PokerStars gears up for New Jersey soft launch on March 16

PokerStars has confirmed it is to commence a soft launch period in New Jersey on March 16, with a full launch in the US state scheduled for March 21.

In October, Amaya, the parent company of PokerStars and sister brand Full Tilt, secured approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to launch both services in the state.

Amaya had been pushing for the brands to go live in New Jersey since acquiring Rational Group, the parent company of both PokerStars and Full Tilt in August 2014.

Last month, PokerStars announced that it would launch in the state on March 21, but the operator has now confirmed that it will undergo a short soft launch prior to a full launch.

For the five-day period, up to 500 players will be able to play for real money on the PokerStars software while in New Jersey, with play restricted to eight hours, from 4pm to midnight, on March 16 and 17.

From March 18, playing time will be doubled to a 16 hours between 8am and midnight, before being allowed around the clock for the final two days of the soft launch period.

Existing PokerStars customers in the state, who used the service before online gaming was outlawed across the US, will be able to continue with their existing accounts or sign up again.

Those that opt to reopen their old accounts will be able to convert any remaining Frequent Player Points to the StarsCoins PokerStars VIP currency, in addition to receiving a VIP status based on their existing level of play.

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