More options for bettors

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has given approval for sportsbooks in the state to accept wagers on the 2020 Call of Duty League.

The board’s approval was confirmed on April 16, with strict regulations in place for sports betting operators to adhere to. Operators are only allowed to offer three types of wagering markets: head to head, match winner, and overall winner of the 2020 Call of Duty League.

first Call of Duty event that esports fans will be able to wager on begins on April 24

The first Call of Duty event that esports fans will be able to wager on begins on April 24 and will last until April 26. Since the start of the deadly coronavirus outbreak, the league has shifted to an online-only format. 

Market rules published

Strict rules are in place for the types of wagering markets that can be offered by operators.

All sportsbooks wanting to offer these wagering markets must notify the Enforcement Division in Nevada via email. Sportsbooks will be able to set odds for these Call of Duty events and matches at their discretion.?

Only pre-match wagering is allowed, so there will be no live betting odds for Call of Duty matches. For wagering markets that are not part of the provided list of three options, sportsbooks must seek approval from the board by submitting an application.

Plenty of options for esports fans

It was on Tuesday that the Nevada Gaming Control Board gave the green light for sportsbooks to accept wagers on the North America League of Legends Championship, League of Legends European Championship, and the Overwatch League.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, iRacing, and Dota 2 are among the other esports have been approved for wagering in recent weeks.?

Many states have been hesitant to approve wagering on esports to date, but New Jersey had been expanding the number of esports markets bettors can wager on prior to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Sportsbooks reliant on emerging markets

With Nevada relying so heavily on gambling to keep the economy going, it has been hit particularly hard by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

casinos and retail sportsbooks will remain closed until at least the end of April

While casinos and retail sportsbooks will remain closed until at least the end of April, mobile sportsbooks are still operational. However, with most sporting events around the globe canceled until further notice, sportsbooks are relying on emerging markets to drive revenue.

Wagering on table tennis has proven extremely popular among bettors in recent weeks. Sportsbooks have also been focusing on esports and virtual sports to fill the void.