888poker to Exit New Jersey in June, WSOP Remains Operational

Earlier in the week, gambling giant 888 announced the completion of its rebranding as evoke with the purpose of better reflecting its multi-brand operating model as well as its goal to offer state-of-the-art entertainment.

Now, the gambling powerhouse is getting ready to exit New Jersey as a result of its decision to shut down its 888poker platform in the state on June 3. 

888 Holdings plc. has announced that the 888casino NJ app will also vanish from online stores.

WSOP Will Still Operate in the Garden State 

The departure, however, will not mark the exit of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) from the state. 

As announced earlier in the week, WSOP will stay operational in New Jersey.

At the same time, the 888poker’s exit will not influence the scheduled tri-state cooperative that is expected to operate live online poker rooms for WSOP players located in three states. 

In other words, WSOP NJ will continue to synchronize players in the Garden State with players located in Nevada and Michigan on the same software platform sometime in the future.

In February, 888 Holdings said it would sell off its US gaming assets to Hard Rock Digital, the sports entertainment technology company owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

The decision was taken as part of 888’s strategy to consolidate its gaming holdings in different parts of the world while also scaling back its casino and poker offerings in North America.

The following month, 888poker recorded just two-thirds of 1% of the online poker market in the state.

NJ Poker Players Looking for Alternatives 

The last time the Garden State lost an online poker provider was almost 10 years ago. 

With a half-asleep online poker industry over the past decade and a slim chance for Hard Rock Bet to be adding poker to the NJ platform, players are now left looking for alternative providers. 

Hard Rock Bet will purchase some of 888’s gaming assets.

888poker and 888casino customers need to complete all fund withdrawals from their accounts by June 3. 

If they fail to do so, 888 will send any outstanding funds via checks in the upcoming months.

New Jersey is one of the six states that legalized online poker. Only three of the six states currently coordinate on the WSOP. 

Ontario also offers live dealer poker.

Last week, 888 announced it managed to price its senior secured notes at £400 million signaling 888 Acquisitions Limited’s debut issuance into the GBP debt capital market.