The Current State of Poker in New Jersey

Online poker in New Jersey continues its bull run with impressive earnings in the first half of 2018. Two weeks after month end, New Jersey casinos and online poker rooms release their GGR (Gross Gambling Revenue). The total Internet gambling win by month makes for interesting reading. Online poker revenues in March 2018 topped out at $1,966,366, significantly higher than February poker revenues of $1,772,988.

In January 2018, poker revenues were strong, from the holiday season overflow at $1,950,696. These GGR figures were released by the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). It’s interesting to point out that Caesars/Harrah’s/888 have consistently improved on their performance for online poker revenues since February 2018. The following poker revenues were reported in Q1 2018:

• December 2017 – $530,037

• January 2018 – $507,048 ($-22,989)

• February 2018 – $546,736 (+ $39,688)

• March 2018 – $564,797 (+ $18,061)

New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware Pool Players for Bigger Paydays

The US online poker market received a tremendous boost when New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware announced a ‘player sharing’ compact designed to increase player numbers and the prize pools on offer. The only catch is that this multi-state player compact benefits The World Series of Poker (WSOP) and affiliated brands since it is the only one approved for online poker gaming in Nevada. However, this is a significant step in the right direction for online poker aficionados.

By combining players across multiple states, it is easier to generate hype in poker tournaments by offering larger prize pools, and a greater variety of online poker games. For example, SNGs, MTTs, cash games and a selection of poker tournaments are now available to New Jersey online poker players. It is possible for players in Atlantic City and surrounds to compete for WSOP bracelets and much larger paydays. The man in charge of online poker for the WSOP, Bill Rini described recent events as game changing.

Of course, with several states now offering fully regulated online casino and poker games it makes sense that interstate compacts are being set up. It’s not only online poker revenues that are showing robust growth in 2018, it’s online casino revenues as well. For example, the combination of online casino and online poker revenues in March topped out at $25.6 million – the best single month performance in 5 years of online gaming in the state. Online poker rooms under the Caesars license have enjoyed meteoric growth, with double digit figures month on month. While the year on year change for online poker was down 12.7%, the month on month performance in March was up 0.2%.

The performance of Caesars brands continues to amaze pundits, what with a second-place finish in March 2018 with $4.5 million in takings. Thanks to spectacular online casino earnings, Caesars (WSOP, Harrah’s, Caesars, and 888) managed to post $3.8 million and an additional $700,000 in poker take. For the Caesars brand, online casino revenues are now up 40% year on year. Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey includes the following registered labels:

• CaesarsCasino.com

• HarrahsCasino.com

• WSOP.com

• US.888.com

• US.888poker.com

• US.888casino.com

According to industry stats, the WSOP New Jersey network/888poker New Jersey network currently has 36% market share. The move to incorporate New Jersey players in a multistate poker compact was strategically designed to boost the overall market share and sustainability of 888 poker USA. Its land-based casino partner, Caesars Atlantic City remains the preferred destination for many players in the Garden State. The big news for the month is undoubtedly the shared liquidity in the multistate compact. Note that both 888poker and WSOP.com were quick to capitalize on this agreement, since they have a shared network.

888 Poker USA and WSOP.com Launch $10,000 Weekly Sunday

On Sunday, May 6, 2018, online poker players in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware competed in the Sunday Major tournaments. Details provided by 888poker indicate that the $100 buy-in event with $10,000 guaranteed attracted 176 entrants with a total prize pool of $16,016, and 25 in the money finishes. This multi-state poker tournament (New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware) exceeded expectations by $6,016, becoming a big success for the 888poker brand. At the end of the tournament, some 134 entries were counted with 42 reentries.
Additionally, some 25 players cashed out with at least $192.19 after a grueling 5 hours of intense action. The top prize of $4,404 went to New Jersey native, Joe Enger. Positions 2 – 5 were filled by the following players:

• #2 – NOMAMMESWEY – $2,563

• #3 – WRECKLESS – $1,457

• #4 – prof.chaos – $1,137

• #5 – lilBillymac – $977

The remaining players (positions 6 – 9) scooped up prizes of $817, $625, $400, and $288 respectively.

The $100,000 Guaranteed Sunday Tournament with 888poker & WSOP.com

The big event, and the one that attracted 522 entrants was the $100,000 Guaranteed Sunday contest. The buy-in of $320 attracted 356 entries and 266 reentries for a total prize pool of $156,600. 60 people finished in the money (ITM) and first place went to deezz_nutzz with a whopping $39,150. In second-place was Anthony Pagan with $21,924. Third place and $13,311 was awarded to Sridhar “sri50k” Sangannagari. Both fourth and fifth place ended in the money with substantial winnings. #4 Punal took home $10,179, and #5 Jonathan Raber scooped up $8,613.

The $12,000 Weekly Sunday Deepstack with WSOP.com & 888poker

On Sunday, May 6, 2018, the $12,000 Weekly Sunday Deepstack was launched. This $50 buy-in tournament had a guaranteed $12,000 with 651 entrants and a prize pool of $29,621. 40 players finished in the money. There were some 655 entrants, made up of 396 reentries and 255 entries. After a grueling 8 hours of play, the first-place prize of $7,701 went to Hung “nowitsover” Truong. Runner-up, Anthony Maio was paid out $4,443, and third place scooped up $2,607.

The Final Wrap

These poker tournaments represent the crème de la crème for New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware online poker players. Perhaps also Michigan soon. With so much money up for grabs, large numbers of players and bigger prize pools will certainly be a more enticing prospect to fans. Other 888poker tournaments include the $25,000 Weekly Sunday. New Jersey online poker has just received a new lease on life, and judging by current statistics, all guns are blazing.