Nevada approves esports betting for CS:GO tournament
In-play betting is prohibited while operators can take bets on match and overall season winners
Nevada has approved betting on upcoming matches in the ESL Pro League CS:GO esports tournament while the industry powers on through a lack of sports.
Online sportsbooks in the state can take wagers on head-to-head, match winner and overall season winner.
In-play betting is prohibited and operators will need to apply to the regulator to offer additional markets.
The move comes a week after the state shut down all casinos and retail sportsbooks to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Operators and consumers faced confusion over whether the ban extended to sportsbook apps but the Nevada Gaming Control Board confirmed apps and online operations could remain open.
William Hill confirmed that its app would remain live and users could request a check to be mailed to them to withdraw funds.
For our @WilliamHillUS customers in Nevada, please visit the link below for FAQs and let us know if we can help with any additional questions.https://t.co/1fuqpVr46W pic.twitter.com/20BE3NnceQ
— William Hill Nevada (@WilliamHillNV) March 18, 2020
Elsewhere, arcade-style slots developer GameCo has partnered with esports data provider GRID to produce an omni-channel esports betting platform in the US.
The platform will offer odds on numerous esports tournaments and matches including Counter-Strike and League of Legends.
Esports betting is illegal in the majority of betting states, although New Jersey allowed sportsbooks to take bets on the League of Legends World Championship finals back in November.
Operators are now able to request new betting markets via the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, including esports.