November 8, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill expanding sports betting to e-sports competitions with a majority of players over 18 was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy today.
 
“E-sports have exploded in recent years and we need to allow the casinos and racetracks in New Jersey to participate in this revenue generating business,” said Dancer (R-Ocean).
 
Sports betting law had specifically forbidden wagering on electronic sports and competitive video games except for certain international sporting events. The new law (A637/S2670) revises the definitions of “sports event” and “prohibited sports event” to allow sports betting on e-sports where the majority of players are adults and even during such events as competitive eating contests.
 
“New Jersey needs to stay competitive and this law will allow us to be a part of the growing popularity of e-sports,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “I thank the governor for signing this.”
 
Several state casinos and two racetracks, the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, have on-site sports wagering lounges and online sports pools. In 2019, sports wagering brought in more than $299 million in revenue for the casinos and racetracks.