GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 35 - June 2016

“We recognize that our affiliate partners play a very important role in our continued growth, and through our technology partnership with Income Access we’ll offer them a world-class affiliate program.” — Stefan Berak, digital marketing manager at Favourit, in a press release announcing the partnership in March. “Players will benefit from a larger pool of players offering greater game choice and bigger prize pools. It will also make us more nimble as we can focus our technological innovation on one platform, rather than two, so we will be able to innovate more quickly and enter newly regulating and existing markets swiftly.” — Rafi Ashkenazi, chief executive officer of Rational Group, on the decision to merge the Full Tilt platform with PokerStars. “It’s New York’s turn to give their consumers what New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware constituents already have — a safe and regulated online market that is accountable to the players, regulators and law enforcement.” — John Pappas, the executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, on New York State Senate Bill S5302B, which would regulate online poker in the state. “Why would the largest gaming company in the world be opposed to Internet gambling? We don’t think it’s about competition. We just think it’s bad public policy.” — Andy Abboud, senior vice president of government relations for Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaking at the 2016 Presidential Initiative Summit at Deadwood Gaming Resort in Deadwood, South Dakota. “I didn’t take the decision lightly to make my identity public, and I want to be clear that I’m doing this because I care so passionately about my work and also to dispel any negative myths and fears.” — Craig Wright, an Australian man who publicly announced that he was the founder of the digital currency Bitcoin. “We could not be more proud to bring PokerStars to New Jersey. Working with our partner, Resorts Casino Hotel, we look forward to providing the most exciting, innovative and secure gaming experience to New Jersey.” — Former Amaya Chairman and CEO David Baazov, on PokerStars’ first entry into a regulated online gambling market in the United States. “These allegations are false and I intend to vigorously contest these accusations. While I am deeply disappointed with the AMF’s decision, I am highly confident I will be found innocent of all charges.” —Baazov, in response to an investigation accusing him of insider trading. “David Baazov has the full support of the independent members of the board. As noted previously, Amaya conducted an extensive internal review, supervised by its independent board members with the assistance of external legal counsel.” — Dave Gadhia, Amaya’s lead director and independent board member. “I continue to be dedicated to doing the right thing for Amaya and all its stakeholders. I believe that stepping down in the short term will help to avoid distraction for the company and its management while I vigorously contest all allegations made against me and pursue my bid to acquire the company.” — Baazov, on his decision to step down in the wake of an insider trading investigation. WEBMASTER NEWS & QUOTABLES “Quotables” Webmaster News & Quotables