Monster Technology Group’s ownership a bid to clean up UEG’s image in Pokertribe venture?
Last month the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma announced that its Pokertribe online poker enterprise had achieved licensing status with the Isle of Man, and hinted that it would be making a further major announcement in the near future (see previous InfoPowa reports).
On Wednesday it became clear what that announcement entails; the acquisition by Monster Technology Group of Pokertribe’s software supplier, Universal Entertainment Group.
The announcement triggered speculation that the UEG change of ownership is aimed at cleaning up the dubious reputation of UEG under its controversial former owner, Fred Khalilian. MTG and its founder-chairman Noel Lee are well known and respected as manufacturers and suppliers of Beats by Dre audio headsets and a diversity of Monster companies, including the 38-year-old consumer electronics business MonsterProducts.com, along with other music and entertainment enterprises.
In a company statement Wednesday, Lee said:
“This corporate expansion into gaming is a natural fit with the Monster philosophy and demonstrates just what can be done with the Monster brand when it comes to creating excitement, mystery, and anticipation of adventure.”
Bobby Walkup, chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, added:
“Collaboration with a company having the reach and impact of Monster is a perfect marriage that will help us bring legitimate online gaming to players and enthusiasts worldwide.”
InfoPowa readers may recall that the Iowa Tribe prevailed in an arbitration dispute with the State of Oklahoma over the scope of gaming authorised under the Tribal-State Gaming Compact. The arbitrator held that such online gaming was not prohibited under state or federal laws or regulations. The arbitrator’s decision was confirmed by a federal judge in United States District Court in Oklahoma City.
The tribe plans to offer online gambling to players outside the United States, provided from servers on the tribal lands.