Weekly Roundup November 14 2014
Ultimate Poker Ceases Operations
Ultimate Poker announced Friday that it would cease operations on November 17, 2014 at noon. The site was the second largest Nevada regulated poker room out of three, averaging about 60 players, according to PokerScout.
Ultimate Poker struggled due to its poor software that was developed in house. Most regulated U.S. sites lease established software from existing poker sites that operate internationally. The exception is Real Gaming, which is the third place site in Nevada and has little action.
The move will give WSOP.com about 98 percent of the Nevada online poker market. It currently averages about 110 players, although it is expected to pick up many of the Ultimate Poker players.
Ultimate Poker left the New Jersey market in October 2014. It cited a lack of payment from Trump Taj Mahal for its services, its Atlantic City partner. Ultimate Poker stated that it is owed about $1.5 million according to bankruptcy documents filed in Delaware related to a case involving Trump Entertainment.
Winning Poker Network Adds New Withdrawal Option
The Winning Poker Network, which consists of Americas Cardroom, Black Chip Poker, and True Poker, has added a new withdrawal option. It is called Pay2Card and allows players to withdraw up to $1,000 directly to any Visa or Mastercard, even if it was not used to fund the account. There is a $35 fee for this option.
PokerStars Not Expected in New Jersey Until 2015
PokerStars will not be entering the New Jersey market until 2015, according to a report from Pokerfuse. New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak blamed Governor Chris Christie for the delay. According to Sen. Lesniak, Gov. Christie is playing politics in allowing online gaming opponent Sheldon Adelson an opportunity to try and get the industry banned at the federal level during the lame duck session. Gov. Christie’s office has not commented on Sen. Lesniak’s assertions.