Esports Betting in PA Has Support From an Eager State Representative

The Keystone State Could Fall Behind Other States

Neilson expressed concerns that PA could fall behind other states that have already jumped on esports betting. In his memo, Nielson wrote Pennsylvania should ensure that the gaming industry is positioned not to lose market share to surrounding states.

For now, several states have legalized esports betting, including Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Tennessee. However, the Keystone State is among few states close to formalizing a policy towards esports. Ed Neilson is rushing this agenda and would like to see it formalized soon.

Gaming Laws in Pennsylvania Don’t Prohibit Esports Gambling

PA online gambling and wagering law currently does not forbid esports betting. The ball was in the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to decide on esports gambling. PGCB stated that esports doesn’t meet the intent of what legislators saw as a sporting event.

PA Bettors Can’t Wager on Esports Events Now

Ed Nielson put things into perspective in his memo to fellow representatives. He noted that esports earned over $1.1 billion globally in 2022, and the predictions say it will top $1.8 billion soon.

Nielsen hopes that adding esports to PA bets will secure the lucrative market and reach new demographics of bettors.

To legalize esports betting, the PA House Judiciary Committee has to approve a bill already on the table. However, the committee still needs to vote on it.

Pennsylvania Can Become an Esports Hub

A couple of things could align for Pennsylvania to become a huge esports hub. First, the momentum to pass the bill must continuously build with pressure from other states. New Jersey already accepted legislation that allows esports wagers.

Outside of legislation, Philadelphia is building an arena that will fit esports events perfectly. The two biggest sports franchises in the city, the Eagles and 76ers, already have an esports partnership in place, and Philadelphia is home to the Fusion. This franchise plays in the Overwatch League.

Philly Becomes a Home for Esports

Philadelphia is home to the first esports and gaming campus in the US. Nerd City opened recently on North Broad Street. Localhost will organize pro gaming events, and the venue will be available for hourly play, tournaments, and other public use.

Nerd Street Gamers CEO John Fazio desired to make Philadelphia the most competitive esports city in the US.

With so much development in PA esports, it isn’t easy to imagine the state not allowing wagering on the events. New outlets and venues will contribute to the push toward legalizing esports betting. The recent locations have high-speed internet, systems, peripherals, and other equipment that make a regulated and equal environment for players.

When Will We See a Green Light for PA Esports Betting?

There is no clear timetable for legalizing esports betting in Pennsylvania. Neilson thinks wagering on emerging esports will arrive in PA. Wayne Kimmel from SeventySix Capital, one of Nerd Street’s investors, said it is still early in the whole country. He is confident that betting on esports is coming, but not yet.