(TRENTON) – Assembly Democrat Ralph R. Caputo (D-Essex) on Friday praised the state Division of Gaming Enforcement’s decision to bar PokerStars from conducting Internet gambling in the state for two years.
The division cited an unresolved federal indictment against company founder Isai Scheinberg.
Caputo had called for the division to reject the company’s plans.
“This is the right thing to do for the integrity of New Jersey’s gaming industry,” Caputo said. “PokerStars has a sordid history of criminal accusations, and we cannot risk New Jersey’s reputation as a place where gaming is enforced diligently.”
Caputo has expressed concern about Internet gaming and the future of New Jersey’s Atlantic City-based gaming industry. He said the state must remain vigilant once PokerStars is able to reapply in two years.
“New Jersey is known for rigorous standard licensing practices,” Caputo said. “To allow a company like this one to come into New Jersey would be an insult to everyone who has gone under scrutiny to work or do business in the casino industry over the last 30 years.”
