The newly-launched GMBL New Jersey will oversee Esports Entertainment’s US expansion, with the firm initially targeting the submission of a license application in New Jersey.

The US arm will be based in New Jersey with Esports Entertainment expected to establish a permanent office and recruit operating personnel over the next year.

As part of its US expansion, the subsidiary will apply for licenses in available jurisdictions across the US where possible.

Esports Entertainment was recently awarded a 10-year licence by the Malta Gaming Authority, with the operator launching a new affiliate programme for its flagship VIE.gg brand wagering platform earlier this month.

Grant Johnson, Esports Entertainment CEO, noted the move into the US market marked the firm’s commitment to growth.

Johnson said: “Today’s announcement marks yet another significant milestone and provides the market with even greater insight as to our growth strategy.

“The US market represents a very big opportunity for us and thanks to the continued support of our valued shareholders, we intend to aggressively pursue it in 2020 and beyond,” he added.

Elsewhere, since becoming NASDAQ-listed on April 14, Esports Entertainment has raised around $1.86m in investments after 439,844 warrants were exercised.

New Jersey does not allow widespread betting on esports although it did grant operators permission to take bets on the League of Legends World Championship finals in November 2019.