South Point launches Real Gaming: Becomes Third Online Poker Site in Nevada

John Mehaffey of USPoker.com first reported that South Point Casino has introduced their Real Gaming platform in Nevada, making the state’s online poker market more crowded.

Real Gaming, after overcoming various setbacks and delays including a rebranding, is now operational. However, the development of their software and securing regulatory approval might have been the less challenging part of their journey. South Point now faces the task of competing with two established poker rooms, using a brand new and unproven product.

An already saturated market

Chris Grove from OnlinePokerReport.com perceives a potential issue as Real Gaming is set to join Ultimate Poker and WSOP.com in a market with an average cash-game traffic of fewer than 200 players.

Despite only having two competitors, Real Gaming may struggle to attract players as it is entering the market late, and has an unconventional poker client (more details to follow).

No download necessary

South Point’s Real Gaming online poker site is the country’s initial HTML5 online poker offering, indicating it is a Flash-based product that doesn’t necessitate a download. The poker room conveniently opens in a new browser window.

Casual players may find the simplicity attractive, but serious players, who favour the additional features of a fully downloadable client, particularly the ability to play on multiple tables, may find it unappealing.

Attracting high-volume players initially may be crucial to entice their target audience – casual players, who favor sites with significant player pools, even if the games are somewhat more challenging. Without them, it might be challenging to draw in casual players.

Unique geolocation verification

Real Gaming also stands out for another unique feature: player verification through an app download. Here’s the process as explained on the RealGaming.com website:

1. Ensure the Real Gaming App is installed on your iPhone or Android device. It can be downloaded from realgaming.com/locate.
2. Sign into RealGaming.com and choose a game from the Lobby to play.
3. Click the “SMS” button to receive a text message. Please note that your account must already be verified.
4. Tap on the link in the text message to open the “Real Gaming” location app on your phone. When the app displays “Get My Token”, press it. Subsequently, input the token you get from the app into the game.

Real Gaming’s geolocation method is anticipated to enhance success rates. However, akin to their software, this unproven method could either turn out to be a significant progress or a significant letdown.

Nevada revenue numbers should be available soon

The launch of Real Gaming will also mark the beginning of revenue generation from Nevada’s online poker market, a development that has me and my fellow iGaming enthusiasts performing metaphorical cartwheels.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has refrained from releasing any data about the iGaming industry until three sites were operational. Chris Grove reported that the NGCB has affirmed that online poker revenue figures will be part of the February report, set to be released in March. This will provide the first glimpse of the revenue numbers from this industry, which is almost a year old.

Timeline of South Point’s online poker client

• In August 2012, South Point became the first company to receive approval for their Internet poker license from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
• After obtaining their license, South Point announced they would be the state’s first online poker site and planned to launch in 2012. However, this was postponed to early 2013 and ultimately, neither timeline was adhered to.
• South Point launched a free-play online poker room, South Point Poker, created by Zen Entertainment in October 2011. The company slightly upgraded this room in 2013 in anticipation of a real-money launch in Nevada. However, poor reviews from players forced South Point to rethink their strategy. South Point’s current real-money online poker site, Real Gaming, was developed in-house, without the involvement of Zen Entertainment.
• In July 2013, South Point abandoned its self-titled online poker site, choosing instead to adopt the more indistinct Real Gaming brand.
• Real Gaming launched in Nevada on February 19th, 2014 and is now set to undergo the stringent trial period required by the NGC.