In a shocking turn of events, online poker giant Global Poker has announced its decision to exit the Connecticut online poker market. The move comes as a surprise to many in the industry, as Connecticut has been a stronghold for online poker in the United States for many years.
Global Poker, which is operated by VGW Holdings Limited, cited regulatory concerns as the primary reason for its decision to pull out of the lucrative Connecticut market. In a statement released to the press, Global Poker CEO Laurence Escalante expressed disappointment at having to make the difficult decision, but emphasized that the company’s commitment to operating in a compliant and legal manner is of utmost importance.
The decision to exit the Connecticut market comes on the heels of a recent crackdown by state regulators on online gambling operators. Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection has been actively pursuing unlicensed online gambling operators in an effort to protect consumers and ensure that all online gambling activity in the state is conducted in a legal and regulated manner.
Global Poker’s exit from the Connecticut market is sure to have a significant impact on the online poker community in the state. With Global Poker being one of the largest and most popular online poker platforms in the world, many Connecticut residents are likely to be disappointed by the news.
The move also raises questions about the future of online poker in Connecticut. With Global Poker’s exit, the state’s online poker market is left with fewer options for players, which could potentially lead to a decrease in overall participation in online poker games.
Despite the challenges posed by Global Poker’s exit, there is still hope for the online poker community in Connecticut. Other online poker operators are likely to step in to fill the void left by Global Poker, and the state government may take steps to encourage more licensed and regulated online poker operators to operate in the state.
Overall, Global Poker’s exit from the Connecticut online poker market is a significant development that is sure to have a lasting impact on the state’s online poker community. As players and operators alike adjust to the new reality, it remains to be seen how the online poker landscape in Connecticut will evolve in the coming months and years.