We have seen this in the state of Nevada, where Ultimate Gaming's online poker service, Ultimate Poker, was the first and currently only company to legally operate in the US. Other companies, such as Caesars, have voiced their desire to launch a service in that state.

New Jersey is another state where companies have voiced their interest in establishing operations. Companies like Ultimate Gaming have made moves that have brought them closer to becoming a part of the online gaming market in that state, which is set to officially launch later this year.

It appears that Paddy Power has thrown its name in the growing list of companies aiming to launch a service in the soon to be established New Jersey online gaming market. The Ireland-based company has placed an application with the state’s Department of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to launch and operate an online gaming service with the state.

As part of New Jersey’s online gaming laws, companies that are already licenced, such as casinos, can only apply to get a licence to operate online gaming services. That means that external companies wishing to operate such a service must partner up with brick and mortar casinos that are located within the state.

Ultimate Gaming have already done this, joining forces with the famous Trump Taj Mahal casino in applying for a licence. Gamesys have also done a similar move, partnering up with Tropicana Casino for the purposes of eventually launching an online gaming service in New Jersey.

It is currently unclear which casino Paddy Power has partnered up with or whether they have yet formed such a partnership. A representative for Paddy Power did not confirm that, but told the Irish Independent that the company is still in the early stages of operating a company in the state.

“We want to make sure that we're in place and ready," said the representative. “"We have applied for the licence to be in there, and we'll then see what is viable. We're putting ourselves in position."

While New Jersey is quite small, it does have a thriving live gaming industry, with Atlantic City being synonymous with the pastime. This could result in a solid online gaming industry once it is launched, which shows why non-US companies like Paddy Power have expressed strong interest in operating there.