In a landmark decision, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey has signed a bill that legalizes betting on eSports events, marking a significant expansion in the gaming and betting industry within the state. The new legislation, which was signed into law late Wednesday, allows gamblers to place bets on professional eSports tournaments at casinos and racetracks throughout Atlantic City and beyond.
This move positions New Jersey as one of the pioneering states in embracing the burgeoning eSports industry, which is anticipated to generate a global revenue of over $1 billion in 2023. The decision by the state legislature and governor underscores the increasing recognition of eSports as a legitimate and lucrative component of the sports betting sector.
The bill, first introduced by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, gained swift momentum with bipartisan support, reflecting the growing appeal of electronic sports among a diverse demographic. “Today, New Jersey takes another significant step in diversifying our gaming options to appeal to a broader audience,” Gov. Murphy stated during the bill signing. “This legislation will enhance our robust gaming industry while providing fans an opportunity to legally bet on their favorite eSports events.”
Under the new law, any professional eSports event can be included in betting, provided that all participants are over 17 years of age. This includes popular games like ‘League of Legends’, ‘Dota 2’, and ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’, which host tournaments with millions of viewers globally.
Casinos and racetracks in Atlantic City have already begun preparations to include eSports betting facilities. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, one of the leading gaming venues in the city, announced plans to dedicate a section of its sportsbook exclusively for eSports. “We are excited to incorporate eSports and believe it will attract a new customer base to our casino,” said Marc Guastella, Vice President of Operations at Borgata.
In addition to bolstering the state’s gaming revenue through licensing and taxation, the inclusion of eSports betting is expected to drive substantial economic benefit through tourism. Industry analysts suggest that events may attract an influx of visitors who are younger and technologically savvy, differing from traditional casino clientele.
Moreover, this legislation provides an impetus for Atlantic City to potentially host major eSports tournaments, which are akin to sporting events in terms of audience draw and operational scale. “Atlantic City could well become a hub not only for gambling but also for major eSports events that can generate significant economic activity,” explained Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University.
The legalization of eSports betting comes at a pivotal time when major sports leagues are still grappling with scheduling uncertainties due to ongoing global challenges. As traditional sports have faced disruptions, eSports has seen a surge in popularity and viewership, partly due to its immunity to many of the logistical challenges faced by physical events.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with eSports fans expressing excitement over the new law. Kevin Lee, an eSports enthusiast from Newark, commented, “It’s about time! We’ve been watching and following these tournaments with the same passion as football or basketball. It’s great to finally be able to legally bet on them.”
However, some concerns remain, particularly regarding the regulation of the sector to prevent issues such as match-fixing and ensuring the integrity of betting activities. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has assured that stringent regulations are in place, and that integrity protocols specific to eSports will be enforced in collaboration with game publishers and governing bodies.
As the new law takes effect, all eyes will be on New Jersey to see how successfully it integrates eSports into its gaming ecosystem. This development not only represents a significant shift in the landscape of gambling but also acknowledges the evolving nature of digital entertainment and its impact on traditional industries.
[Note: Image depicting a vibrant eSports tournament event at a packed arena, with the focus on a large screen displaying an intense match, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, would accompany the article.]
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.