PokerStars with New Owner and a Step Closer to U.S. Market

The poker industry is reverberating with the news that Amaya Gaming has acquired Rational Group, owner of PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, in a $4.9 billion deal. Analysts unanimously point out one crucial implication of the transaction - the new owner may make it possible for PokerStars to re-enter the U.S. Market, as implied in the Amaya Gaming communication on the acquisition:

Amaya believes the Transaction will expedite the entry of PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker into regulated markets in which Amaya already holds a footprint, particularly the U.S.A. Additionally, Amaya will provide an extensive selection of its online casino games to expand the nascent Full Tilt Poker casino platform. Amaya intends to strongly support Rational Group’s growth initiatives in new gaming verticals, including casino, sportsbook and social gaming, and new geographies. 

 Mark and @Isai Scheinberg 

Rational Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Scheinberg:“I am incredibly proud of the business Isai (PokerStars founder and Mark’s father) and I have built over the last 14 years, creating the world’s biggest poker company and a leader in the iGaming space. Our achievements and this transaction are an affirmation of the hard work, expertise and dedication of our staff, which I am confident will continue to drive the company’s success. The values and integrity which have shaped this company are deeply ingrained in its DNA. David Baazov (the Chief Executive Officer for Amaya Gaming) has a strong vision for the future of the Rational Group which will lead the company to new heights.”

About Amaya:

“This is a transformative acquisition for Amaya, strengthening our core B2B operations with a consumer online powerhouse that creates a scalable global platform for growth,” said David Baazov, CEO of Amaya. “Mark Scheinberg pioneered the online poker industry, building a remarkable business and earning the trust of millions of poker players by delivering the industry’s best game experiences, customer service and online security. Working with the experienced executive team at Rational Group, Amaya will continue that tradition of excellence and accelerate growth into new markets and verticals.”