New Jersey’s long-running claim as a pioneer in the expansion of legal, regulated gambling in the U.S. now is scheduled to add another feather to that cap next month.
The first sanctioned eSports skill-based wagering event in the U.S. will feature the popular Madden ’22 game and is scheduled for Jan. 22-23, 2022, at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City.
The 256-player in-person double-elimination tournament, approved by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, will allow the participants to wager on themselves in each round as well as compete for overall prize money of $9,000.
“We are extremely proud to offer a one-of-a-kind eSports wagering experience,” Hard Rock CEO Joe Lupo said in a statement. “We are confident that this innovative and highly regulated partnership will prove to be a success.”