PokerStars has subsidiaries in Pennsylvania, Michigan (MI), and New Jersey (NJ). It became the first online poker operator in the country to combine its MI and NJ player pools on New Year. So, it has the biggest online poker network.
Severin Rasset, PokerStars' Managing Director of North America, played a key role in the player pools merger. He revealed that he spearheaded another liquidity merger in Portugal which has almost 14 million citizens and is almost the same as Pennsylvania or New Jersey's size. It merged with Spain thus changing the region's poker market.
The director added that he has witnessed many regulator changes during his operation in the United States. He believes that the recent merger will greatly benefit PokerStars. Rasset revealed in a recent interview at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) that they will provide $1 million weekly guarantees.
More About PokerStars' Decision to Merge NJ and MI Player Pools
PokerStars didn't hold a large celebration on January 1, 2023, when it merged its MI and NJ pools. Rasset said that the technical team was thrilled to witness the gaming compact's formation as they had anticipated it for a long period. Besides, increased liquidity will help them offer an appropriate product and achieve more goals.
Rasset added that the merger will enable PokerStars to offer bigger liquidity to its players. It will get them engaged on its website by offering tournament series, new games, and promotions.
The executive said that it is necessary to consistently provide an efficient product that users can distinguish from other products. PokerStars also launched Zoom, a unique cash game which needs liquidity. It will determine whether the game excites players during peak hours.
The 2023 PokerStars Players NL Hold'em Championship (PSPC)
Rasset disclosed that the poker operator will have a new development this month. It will have guaranteed $1 million weekly prize pools that Michigan and New Jersey players will enjoy. Those from Pennsylvania will have a $500,000 prize pool.
He added that he values the $1 million weekly guarantee more than a poker series as it influences players to return to the operator to play on weekends. So, a guarantee is more engaging than a series.
The Forthcoming Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP)
Rasset stated that the operator will provide a SCOOP series which will be larger than PSPC Online. They will try several teasers. Also, many players aspire to win a SCOOP tournament.
Will PokerStars Merge Pennsylvania?
Michigan had 10 million residents, New Jersey had 9.2 million people, and Pennsylvania had 13 million residents. Hence, a Pennsylvania merger would drastically grow the player pool.
Even so, this won't be a piece of cake since the state has to overcome certain political obstacles first before joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Rasset said that they are explaining to gaming regulators why they believe the merger will be profitable.
Pennsylvania's Governor Has to Approve the MSIGA
Rasset admitted that PokerStars cannot compel Governor Joshua David Shapiro to sign the gaming compact. But, it can explain its rationale to him and the merger's likely positive impact on Pennsylvanian players. The operator won't hesitate to add them to its merged pools once the state joins MSIGA.
