Interactive
US – William Hill takes first legal bets on eSports in US
By Phil - 21 November 2016
William Hill offered the first legal esports wagers in not just Las Vegas but the whole of the United States over the weekend at its sportsbook at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino.
William Hill was given the green light by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to take bets on the Intel Extreme Masters Oakland League of Legends tournament. William Hill was accepting best on who would win the event.
The tournament was played out at Oracle Arena, an indoor arena located in Oakland, California, which is the home to the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association.
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval said: “This announcement is a major step toward ensuring Nevada becomes the esports capital of the world. By embracing this unique opportunity and incorporating innovation and technology into our gaming industry, we’re expanding the potential of one of our oldest industries. Representatives from William Hill and Downtown Grand have been active partners with the Gaming Policy Committee as we examined e-sports wagering in the State of Nevada. I would like to congratulate them on this approval and commend both companies for their swift work and determination.”
Seth Schorr, Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Street Gaming and Chairman of the Downtown Grand Casino added: “It has been an honor and a privilege to work closely with Chairman Burnett and the Governor’s Gaming Policy Committee to gain collective support for wagering on eSports. This has been an excellent example of a public/private partnership working together to create a new innovative way of gambling which will have a positive impact on State revenues. “We are proud that the Downtown Grand will be the home to the first regulated eSports wager in America. The team at the Downtown Grand has worked hard to establish itself as a truly unique eSports destination.”
William Hill US Chief Executive Officer, Joe Asher said: “We are excited to partner with Seth Schorr and the Downtown Grand to become the first sports book in America to offer legal wagering on eSports. A lot of work has gone into bringing eSports to the Nevada betting market and we thank the Governor and his Gaming Policy Committee, the Gaming Control Board and Seth for all of their efforts to keep Nevada at the forefront of the gaming industry. William Hill always tries to offer the most innovative and largest wagering menu and this reflects our commitment to innovation.”
Bettors at the William Hill Sports Book at the Downtown Grand will be able to wager on which of the six participating teams will win the League of Legends tournament being hosted on Saturday and Sunday at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California: Team SoloMid (+110), Longzhu (+160), Flash Wolves (4/1), Unicorns of Love (10/1), INTZ e-Sports (60/1), or The Chiefs Esports (100/1).
William Hill will also be offering matchup wagering on the two Saturday LoL tournament quarterfinals: INTZ e-Sports (+180) vs Unicorns of Love (-220) and The Chiefs Esports (+700) vs Longzhu (-1100).
