Zynga moves to enter US gambling market
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In this June 26, 2012, file photo shows Zynga CEO Mark Pincus walks off the stage after an announcement of new games at Zynga headquarters in San Francisco. Zynga says it has asked Nevada gambling regulators for a decision that could pave the way for it to enter the United States (US) gambling market. -- PHOTO: AP
NEW YORK (AP) - Online game company Zynga says it has asked Nevada gambling regulators for a decision that could pave the way for it to enter the United States (US) gambling market.
This follows Zynga's October disclosure that it has signed a deal to offer online poker and casino games, played with real money, in the United Kingdom (UK). It plans to launch those games in the first half of 2013.
Zynga Inc said in an email late on Wednesday that it is seeking an "application for a preliminary finding of suitability" from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This, the company says, is part of its plan to enter regulated "real-money gaming", that is, gambling markets.
The San Francisco-based company says the process should take 12 to 18 months.
