888 Holding the well known operator based in Gibraltar who recently became the first operator to launch a real money casino app on Facebook looks set for something can could be just as big, if not bigger. In a joint venture with Avenue Capital Group a US investment company they look set to launch the very first US Online Poker network. The All American Poker Network would operate at first on a state by state basis and should federal legislation occur then it would go national. Brian Mattingley, 888 CEO said that, “This is the perfect deal for 888, providing the ideal platform through which to launch our business-to-customer brands into the US market, once regulated,” and, “Working with a substantial financial partner provides the firepower that we need to take advantage of the significant opportunities that will be provided by a regulated U.S. gaming market.”
Treasure Island to be First Room
The namesake of the famous Las Vegas casino Treasure Island will be the first room on the network after announcing their deal with 888 last month. They have been recommended for a license and that should be with them by March 21st at a hearing in front of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Although 888 is not licensed in either Delaware or New Jersey, should this happen then, as Nevada allows for interstate compacts we would see a few more skins from those states pretty soon. 888 are no stranger to online poker in the US and indeed has made other deals, with the most notable being with Caesars producing a WSOP branded room, however it is unclear whether or not this room will feature on the network. There is also the play money room WSOP-USA.com available for US players and maybe this relationship could assist with New Jersey licensing as Atlantic City is no stranger to Caesars with the casino giant owning 4 casinos there. There is also a deal in place with WMS Gaming with the aim of bringing online poker to traditional bricks and mortar casinos in Nevada.
About 888 Poker
At present 888 Holding won 888poker which is the flagship room on 888's poker network, which of course does not operate in the US. It ranks fairly well in the real money listings sitting in 5th place for cash games. Looking at PokerScout it's behind PokerStars, Tilt, part Poker and iPoker Network. Without the All American Network it is sure to stay in 5th place for some time and there is no mention of when the US network will launch.
