Caesars Entertainment Corp. have decided to let bygones be bygones and form an alliance with PokerStars as they ready themselves for the next wave of Sheldon Adelson engraved bombs.
When PokerStars woke up on Valentine’s Day they would have expected a lot of cards. Not from Caesars Entertainment Corp. though.
But, that’s exactly what they got.
It’s been a good few weeks for PokerStars. They have walked away from a series of gaming awards with more gold than B.A. Baracus, and they have found some new friends on U.S soil.
The Rincon and Pala Bands of Luiseno Indians, and the United Auburn Indian Community have softened their stance on the so-called ‘bad actor’ provisions that are the only reason Americans aren’t fiddling with PokerStars buttons on American soil right now.
It’s positive news.
The trio were amongst the 13-tribes who supported a 2014 bill that would have kept PokerStars out of the American action. Perhaps, people are starting to realize that although PokerStars may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to take a bit out of the Indians.
If that was a transformation to get the old head shaking, then Chris Krafcik, of Gambling Compliance, had news of a change of direction of Bruce Jenner proportions.
According to Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Vice President of Governmental Relations for Caesars, they ‘need to focus on where our opposition really lies, and clearly it’s not Amaya and PokerStars. They are a strong ally in the space.”
The sex is going to be raw.
There are numerous reasons why this change of heart makes sense. Jim Ryan shook a few people up when he said there was a real possibility that the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA) could be pushed through congress. Sheldon Adelson is starting to look more like the Ultimate Warrior than the Brooklyn Brawler.
Amaya Gaming Group and Caesars seem to have a great relationship. That helps. It’s also significant that Caesars Californian land-based partner is the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians. Then there’s the Michael Corleone factor.
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”
“Amaya and Caesars have enjoyed a very good relationship and business partnership for a number of years. That has not change since acquiring PokerStars, Eric Hollreiser, Amaya’s Head of Corporate Communications, told PokerNews, “As part of our ongoing conversations we will work closely with Caesars to promote the US online gaming industry and support responsible legislation at the state and federal levels.”
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over a debt load of $24 billion, Caesars will take all the help it can get. Knowing your competition is just as important as knowing your customer.
What better way to find out your competitors weaknesses than rolling around in the hay with them?
