Betting on new esports events approved in Nevada

Players in Nevada can wager on five new esports events, it has been announced. 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has been expanding betting capabilities in the state over recent months. 

Individual head-to-heads, match winners and overall league champions can all be bet on in relation to esports.

The practicalities of Nevada’s new esports expansion 

Nevadan players will now be allowed to bet on the following competitions for this year. 

• Call of Duty League; 
• Overwatch League; 
• The North America Championship League Series (NA CLS); 
• European Championship (League of Legends);
• European Masters (League of Legends). 

Should any markets other than those mentioned in this article’s intro wish to be offered, an application must be submitted. Moreover, in-play betting will also not be allowed. 

Expanding esports in the absence of traditional sports

Last month, the NGCB allowed players to bet on the Counter Strike: ESL Pro League. 

Bookmakers were responsible for setting their own odds, while the same betting rules as the above competitions applied. 

A large number of esports events are usually held in-person, but have been moved online due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. 

Almost all traditional sporting events across the globe, including the US’ major professional leagues, have been put on hold for the time being. This includes the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB. 

Esports gaining more recognition 

Away from Nevada, English League Two side Leyton Orient recently hosted a 128-team FIFA 20 tournament. Participants included professional esports players, as well as pro footballers. 

UK sportsbooks allowed players to wager on who they felt would come out on top. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand recently announced a national esports federation. Yesterday, local media published an article about the possibility of its future success. 

TAB, the sportsbook of the New Zealand Racing Board, mentioned that the vertical has grown in popularity recently. Customer General Manager Gary Woodham said the following. 

“Esports are now contributing about $60,000 worth of turnover a day, so it’s come from 0 to 60,000.”