Nevada approves wagers on virtual NASCAR races for the first time

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Friday announced that the state's sportsbooks could offer betting on the 2020 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, beginning with last weekend's event from virtual Bristol Motor Speedway. It's the first time Nevada sportsbooks have been allowed to take bets on a virtual auto racing event.

The broadcasts of main-event races, such as Sunday's Food City Showdown from virtual Bristol Motor Speedway, have been a hit. According to Nielsen Sports, the prior weekend's race from virtual Texas Motor Speedway drew a record 1.3 million viewers, the most ever for a televised esports event. The races feature stars including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Clint Bowyer competing against other Cup Series regulars as well as drivers from other series on NASCAR's iRacing simulation platform.

"The global interest in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series has ranged far and wide and we continue to recognize the role this series is playing in providing sports fans worldwide with a much needed respite during the most challenging of times," Scott Warfield, NASCAR managing director of gaming, told ESPN.

Now, the Las Vegas betting market will be more involved. It's the first time Nevada sportsbooks have been allowed to take bets on a virtual auto-racing event. "I'd love to have it on the board," Matt Metcalf, head of Las Vegas sportsbook operator Circa Sports, told ESPN. "A million viewers last week... people are paying attention."

Traditionally, Nevada regulators have been hesitant to allow betting on esports, but have become more accepting recently with sportsbooks scrambling for offerings during the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, Nevada Gaming Control also approved wagering on 2020 ESL One Dota Los Angeles tournaments, in three categories: Head to Head, Winner of Each Match and Overall Winner. This event was added to recent approvals for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s ESL Meisterschaft and ESL Pro League Season 11: North America.

Nevada sportsbooks must notify patrons that the iRacing simulators and equipment used in the eNASCAR races might differ slightly, and that official rules must be posted on the event organizer's or sanctioning body's website. DraftKings' sportsbook in West Virginia was the only U.S. sportsbook to offer wagering on last weekend's eNASCAR event.