HARRISBURG, PA – A Pennsylvania lawmaker says he plans to propose the legalization of esports betting. In a memo to House colleagues, State Representative Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) says Pennsylvania should “quickly add esports to our gaming portfolio.”
"Online platform Twitch has 3 million to 6 million people on it at any given time", said Anthony Gaud, an esports and media entrepreneur. "That has vast potential to generate licensed gambling revenue as regulations evolve and expand."
“It’s similar to online casino wagering, but instead of playing blackjack or poker, you’re playing Angry Birds,” he said. “That is coming. There’s going to be a wagering angle, probably a large one. It’s going to be a really big thing.”
But the marriage of video game players and casinos has yet to be consummated on a meaningful scale.