New Jersey casinos begin taking bets on esports tournaments

New Jersey's casinos and racetracks are now taking bets on competitive video game tournaments, looking to expand the state's fast-growing sports betting industry to the $1 billion video tournament market.
The state Division of Gaming Enforcement gave approval last week to wagering on what gambling companies hope will be a significant new source of revenue from young people who are not enamored of traditional casino games but spend hours on end playing and watching video games.
The Borgata casino took its first bet Thursday on the League of Legends championship held Sunday in Paris. Philadelphia broadcaster Howard Eskin bet $100 on G2 Esports to win the title.
“We are grateful to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for their partnership in helping advance such an innovative initiative,” Borgata president and COO Marcus Glover said in a statement.
Online sports betting company FanDuel also announced that esports wagering would be allowed in all states where the company operates, which includes Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Esports tournaments are rapidly growing in popularity around the world, and Atlantic City officials say that they want the city to become a major player in it.
Chinese League of Legends team FunPlus Phoenix defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in Sunday’s tournament.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.