Esports Entertainment Group, an esports entertainment and online gambling operator, has submitted its gaming license application with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
The group operates several entities across three key pillars; esports entertainment and infrastructure, esports wagering and igaming, with offices in New Jersey, the UK and Malta
Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group, said: “This is our first gaming license application in the US and, once approved, we believe we will be the first esports-vertical focused sportsbook with a state license in the US.
“According to a study from data firm Interpret, over 50% of US esports fans said they are likely to engage in esports betting so we are confident that demand will be strong. We are ready to move quickly with our esports-focused wagering platform rollout once the DGE permits us to do so, which we expect in the second quarter this year.
“Securing access to what is currently the largest market for sports betting in the US will provide a strong advantage as we look to expand into additional markets in the US moving forward. We look forward to updating our stakeholders on continued progress on these initiatives in the months ahead.”
In December, the Garden State reached nearly $1bn in bets, marking the second straight month it had topped $900m in total sports handle.
In that same month, Esports Entertainment Group announced a multi-year partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles under the terms of which it will serve as an esports tournament provider for the NFL team.
