“I have been fortunate to be a part of historic regulatory reforms designed to revitalize Atlantic City”

When will conversations begin and what are your expectations on the matter?
The conversations have already begun. Amaya has previously obtained a transactional waiver issued by the Division. Under the Casino Control Act, the Division has the authority to issue transactional waivers to Internet gaming companies that have submitted a completed Casino Service Industry Enterprise (CSIE ) application and have been subject to preliminary investigation. The Division has initiated a standard investigative review that will examine Amaya's proposed acquisition of PokerStars.

What are the main aspects to be considered?  What are the main steps that Amaya must comply in order to reactivate the application and enter the New Jersey market?
To begin this investigative review, Amaya will submit information about the proposed corporate structure of the acquisition as well as a list of executive and management personnel. The Division will then review these filings as part of its standard background investigation.  The Division will also review the technical aspects of the PokerStars platform to ensure that it meets New Jersey's regulatory standards. 

When could the license be approved?
Amaya's acquisition of Pokerstars, if all regulatory requirements are met, could possibly be approved sometime this fall.

In your role as Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, what have been the main achievements and what are the main goals and objectives you hope to accomplish?
Over the past 3 years I have been fortunate to be a part of historic regulatory reforms designed to revitalize Atlantic City. I have been very fortunate to be a part of the regulatory forms which have taken place ranging from the groundbreaking regulatory restructuring of  S-12, to assisting with the Atlantic City Clean and Safe program, to the implementation of  multi-state progressive slots, as well as the country’s most comprehensive Internet gaming program.

The most meaningful achievements to date have been our efforts to change the culture in the Atlantic City gaming industry to one that is prepared to aggressively compete with other gaming jurisdictions through the regulation and innovation of new and unique gaming opportunities.These changes have provided far greater flexibility and discretion to Atlantic City casino businesses to run and manage their operations in the way they believe best, except for areas affecting integrity.