Amaya Receives Regulatory Approval to Operate PokerStars and Full Tilt in New Jersey
MONTREAL, Sept. 30, 2015 – Amaya Inc. (TSX: AYA; NASDAQ: AYA) (“Amaya” or the “Corporation”) today announced that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (the “DGE”) has authorized it to operate the PokerStars and Full Tilt brands in New Jersey. The approval follows an unprecedented review by the DGE of Amaya’s acquisition of PokerStars and Full Tilt in August 2014. The approval enables the entry of the world’s largest poker business into the United States.
“We are very pleased to add New Jersey to the long list of regulated markets that have found PokerStars and Full Tilt suitable to offer real-money online gaming,” said David Baazov, Chairman and CEO of Amaya. “I want to thank the DGE for their thorough and fair review of our business. We look forward to bringing our popular brands, innovative technology, marketing prowess and world-class security and game integrity to the growing New Jersey online gaming market. We anticipate providing additional details of our launch plans in the near future.”
Amaya is currently in an agreement with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City to provide online poker and casino offerings in New Jersey through the PokerStars and Full Tilt brands. Amaya has also previously received approvals from the DGE to provide B2B online and land-based gaming solutions in New Jersey.
New Jersey gaming regulators have a long history of stringent regulatory oversight and enforcement of gaming operations. The DGE’s review of PokerStars was extremely thorough and exhaustive, including a detailed review of Amaya’s operations and technology, sworn interviews with more than 70 individuals and visits to approximately a half dozen international jurisdictions. This stringent review found PokerStars to be under strong, ethical and trusted ownership and management with Amaya, and worthy of participating in New Jersey’s regulated online gaming market.
Rational Group’s businesses are among the most respected in the industry for delivering high-quality player experiences, unrivalled customer service, and innovative software. The Group employs industry-leading practices in payment security, game integrity, and player fund protection, offering customer support in 29 languages. The Rational Group holds more online poker licenses than any other e-gaming company, and works closely with regulators around the world to help establish sensible global regulation.
DISCLAIMERS
This News Release for Amaya contains forward-looking statements about the proposed acquisition by Amaya of all of the equity securities of Oldford Group. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “foresee”, “project”, “could”, “estimate”, “goal”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “strive”, “will”, “may” and “should” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on Amaya’s perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Amaya’s estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Amaya can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that the proposed Transaction will occur. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect Amaya’s expectations only as of the date of this News Release. Amaya disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
AMAYA INVESTOR CONTACT:
Tim Foran
Director, Investor Relations
+1.416.545.1325
ir@amayagaming.com