PokerStars forms alliance with Wynn

Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn has revealed his firm plans to form a partnership with online poker site PokerStars to fight for federal online poker legislation in the US.

Wynn Resorts also announced it plans to launch pokerstarswynn.com in the US market, should federal legislation become a reality.

'After much study, we are convinced that the lack of regulation of Internet gaming within the U.S. must change,' Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn said.

The alliance of the Las Vegas-based casino chain and the Isle of Man-based online poker leader is a hugely significant move for both firms.

Much has been made of the potential shutout of online poker firms currently active in the US market once legislation is passed.

And the link with one of the more powerful casino firms in the US will be a huge boost to PokerStars plans to be part of any regulated US online poker market.

Mark Scheinberg, chairman and founder of PokerStars, said he was 'excited about the opportunities partnering with Wynn' would give PokerStars in the US market.

'PokerStars has been endorsing the adoption of the same approach in the United States for years, with this alliance representing a critical step in that direction,' Scheinberg said.

PokerStars is believed to be the major lobbying force behind a current Nevada bill that would seek to licence online poker in the state.