In a landmark decision, the state of Nevada has approved sports betting operators to take on esports bets for CS:GO. William Hill, the first Las Vegas sportsbook to adopt esports betting, released the odds for its first two eligible esports matches earlier Thursday.
Both matches take place in the ESL Proleague, which is broadcast on streaming websites YouTube and Twitch.
In the opening match, 100 Thieves (-500) opened as heavy favorites against amateur side Swole Patrol (+375). 100 Thieves, primarily made of top players from Australia, are currently ranked No. 9 in the HLTV world rankings.
Following that game, North America's top team, Team Liquid (-335), faces off with Made in Brazil (+275). Team Liquid sits at No. 6 in the HLTV world rankings as MIBR currently stand as No. 25.
This move to allow more esports betting comes following a majority of the traditional sports leagues in North America suspending play due to the global coronavirus outbreak. Along with the lack of sports betting, all MGM casinos were closed last week in an attempt to lessen the number of large public gatherings.
While new to the United States, esports betting in Europe has become a staple, with numerous gaming titles available to be wagered on from various tournaments around the world. Previously, New Jersey did test esports betting in its market, with the 2019 League of Legends World Championship final being the only esports event it took action on.