We’re well past the vague timeline that New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak offered for when PokerStars would enter the US market. Back in early September, Lesniak famously said Stars was “only a few weeks away” from launching in New Jersey. This meant that the world’s largest online poker site would be available in New Jersey by early October at the latest. But here we are in November and there’s no sign of Stars yet – so what’s the holdup?
Lesniak says it’s all up to Governor Christie
After fielding a number of tweets from frustrated online poker players, Lesniak put the blame on Governor Chris Christie. He explained that Christie has the final say in getting PokerStars approved, tweeting that it hinges on “Christie ok.” Lesniak also commented that “waiting on Christie hopefully not like waiting on Godot.” This refers to a Samuel Beckett play where two guys wait for a mysterious figure named Godot, who never shows up.
Obviously this is not encouraging for New Jersey residents who were hoping to play on PokerStars any time soon. Much of the delay has to do with politics since Christie is a serious contender for the Republican nomination in the 2016 Presidential Race. But unfortunately, this isn’t just a matter of the governor being short on time during his campaign.
Sheldon Adelson a major factor in the delay
All of the serious Republican candidates are fighting for the support of Las Vegas Sands CEO and anti-iGaming nut Sheldon Adelson. With $38 billion and an obvious political agenda, Adelson is expected to funnel tens of millions of dollars to key candidates. So this leaves Christie, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich cozying up to the casino magnate in hopes of winning the GOP nod.
Christie has previously supported iGaming efforts in New Jersey. However, he must also play Adelson’s anti-online gaming side if he wants to maintain a strong chance of running in the 2016 Presidential Race against the Democratic nominee (likely Hillary Clinton). So approving PokerStars in New Jersey could work against everything that he’s trying to do right now.
Just week ago, Stars landing in the Garden State was more a matter of ‘when’ rather ‘if.’ But now it’s a wonder if the governor will still consider giving the final okay for Stars to enter New Jersey. If not, which state will?