The Nevada Gaming Control Board has given its approval for licensed operators in the state to begin accepting bets on esports competition, the ESL Pro League Season.
Consumers will be able to place legal wagers on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competition’s ESL Pro League Season 11: North America series, following the regulator’s decision.
Approved bet types include head-to-head, the winner of each match and also the overall season winner for the tournament.
Operators must first inform the regulator’s Enforcement Division that they will be offering wagering on the event. Those wanting to offer other wagers in addition to those set out by the regulator will require separate application and approval.
In-play betting will not be permitted, with all bets to be place before the start of each match, while operators will be responsible for setting their own odds for the wagers.
Wagering approval from the Control Board comes as bettors in Nevada, the US and across the world find their traditional sports betting options limited due to the cancellation and postponement of many major sports events as a result of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
All major league events in the US – including the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League – have been suspended, while, further afield, England’s Premier League and Europe’s Champions League and Europa League football tournaments have all halted play.
In addition, all commercial casinos across the US have temporarily closed as part of an effort to slow the spread of the disease, with just a handful of smaller tribal gaming venues remaining open.
The crisis has prompted US lawmakers to rush through a $2tn disaster relief bill, which will provide emergency loans for distressed businesses, and tax rebates for citizens unable to work as a result of the pandemic.
The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through the US Senate has been hailed by the American Gaming Association (AGA), which is now urging the House of Representatives to green light the legislation.