Starting in 2016 Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has been fast tracking the State towards becoming the esports capitol of the US and possibly the world. Since Nevada is the only state with a legal comprehensive sports betting offering, it is natural for the Nevada Gaming Control Board to take an interest in expanding to the esports industry.
In November 2016, the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee held a meeting titled, “How Nevada can become the esports capitol of the world.” Four experts in the field presented esports insights on the fast-growing market. Only days later Nevada’s first legal esports gambling event took place on Nov 19 2016 for Intel Extreme Masters Oakland League of Legends tournament. Permission was granted to the Grand Hotel and Casino to take wagers for the semi final and the finals of the event making Las Vegas esports history.
Governor Brian Sandoval to Grow Esports in Las Vegas
Governor Brian Sandoval is a strong advocate for growing esports competition and esports betting in Las Vegas. In concern to the Intel Extreme Masters event he stated: “This announcement is a major step toward ensuring Nevada becomes the esports capital of the world. By embracing this unique opportunity and incorporating innovation and technology into our gaming industry, we’re expanding the potential of one of our oldest industries.”
According to Casino.org, should the Gaming Control Board find ways to effectively monitor eSports, betting on popular game tournaments like “League of Legends,” “Counter-Strike,” and “Call of Duty” could be offered regularly in Nevada casinos as early as the beginning of 2017. Sportradar, a sports analysis company whose investors include Mark Cuban and Michael Jordan, is joining the eSports game. Through Sportradar’s subsidiary Betradar, the company is working with DOJO Madness to become the first network to offer live odds on eSports competitions.
Shutdown of Illegal Counter-Strike Skin Gambling Sites
Many gamers are likely to be surprised that gambling on eSports is just now being legalized, considering the many third party sites used to facilitate gambling on in game “skins” in the first person shooter game from Valve “Counter-Strike.” However, Washington State Gambling Commission took notice after these sites started making substantial money off of skin gambling and ordered Valve to do everything in their power to shut down these third party sites.
Shutting down illegal eSports gambling will likely pave the way for legal eSports gambling, at least in Nevada. Betradar Head of eSports James Watson says “We were always clear that eSports live betting provided a great opportunity to invigorate the market. With the closing of skins betting sites the timing now seems right to bring our live solutions to market.”