Borgata reportedly rethinking Bwin.party pact over fears GVC won’t get NJ license

Atlantic City’s Borgata casino, New Jersey’s regulated online gambling market leader, is reportedly reconsidering its relationship with online technology supplier Bwin.party digital entertainment.

On Thursday, eGaming Review quoted sources saying Borgata management was rethinking its Bwin.party relationship due to concerns that Bwin.party’s new owner GVC Holdings won’t qualify for a New Jersey gaming license.

GVC, which struck a deal to acquire Bwin.party last year, stated at the time that it would apply for a New Jersey license in order to maintain its market-leading online presence in the state. But GVC has a significant presence in many grey- and black markets and has stated its intention to re-enter the Bwin.party brands into the markets Bwin.party exited in 2013 prior to getting its New Jersey license.

eGR’s sources claim the Borgata has drawn up a ‘Plan B’ based on its doubts about GVC’s ability to clear the regulatory hurdles, as well as questions regarding GVC’s commitment to the market. The Borgata has reportedly already initiated discussions with other technology suppliers.