need to download the Android App directly from either PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA.

Click any link above to get to the main PokerStars download pages for each state.

PokerStars App – Game Play

The PokerStars app is made for poker players so its known for its ease-of-use and in-game functionality.

Lucky luke contre pat poker 1977. Finding cash games and tournaments is simple with a slide bar to scroll through cash games, MTTs, SnGs and Spin & Go’s; there’s also a tab at the top to toggle between real-money and play-money games.

The Lobby, Cashier, My Stars account, Challenges, Leaderboards and Customizable settings are also easy to find and use. If you want to make a real-money deposit it’s hard to miss the “Deposit” icon – just tap and you’ll be walked through depositing in a few simple steps.

As for the action at the tables, as PokerStars has always been made by poker players the betting slide bars and buttons are well positioned and easily distinguishable to avoid misclicks.

Following the action at the table is clear and straight-forward and the betting bar allows for quick increment changes.

Check/fold buttons are also big and visible as are set betting increments. Multi-tabling is also possible via the app.

PokerStars VR

Virtual Reality has come to poker in the form of PokerStars VR. If you choose to dive in, your perception of live poker will never be the same.

You’ll need the proper VR equipment (and graphics support) to try it out but if you do you’ll be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind, authentic, free poker experience like you’ve never seen before. PokerStars VR offers:

  • Dazzling realism from chip to cards to players to dealers
  • Real opponents in free ring games
  • Immersive, total poker experience with authentic body language, props and accessories
  • Play against your friends on private tables or against other players across the world
  • Streaming media integration
  • Free chips and in-game purchases
  • Exotic playing locales including Macau 2050, Monte Carlo Yacht, Showdown Saloon and Galaxy Space Station
  • New SnGs plus weekly leaderboards

You can download PokerStars VR from:

  • Oculus Store
  • Steam
  • Viveport

Poker Stars Promotions

Alongside the Free Play and Deposit Bonuses, PokerStars NJ and PokerStars PA run plenty of ongoing promotions for players. Among the current or past promotions we’ve seen:

  • $10,00 Summer Holidays Challenge
  • Daily $20,000 Golden Button Challenge
  • Monthly MTT Leaderboards
  • Online satellites and Spin & Go’s for live tournament seats and packages

Check PokerStars’ promotions page in a particular state for ongoing promotions.

PokerStars Live Tournaments & Packages

PokerStars hosts some pretty spectacular live events around the world and players in the US can take advantage of low buy-in satellites online to win seats and packages. Players can win seats and full travel packages to live events including:

  • European Poker Tour
  • PokerStars Caribbean Adventure
  • PokerStars Live London

and more. Also returning in 2020 is the:

  • PokerStars Players NL Hold’em Championship (PSPC)

The first edition ran in 2019 and awarded over $26 million in total to players that cashed. The 2020 edition will be held in Barcelona from August 20-24 at Casino Barcelona.

Buy-in is €22,500 (approximately $25,000) but you can win your way there for much, much cheaper via the online satellites. Find the full daily and weekly satellite schedule for live events in the ‘Events’ and ‘Live’ tabs in the lobby.

PokerStars player rewards

All real money poker players at PokerStars are eligible for reward prizes through the Stars Rewards Program. Players get personalized rewards based on their playing preferences across all of the site’s products – casino and sports betting included.

Players who play real money games earn Rewards Points as they play. As you accrue points you’ll fill up an on-screen progress bar. When you reach the end of the bar for that reward level you will earn a Reward Chest to open.

Inside the Chest will be personalized rewards that best suit your level of play. There are six chest levels of increasing size and average value:

  • Blue Chest ($0.25-$5)
  • Bronze Chest ($0.60-$12)
  • Silver Chest ($1.50-$30)
  • Gold Chest ($5-$100)
  • Diamond Chest ($12.50-$250)
  • Black Chest ($35-$700)

Chests can contain StarsCoin — a virtual currency that players can spend at the site’s rewards store — tickets, and goods tailored to players’ preferences. Players can also win Top Rewards, which are massive prizes divided randomly among chests.

Boosts are also available whereby players will earn points at an augmented rate for a limited time.

PokerStars cash games and tournaments

Cash Games

PokerStars NJ and PokerStars PA offer the widest variety of cash games in US poker:

  • No Limit Hold ’em
  • Limit Hold ’em
  • Pot Limit Ohama
  • Limit Omaha Hi/Lo
  • Eight Game
  • Limit Stud
  • Limit Stud Hi/Lo

And the list goes on. No Limit Holdem games dominate the lobby with popular stakes running from $0.05/$0.10 to $2.50/$5.00. NL Hold em Zoom Poker (fast-fold) games also go off regularly, even more so when there’s a cash game promotion running.

SNGs

SNGs are always popular on PokerStars. The ones that do run are generally low- to mid-stakes No Limit Hold em turbo games. Most of the site’s SNGs are of the 6-max variety, although heads-up games run as well.

Spin ‘n Gos

As mentioned above, Spin & Go’s are arguably the site’s mostpopular format. These three-person, hyper turbo games are known for their randomized payouts and blistering pace.

The format is available at the $1, $2, $5, $10 and $25 buy-in levels, and feature jackpot prizes of 1,000x a player’s buy-in.

Multi-table tournaments (MTTs)

PokerStars is the home for New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s biggest online tournament series events. The annual NJSCOOP (PASCOOP) and NJCOOP (PACOOP) both feature dozens of events and $1 million+ guaranteed prize pools.

PokerStars NJ and PokerStars PA also host a nice selection of smaller tournament series events throughout the calendar year.

As for its daily and weekly MTT schedules, PokerStars also makes the grade. The site offers a dozen nightly majors with buy-ins ranging from $5 to $100 and spanning multiple game formats.

Weekend tournaments guarantee as much as $50,000, and often more during special events. Here’s a quick glimpse of PokerStars’ most popular tournament offerings in the US:

  • The Big $5(4 p.m. EST): $5 buy-in, $500 guaranteed
  • The Big $30(5 p.m. EST): $30 buy-in, $1,000 guaranteed
  • The Big $50(6 p.m. EST): $50 buy-in, $2,000 guaranteed
  • The Big $10(6 p.m. EST): $10 buy-in, $1,000 guaranteed
  • The Big $20(7 p.m. EST): $20 buy-in, $1,500 guaranteed

More daily tournaments include:

  • Hot Turbos
  • KO Fever
  • Nightly Stars
  • Moonlight Express for No-Limit Hold ’em
  • Change-up for Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and Stud

Sunday Majors on PokerStars US

  • Sunday Warm-Up(4 p.m. EST): $50 buy-in, $8,500 guaranteed
  • Sunday Storm(5 p.m. EST): $10 buy-in, $4,500 guaranteed
  • SundaySpecial(6 p.m. EST): $200 buy-in, $45,000 guaranteed
  • Sunday High Roller(7 p.m. EST): $500 buy-in, $15,000 guaranteed
  • SundaySupersonic(10 p.m. EST): $75 buy-in, $5,000 guaranteed

PokerStars Deposits & Cashouts

Deposits

With fully licensed and legal online poker comes a slew of easy-to-use and secure deposit and withdrawal methods. All transactions, via either the desktop or app, are encrypted, secure and protected.

Once your proper account ID and verification are set-up depositing to PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA is virtually instantaneous. Popular deposit methods include:

  • Instant e-checks (ACH)
  • Skrill
  • Mastercard/Visa credit or debit cards
  • Neteller
  • PokerStars Instant online banking
  • PayNearMe (7/11)
  • Cash at the Live Casino partner’s cage (Resorts Hotel & Casino in NJ; Mount Airy Casino in PA)
  • PokerStars Play+ Card

Of these, players should consider Instant e-checks as their first line of offense. The Play+ Card is also a great option for players who have trouble completing ACH transactions. Those who favor in-person transactions are best opting for PayNearMe or cash at the casino cage.

Cashouts

Players are slightly more restricted with regard to withdrawals but still have plenty of options in both states:

  • Instant e-checks
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • Cash at the cage
  • PokerStars Play+ Card

Generally speaking players must use a method as a deposit vehicle first before withdrawing via the same method.

PokerStars Customer Service

PokerStars offers an extensive FAQ portal divided into four primary sections:

  • Support
  • Deposit and Cash Out
  • Security
  • Account

Most of the common questions people have when creating/using a PokerStars account can be solved right there. Players can also fill out the site’s support form to request a callback or written response from an agent.

Is PokerStars Safe?

Beyond being one of the most reputable online poker brands in the entire world, every PokerStars US poker site is subject to rigorous vetting and regulations by the individual state’s Department of Gaming Enforcement.

  • In NewJersey, PokerStars has been approved and licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
  • In Pennsylvania, PokerStars has been approved and licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PCGB).

PokerStars US New Features — October 2019

The New Jersey Championship of Online Poker beings on October 12 and runs until October 28. Fifty events are scheduled, with a guarantee of $1 million.

You’ll find multiple variations of No Limit Hold’em (Turbo, Deepstack, Progressive KO, Escalating Antes, Bubble Rush, Win the Button), as well as Pot Limit Omaha 6-Max and High Roller, No Limit Omaha Hi/Lo, and mixed NLH/PLO.

Buy-ins start at $30 and go as high as $1,000, but the majority of the events are under $150. And you can earn your way into events through various satellites, freerolls and Sit & Gos. The full schedule of events, along with information on alternate ways to enter the tournament are available on the PokerStars site.

PokerStars US FAQ

Is PokerStars Legal in the US?

Yes. PokerStars officially relaunched to players in New Jersey on March 21, 2016. It has now also launched in Pennsylvania. These are currently the only 2 states where PokerStars can legally offer online poker games for real-money but more are soon to come.

Can I play at PokerStars in states outside of New Jersey?

PokerStars is currently licensed to offer games in two US states: New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Players from anywhere can sign up and create a new account but to play real money poker (either cash games or tournaments) you must be physically within the state’s borders. You don not have to be a resident of either state to play.

How does PokerStars know I’m in New Jersey (or Pennsylvania)?

In order to abide by official state gaming regulations PokerStars must guarantee players accessing its real-money games are within state borders. To do so, players on PokerStars US (NJ, PA, etc) must download a geolocation app along with the PokerStars software or PokerStars App.

Can PokerStars US players play against international PokerStars players?

No, PokerStars US only includes players within the US as of 2019. There is a current compact that allows for a shared player pool between online poker players in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware but PokerStars does not have a site in Nevada or Delaware.

PokerStars PA players will also be ring-fenced and only able to play against each other. There is a likelihood, though, that all state player pools will eventually be merged among similarly licensed online poker states.

One day there is hope the full international player pool (or a portion of it) will be available again to US players.

What caused the delay of PokerStars in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement had concerns about the past legal issues of PokerStars involving the US Department of Justice. The original PokerStars founder had not yet settled with the US Government at the time of the sale to Amaya Gaming.

The sale of PokerStars satisfied any issues New Jersey regulators had with the company.

Are SNG tournaments available ?

Yes. PokerStars New Jersey and PokerStars PA have Spin ‘n Go and Sit ‘n Go tournaments.

Why does PokerStars have a casino partner in each state?

New Jersey interactive gaming law requires software providers to partner with Atlantic City casinos through their existing license. Casinos can host up to five gaming sites on a brick-and-mortar license.

The same is true in Pennsylvania and will be likewise in any other state PokerStars is eventually licensed in.

Which Atlantic City casino is PokerStars’ partner?

PokerStars is partners with ResortsCasino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Which Pennsylvania casino is PokerStars’ partner?

PokerStars is partners with Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania.

Is there a PokerStars poker room in Resorts AC?

There is no PokerStars room inside Resorts at this time. There were plans to develop one at the time of the original announcement of the partnership. It appears that those plans are still on hold.

Does PokerStars offer casino games in New Jersey?

Yes, PokerStars offers house-banked casino games through its Resorts partnership. At present, the site supports more than 30 slots, blackjack, roulette, Heads-up Hold ’em and baccarat.

Casino games will also be a part of the PokerStars offering in Pennsylvania as will sports betting via FOX Bet.

How big are the Sunday PokerStars tournaments in New Jersey?

Due to the market’s low-population cap, the tournament prize pools on PokerStars New Jersey are not nearly as large as they on the operator’s international site.

At present, the biggest Sunday major is the Sunday Special, which guarantees $50,000. Following that is the Sunday High Roller ($500 buy-in, $15,000 GTD).

There is also a bevy of nightly and weekly tournaments that guarantee a minimum prize pool of $10,000.

PokerStars US Review

PokerStars Quick Review
  • Traffic - 91

  • Depth of Game Selection - 93

  • Software - 98

  • Customer Support - 84

  • Promotional Value - 94

92

Summary

The PokerStars client is nothing short of stellar, matching the quality of its award-winning international platform nearly every step of the way. PokerStars also offers two generous, first-time deposit bonus; one tailored toward recreational players and another to regulars. Biannual tournament events that guarantee over $1.2 million each and an eclectic mix of game formats round out New Jersey's most complete online poker package. Now if only customer service were more accessible.

PokerStars’ History

PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker site. It peaks in the neighborhood of 20,000 players daily, according to PokerScout.

In addition to its international poker site, it also holds licenses in the ring-fenced markets of Italy, France and Spain. It is the largest site in two of these three regulated and ring-fenced countries.

PokerStars was not always the largest online poker room in the world. PartyPoker held that distinction until October 2006, when it left the US market. PartyPoker has the most cash-game players, but PokerStars had more tournament participants.

As a result, PokerStars immediately became the largest cash-game site when it announced it would stay in the US market after 2006. It raked an estimated $2 million per day after this decision.

PokerStars’ legal woes

Because of this success, the US Department of Justice took notice. PokerStars became the target of an investigation from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.

On April 15, 2011, an indictment was unsealed that named PokerStars and two executives. The charges related to violating the Illegal Gambling Business Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Furthermore, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker were also named on the same indictment.

PokerStars immediately withdrew from the US market, as did Full Tilt and Absolute Poker. Most noteworthy is that PokerStars was able to reimburse account balances for US players within 10 days. Full Tilt and Absolute Poker were unable to pay.

Subsequently, PokerStars acquired Full Tilt through a corporate settlement with the US Justice Department worth $731 million. Part of this settlement went toward paying Full Tilt Poker players that were victims of what the federal government described as fraud.

Once these charges were settled, PokerStars attempted to gain licensing in New Jersey for the state’s new interactive gaming industry that launched in November 2013. They partnered with Resorts.

PokerStars previously attempted to buy the Atlantic Club. They infused the ailing casino with much-needed cash while it attempted to get licensed. Atlantic Club backed out of the deal after the guaranteed closing date passed.

It appeared Atlantic Club was hoping to fetch a higher sales price. That never materialized. Atlantic Club fell into bankruptcy and closed in January 2014. Subsequently, its assets were divided between Caesars Entertainment and Tropicana Entertainment through a bankruptcy auction.

While PokerStars resolved its case through a civil settlement, executives of PokerStars never resolved their charges. This was the reason cited by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for suspending its gaming license application for two years.

PokerStars’ new owner and eventual entry into New Jersey

Rational Group, the parent company of PokerStars, decided the solution was to sell the company. Amaya Gaming was the suitor.

Amaya Gaming acquired PokerStars in July 2014 for $4.9 billion. As a result, PokerStars’ equity holders left the company at the close of the transaction.

It appears that this merger was the catalyst that gave PokerStars the green light in New Jersey. The Division of Gaming Enforcement is satisfied that PokerStars is now suitable.

Amaya Gaming was already licensed in New Jersey. It maintains several casino platforms, as well as Betfair’s poker platform.

This may not satisfy regulators in other states. Bills are being considered in California, New York and Pennsylvania and could exclude any unlicensed asset used in the online poker industry after Dec. 31, 2006.

Amaya Gaming would either need to defeat that language in bills before they become law or prevail in court challenges under the position that the so-called bad actor clauses are unconstitutional.

Additionally, online poker regulations in Nevada include a tainted asset clause. This means that the sale of PokerStars does not clean the brand in the eyes of regulators. Unless current Nevada law changes, or is found unconstitutional, PokerStars will never operate in Nevada.

Delaware has no such language in its online poker regulations.