Nevada Allows Pari-Mutuel Wagering on eSports

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval on May 27 signed a bill that will allow pari-mutuel wagering in the state on eSports—wagering on players competing in video games.

In a listing on Gov. Sandoval's website, the legislation, Senate Bill 240, is described as follows: "Senate Bill 240 was sponsored by senator Becky Harris who worked with the Boyd Law School gaming law policy section and clarifies the definition of "other events" in order to permit wagering on events such as eSports, award ceremonies, and must be consistent with current Gaming Control Board Regulations. This measure does not include elections."

A number of gambling news sites and blogs, including Casino.org and The Esports Observer, reported May 30 that Gov. Sandoval had signed the bill. Those sites reported that the "other events" language in the bill allows for wagering on eSports. 

Casino.org reports that since last fall wagers have been allowed on the events based on moves by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the state's Gaming Policy Committee. The new legislation specifically allows the wagering.