Jens Schlueter
New Jersey Members Don Guardian and Claire Swift are co-sponsoring legislation to renew internet gaming in Atlantic City and New Jersey, in the form of A2190.
This will permit internet gaming to continue for another decade. It passed unanimously in the New Jersey General Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
Additionally, Guardian and Swift are co-sponsoring A4397, which would create a new source of revenue and capitalize on the immense popularity of Esports.
Wagerers will be able to gamble on the outcome of competitive video game tournaments.
Swift said:
“Over the past ten years, online casinos have proven to be an integral part of gaming in our state. New Jersey residents and visitors have benefitted from the convenience that internet gaming provides which has provided the revenue necessary for casinos to make new improvements to their brick-and-mortar properties. This industry is growing rapidly and by extending the authorization we are providing legal certainty that will allow for greater investments to take everything to the next level of performance.”
Guardian said:
“Ask anyone under forty: e-sports are the next frontier of gaming,” Assemblyman Guardian, who serves on the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, said. “E-sports conferences and tournaments across the world draw millions of fans and players each year and along with Stockton University’s E-Sports Innovation Center, Atlantic City should be the center of operations in the
United States. Opening up this new industry means
another revenue stream for casinos, more good- paying local jobs, and an untapped, younger market that will breathe new life into Atlantic County tourism.”
Stockton University has entered this arena of competition over the past few years, with instant success.
Stockton has already established a world class reputation with their high finishes in numerous high caliber tournaments.
Stockton competed in the Esports Rocket League Team
competition in the 2022 Collegiate World Championships. They finished 2nd in the world. they were the only team from New Jersey to make the elite eight round.
Esports gaming is likely to generate much more revenue than one might consider at first glance. It is one of the most popular activities in the world.