If Indiana legalizes online casinos, it could be one of the first states to use new GGPoker software to play World Series of Poker contests online.
Caesars recently sold its WSOP brand to the parent company of GGPoker, NSUS.
This is big news for the online casino gaming industry. It gives GGPoker the opportunity to take WSOP to a whole new level.
Hoosiers could be the first to benefit if Indiana online casinos are legalized in 2025. For now, Indiana online poker is limited to sweepstakes options like Global Poker.
GGPoker can take WSOP brand global
The deal, which was “a definitive agreement to sell its intellectual property rights for the World Series of Poker,” will cost NSUS $250 million up front. Within five years, it will pay another $250 million.
Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said it’s the right move for his company and WSOP.
“This transition is an exciting step for Caesars as a company and the WSOP brand as it continues to evolve. We can’t wait to see what NSUS has in store for growing the WSOP’s legacy in poker, and we look forward to continuing to deliver an unmatched and familiar experience to poker players going forward.”
WSOP has exploded in the US over the last decade, and the sale gives GGPoker access to the US market for the first time. It also allows the company to expand WSOP internationally, said NSUS Group CEO Michael Kim.
“Under the new leadership, NSUS intends to expand WSOP worldwide, positioning it at the forefront of poker’s growth.”
What to know about GGPoker
GGPoker first came on the scene about a decade ago. It landed a gaming license in the UK in 2017 and has since skyrocketed in popularity. It is considered the top online real-money poker room in the world.
Aside from its European presence, GGPoker also has a gaming license in Canada.
In 2021, the company acquired a supplier license in Pennsylvania. Since then, though, it has not produced any products in the US.
GGPoker offers several online casino-style card games and also a plethora of slot machine games.
GGPoker has a past connection with WSOP
In 2020, the World Series of Poker canceled its live tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, GGPoker stepped in to co-host the Main Event that year.
The relationship continued. In 2021 and 2022, GGPoker hosted the WSOP online bracelet series.
Hession pointed to that partnership as a key factor in WSOP’s popularity.
“We’ve enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership with GGPoker that has helped spur the growth of the WSOP brand.”
Why Indiana could be first to use GGPoker’s new WSOP software
GGPoker is expected to replace Caesar’s WSOP platform with its own over the next year. Indiana would be a good testing ground if the state legalizes online casinos next year.
Unlike states with online casino markets – like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan – Indiana could provide a “clean” market in which to launch the new platform. There would be less obstacles to overcome.
Of course, the state must first legalize iGaming. That’s a big hurdle, but it’s one that can be overcome if lawmakers work together next session.
It would be easier, and probably more cost-effective, for GGPoker to launch its platform in a state new to online casino gambling than to make adjustments to a current iGaming platform.
Also, because New Jersey, Nevada, and Michigan are in an interstate compact, GGPoker would need to pass several regulatory checks to make changes to the existing Caesars software.
