The new owner of PokerStars, Amaya Gaming, may be calling out the former owners of the online poker site if the legal battle taking place in Kentucky forces the brand to pay up. The state of Kentucky filed a lawsuit against PokerStars five years ago, trying to recover the amount that residents of the state spent from the time period of 2006 to 2011.
Amaya took on ownership of PokerStars in 2014 after paying up $4.9 billion for the brand and now faces a huge payment of $290 million if the lawsuit is won by Kentucky. Amaya says that players at PokerStars during the time period of the lawsuit only spent around $18 million, while the Commonwealth is seeking $290 million.
PokerStars says that the court has acknowledged that the amount sought in Kentucky is incorrect. The company stated further that they intend to dispute any liability in the case that may be ordered during the trial court level. They believe there are still compelling legal arguments that are to be considered as they continue to fight the case.
Amaya stated further that if PokerStars entities are ultimately obligated to pay any amount after they have exhausted all appeals and legal options, the company will be seeking recovery against the previous owners of the online poker brand.
The Poker Players Alliance has also gotten involved in the lawsuit, filing a motion to become involved just a few days ago. The PPA wants to see any money recovered go towards the players rather than to the government. The advocacy group has been strong supporter of online poker players, calling out the Commonwealth for devoting so much effort on taking money from online poker gaming companies instead of using that time and effort to create a regulated market in the state.
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