Despite its glitz and glamor, the esports industry is still in its developmental stages. The current standards for tournament hosting have come a long way in just a few years. However, there is still plenty of room for progress, as acknowledged by Senator Kieckhefer. One of the biggest obstacles holding back esports from reaching their full potential is the lack of oversight. In 2020 alone, there were numerous cheating accusations in the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, many of which were confirmed by the Esports Integrity Commission. The issue of match-fixing and camera glitch exploitation by coaches also persists at lower levels of the professional scene. Having a governmental body with the power to implement and enforce regulations would greatly impact the public perception of esports.
Currently, rule enforcement in esports tournaments relies solely on the organizers, which can lead to messy situations, as exemplified by the inconsistent treatment of Canadian team Lazarus and MiBR in the playoffs of StarLadder. These incidents are not limited to Counter-Strike, as similar situations arise across various competitive titles. The presence of a legal body could address improper rules enforcement and hold tournament organizers accountable. This development also has implications for esports betting in the US, as operators should closely monitor Senator Kieckhefer’s proposals. A governing body would help legitimize esports events in the eyes of the public, leading to increased awareness and interest in the sport. Betting sites should consider partnering with existing regulatory groups, such as the ESIC and Electronic Sports League, as their recognition by legal bodies will make them even more valuable.
According to gambling experts, this move towards regulation could further solidify Las Vegas as the esports capital of the United States. Similar to the glory days of Las Vegas boxing, sanctioning professional boxing and UFC events helped boost tourism, generate tax revenue, create jobs, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Likewise, the existing esports infrastructure in Las Vegas, including the HyperX Esports Arena at The Luxor, will become even more valuable due to its proximity to America’s sole esports oversight committee.
