Monster ventures into online gambling world
poker sites need to draw a large number of players — as PokerStars, now the most popular site, has done, he said.
Also, poker sites are not growing as fast as other sites offering slots, blackjack and other casino games, he said.
So for a new entrant like PokerTribe, making a profit “is going to be the tallest of tall orders,” Kilsby said.
But Khalilian said Monster gives the tribe a known brand name to draw new gamblers.
“Nobody knows what PokerTribe is or what the Iowa Tribe is, but at least people know who Monster is,” he said.
United Entertainment previously tried to work with Oklahoma’s Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes on an online poker venture, which is now the subject of a lawsuit filed last month in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal court. Khalilian blamed regulatory hurdles and tribal politics for that venture’s failure.
In 2011, the Federal Trade Commission permanently banned Khalilian from any telemarketing operations for running what the FTC called an illegal robocalling service that sold “bogus” extended automobile warranties. Last year, the FTC issued nearly 6,000 refund checks to victims totaling $4.26 million.
Khalilian said he agreed to the settlement without admitting guilt to avoid a protracted legal battle.