New Jersey state representative Ralph Caputo has introduced a bill that would allow operators to take bets on esports without needing to ask for Division of Gaming Enforcement’s approval.
Currently, betting on esports events can be permitted by the DGE, which determines whether to allow betting on such an event on a case-by-case basis.
However, in practice this has led to a very slow uptake of esports betting, with only BetMGM-GVC joint venture Roar Digital taking up the opportunity. Roar took bets for the League of Legends World Championship online and at the Borgata Casino in November.
Under Caputo’s Bill – A637 – however, betting on any “skill-based attraction” may be approved as long as the majority of participants are at least 18. As well as esports, this would permit betting on other skill-based events, including award shows and competitive eating contests, without specific DGE approval.
The DGE would be required to certify that any event approved for has policies and procedures in place to monitor integrity, or if it cannot certify this, a wager limit of $100, or a win limit of $500, must be put in place.
In addition, the bill would require companies that supply sports wagering equipment or services to casinos, racetracks, or online sports wagering operators to obtain a license as a casino service industry enterprise.
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.