This week, the Nevada Gaming Control gave approval for wagering on three new esports events.
In an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus, all major professional sports leagues have halted their games. This has led to the closure of Nevada casinos until the end of April at the earliest. However, Nevada bettors can still place bets on these esports events this week:
- European Championship of League of Legends 2020
- 2020 League of Legends Championship Series in North America
- League of Overwatch
The wagering guidelines for each event are alike. Sportsbooks may accept bets on head to head matchups, each match’s winner, and each event’s overall victor. As is standard, the acceptance of bets must stop before the start of each match.
The 2020 League of Legends Championships are both set to occur on Saturday, April 18. In the meantime, the Overwatch League has nine games planned from Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19.
Nevada Gaming continues to approve esports for betting
Each esports event that is wagered on must receive individual approval from Nevada Gaming Control. In ordinary circumstances, sportsbook operators in Nevada have a wide array of betting options to offer their clients. However, there isn’t a high demand when traditional sports are available daily. Yet, we are not in ordinary times, and Nevada sportsbook operators are striving to provide their customers with as many betting options as possible.
Nevada Gaming sanctioned betting on an esports event for the first time this year as March drew to a close. Counter-Strike is ESL Pro League Season 11: North America was the inaugural esports event approved for betting this year. All four currently active Nevada sports betting apps provided wagering options for this event.
Bettors in Nevada are seeking quick-return events anywhere available. The latest eNASCAR race at Circa Sports saw roughly half the betting volume (handle) of a regular NASCAR race. In the same vein, international table tennis (ping pong) is accounting for a significant portion of the handle at William Hill.
At present, DOTA 2: ESL One in Los Angeles is accepting wagers through BetMGM, Circa Sports, and William Hill.
Traditional sports returning soon?
Though it’s not a cause for over-excitement, traditional sports might be available for betting earlier than expected. Golf Digest has reported that the PGA Tour may resume action on June 11-14 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, albeit without an audience.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, believes there is a possibility for professional US sports to resume amidst the pandemic. In an interview with Snapchat, he outlined some measures that sports leagues must take to re-initiate the seasons that were postponed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. According to him, the leagues should:
- Play without an audience, similar to the PGA.
- During the season, everyone resides in a large hotel.
- Conduct weekly surveillance and testing on the players.
In conclusion of the interview, the beloved American doctor disclosed his loyalty to the Washington Nationals and expressed anticipation for their next game. There should be further updates soon regarding the resumption of leagues.
