Online gaming operator Ultimate Gaming has confirmed it is to exit the regulated New Jersey internet gambling market after accusing its partner the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort of several contract breaches.
Ultimate Gaming has been in partnership with the Trump Taj Mahal since the full launch of online gaming in the US state late last year.
However, the pair have struggled to make a major impact on the market after taking just $4.9 million (€3.8 million) from online customers so far this year, compared to $30 million won by market leader PartyPoker in partnership with Borgata.
There is uncertainty over the future of the Trump Taj Mahal as its parent company, Trump Entertainment Resorts, threatened that the facility could close before the end of the year.
Last week, Trump Entertainment Resorts shut down Trump Plaza in New Jersey and said the Taj Mahal could follow on November 13 unless it can resolve major concessions from its union.
According to the Associated Press agency, Ultimate Gaming chairman Tom Breitling said: “We are grateful to the state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for allowing us to be one of the first companies to bring online gaming to the citizens of New Jersey and appreciate their leadership as one of the first states to allow online gaming.
“We are working closely with the Division of Gaming Enforcement to ensure a smooth transition for our online gaming customers as we wind down our New Jersey operations.”
Neither Breitling nor anyone from Ultimate Gaming specified when the service would halt in New Jersey.
The future of another online gambling company’s operations in New Jersey was also thrown into doubt earlier this month when Trump Entertainment Resorts confirmed the closure of Trump Plaza
Betfair had been in partnership with Trump Plaza since the launch of regulated online gaming in the state and questions were raised over its place in the market after the closure.
However, Betfair confirmed that it will remain operational in the market despite the closure of Trump Plaza after the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement signed an order allowing the operator to do so.
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
