This bill amends New Jersey law to include "electronic sports events" as a new category eligible for sports wagering, defining these events as competitions involving video games, whether conducted physically or online. It clarifies that wagering on electronic sports will not be classified as an authorized game under existing gambling definitions. The legislation outlines the operational conditions for casinos and racetracks, including the establishment of sports wagering lounges and the ability to offer online sports pools through licensed operators. It also introduces regulations for the operation of sports pools, such as setting odds, enforcing age restrictions for bettors, and prohibiting certain individuals from wagering on events governed by their respective sports bodies.

Furthermore, the bill allows competitors to wager on themselves or their teams, contingent upon meeting integrity requirements certified by a third party, like a game publisher. It permits wagering on electronic sports events occurring outside New Jersey only with the division's approval and under specific terms. Operators can accept wagers on events hosted exclusively online and provide payouts to competitors in accordance with the division's regulations. The bill ensures that the Division of Gaming Enforcement maintains oversight of sports wagering agreements and facilitates the creation of additional branded websites and mobile applications for electronic sports wagering.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:12A-10, 5:12A-11