Nevada regulator: Esports betting yet to match public interest
Skill-based slot machines and wagering on esports may have made global headlines in the last year, but the gaming industry is yet to fully adopt these new ways to play, according to Nevada’s lead regulator.
Speaking at the UNLV Gaming and Hospitality Education Series, Sandra Douglass Morgan, Chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), said more work needs to be done industry wide .
Morgan said the NGCB has only received four requests to process bets on esports events since 2017.
Discussing skill-based gaming, meanwhile, Morgan said it is also yet to build momentum in Nevada.
Only three skill-based gaming companies have been granted licenses in the state, with a fourth awaiting final approval.
She said: “Skill-based slot machines have not gained significant popularity on the casino floor. Similar to skill-based gaming, there seems to be public interest in esports but not a significant demand from licensees to offer wagers on esports events.
“As the esports evolve and oversight and sanctioning organisations emerge, the board expects an increase in the amount of esports style wagering.”
Elsewhere, Morgan had a warning for those hoping to wager with Bitcoin. She said regulators could have a problem monitoring transactions with the crypto-currency, due to anti-money laundering laws and taxation issues.
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