New US deal for bwin.party
News on 8 May 2012
News on 8 May 2012
Following significant agreements with MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming, bwin.party digital entertainment plc has further solidified its position in the U.S. pending positive online gambling legislative developments.
A formal online poker service agreement was announced Monday between the company and the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), which owns and operates the Thunder Valley Casino Resort near Sacramento, California.
The UAIC is a federally recognised California Indian tribe who would be a qualified licence applicant under legislation proposed in the California State Senate.
Under the terms of the agreement bwin.party will provide the technology and operations expertise to power online poker services as well as related support.
Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, co-chief executive officer’s of bwin.party, said: “California is the largest state in the U.S. in terms of population and is known to have a significant number of poker players who like to play poker online. Combining our own significant assets and resources with those of UAIC will create a strong partnership that is well-placed to seize the opportunities that will arise if appropriate online poker legislation is enacted in the Golden State.”
David Keyser, Tribal Chairman of UAIC added: “We see the legalisation of Internet poker and other Internet gaming as being inevitable. Having met with representatives from a number of different online gaming companies, bwin.party was our first choice as partner. With its expertise in online poker, proven technology and player loyalty we are confident of being able to maximize the revenue opportunity from a regulated online poker market in California and to continue to enhance the long-term prosperity of our community.”
Senators Wright and Steinberg introduced legislation titled “The Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public-Private Partnership Act of 2012 (SB 1463)” to regulate online gaming within California in February 2012. The legislation includes proposals to regulate, license and tax internet poker within the state of California at a rate of tax of 10 percent gross gaming revenue.
