Amaya Gaming has begun talks with New Jersey regulators with a view to permitting PokerStars, newly acquired by Amaya, to operate legally in the state, reports Associated Press.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement director David Rebuck said the regulator is holding talks with Amaya, which is buying PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker for $4.9bn.
The sale sees PokerStars executives with outstanding indictments in the US leaving the company, a move Amaya hopes will clear the way for PokerStars to enter the New Jersey market, having been previously excluded.
"We've had discussions with Amaya to reactivate the application,” Rebuck said. "We'll look at whatever they bring over.” He said he was "encouraged" by the sale and the licensing talks.
"I think in the long run it will be a good story for New Jersey," he said. "I'm optimistic that they know what the rules are, and I fully expect them to be very aggressive because they want to be here."
