888 launches shared poker network for both Delaware and Nevada

Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey, the three main states that have been fighting for legalizing online poker for the whole country, might be seeing results soon. Two of them, Delaware and Nevada, have already taken the first step, and now residents of any of these two states will be able to enjoy a shared poker network. The different platforms created by 888 for this poker network for both, WSOP.com and a few other online casinos based in Delaware, could be the first step towards the federal poker legislation. Nevada and Delaware have already started sharing player pools on the online poker network based on 888 poker technology.

Delaware’s online poker market has been one of the less productive industries in the United States, but only because it is pretty difficult to compete against the Gaming States. Delaware is now entering the market by offering full online poker, 24 hours a day, to all its residents, a fact that will boost up the state online gambling revenue. We receive this great news right this morning from 888 Holdings, from the gaming firm earnings report published online today. Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888, commented: “2014 was another record-breaking year for 888 during which we again delivered strong growth in revenue and profitability. This outstanding result reflects the fundamental strength of our business and the continued execution of our focused strategy. This is underpinned by our strong brands, exceptional technology and industry-leading marketing systems. Our core Casino product delivered another outstanding performance reflecting our strength and heritage in this vertical, while 888Poker cemented its position at number two in the Poker Scout global rankings at the year end. The outstanding 115 per cent revenue growth from 888Sport was an undoubted highlight of 2014 and we continue to see very exciting growth opportunities in this vertical. Trading during the first quarter of the year has been in line with our expectations with significant increases in new customer recruitment as well as increases in deposit level and bet volumes. Average daily revenue during the quarter to date was 6 per cent lower than the previous year, and on a constant currency basis and excluding the impact of VAT, which from 2015 is deducted from revenue generated in certain jurisdictions, the performance was 7 per cent ahead. Whilst the business faces external challenges in the form of Point of Consumption Tax in the UK, VAT in certain jurisdictions and adverse foreign exchange movement from a strong US Dollar, I am confident that the Group is well placed to take advantage of opportunities that regulatory change opens up to companies such as 888. I am delighted with 888’s record achievements in 2014, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each member of our dynamic and talented team for their fantastic efforts during the year.”