Pennsylvania could soon add eSports to its list of approved wagering options under new legislation introduced by state Rep. Ed Neilson. The bill, known as House Bill 1636, aims to update the state’s sports betting laws to include organized video game competitions, granting the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) authority to approve such events.
Currently, the state permits betting only on professional and college-level sports and motor racing. Neilson’s measure would expand that definition to cover “an organized competition involving video games in which players compete against each other, individually or as teams, and the dominant element in determining the results is the relative skill of the players.”
This marks Neilson’s second attempt to authorize eSports wagering, following a similar proposal in 2023 that failed to advance.
Bill Gives PGCB Flexibility on Betting Markets
House Bill 1636 goes further by authorizing the PGCB to approve “any other competition or event of any kind approved for sports wagering by the board.” In a memo explaining the bill, Neilson highlighted past limitations, including the board’s inability to allow betting on the NFL Draft due to narrow legal definitions.
“Our laws do not provide the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) with this authority,” Neilson wrote. “Unfortunately, the NFL draft was not specifically referenced as a sporting event in our statutes, and the PGCB had no authority to approve the event.”
According to PlayPennsylvania, he emphasized that the legislation would give the board discretion—not a blanket license to allow all types of bets.
Concerns Over Underage Players
One key area of concern is the age of eSports participants, some of whom are as young as 13. While Pennsylvania prohibits betting on high school sports and player-specific bets in college athletics, the new bill does not explicitly restrict eSports wagers involving minors. The PGCB would be responsible for developing rules around such issues, potentially limiting betting to adult-only leagues.
Revenue Potential and Industry Growth
Legalizing eSports betting could provide Pennsylvania with a new source of gaming tax revenue. Though eSports handle is still modest compared to major sports, markets like New Jersey report consistent growth in this segment. As sportsbooks seek year-round offerings to fill seasonal lulls, eSports—powered by tournaments in games like League of Legends and Valorant—could provide a steady stream of betting options.
National Context and Industry Impact
If passed, Pennsylvania would join a group of states—like New Jersey, Nevada, and Colorado —that already allow eSports betting in regulated forms. The bill could also increase pressure on other major markets such as New York and Illinois to consider similar moves.
For sportsbooks, a successful rollout means opportunity, but also regulatory homework. Operators would need to set up integrity systems, specialized trading teams, and risk controls specific to eSports—especially with underage player protections in play.
Outlook: Bill Faces Familiar Hurdles
While the proposal is gaining attention, success isn’t assured. Neilson’s previous bill failed to advance, largely due to concerns over youth involvement and unclear market potential. However, changes in industry sentiment—such as Riot Games allowing team sponsorships from betting companies—could improve the bill’s chances in 2025.
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