New Jersey debuts its first esports betting platform, operated by EEG

Esports and online gambling company Esports Entertainment Group (EEG) has now launched its VIE.gg esports betting platform in New Jersey. EEG is the first operator to be granted the right to launch full esports betting operations in the Garden State.

The platform made its debut on Monday, April 4, following the successful completion of the “soft play” phase of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement regulatory process for betting operations in the state. The VIE.gg sportsbook allows registered bettors across New Jersey to place wagers on approved professional esports events.

“We are pleased with the completion of the soft play period, which is a testament to all the hard work by our team over the past year,” said Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group, in a press release ahead of the platform’s debut. 

“As the first licensed esports-focused betting site in North America, we’re thrilled to fully launch the VIE.gg platform in New Jersey, one of the largest and most promising jurisdictions for sports wagering in the country,” the executive added.

We're excited to announce that our https://t.co/67TR4kZPpL esports betting platform has completed 'soft play' and will fully launch betting operations in New Jersey today!

Read more: https://t.co/caoUMQfmSU$GMBL #esports #gaming #GamblingTwitter #NewJersey #NASDAQ pic.twitter.com/RKDjdmvyJl

— Esports Entertainment Group (@EsportsEntGroup) April 4, 2022

Fans engaging with the platform may wager on their favorite esports teams in real-time, as part of “a seamless and immersive experience.” The platform allows players to bet on some of the most popular titles, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, CS:GO, League of Legends, and DOTA 2.

“When we go live we will be the first and only fully regulated esports betting site in North America, and we believe this will give us a significant advantage over our competitors,” Johnson told Yogonet last November, while the company worked on its entry to the New Jersey market. “Being the first and only esports book combined with a geographically advantageous location puts us in a great position.”

Last month, EEG also made esports betting history in the US by hosting the first skill-based wagering event in the country in partnership with Hard Rock Atlantic City. Over 16K live viewers followed the Madden NFL ‘22 tournament, which was held on March 19-20 at the hotel and casino.

Madden NFL ‘22 tournament at Hard Rock Atlantic City

The event marked the launch of EEG’s LANDuel platform, a peer-to-peer skill-based wagering platform for esports. Additionally, it is set to act as a springboard for more esports betting events and permanent installations at the Atlantic City casino. According to a report from the company, the tournament drew more than 290 registrants, and over 100 on-site spectators.

“We are delighted to announce this first-of-its-kind tournament, held at one of the top global hotel and casino venues, was a success,” Johnson said last month. “The strong interest in the event by participants and spectators showcases what we already knew about this industry: esports players are excited for the opportunity to participate in peer-to-peer wagering on a tournament level.”