Esports Entertainment Group has told its investors that over the past week, CFO Dan Marks and VP of Strategy Jeff Cohen had testified in front of the Ohio State Senate Select Committee on Gaming as the body considered a bill that would legalize sports gambling in the state.
Marks and Cohen advocated for esports’ inclusion as a sport eligible to be wagered on, and following their testimony, as well as testimony from others such as Jonah Blake of Game Fund, the Senate Wagering Sub Bill 176 currently include esports.
“Ohio’s recognition of esports and its inclusion in Sub Bill 176 is a major step forward for both EEG as well as the entire esports industry. This, in addition to the recent announcement of our partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, solidifies Ohio as a strategic gaming jurisdiction for EEG,” Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group, said in a statement.
“We intend to build several Helix Centers as well as bring our Vie esports betting platform and look to form additional partnerships with major sports organizations in the state. We look forward to working with the Ohio legislature and our strategic partners to create a robust gaming ecosystem in the state. We believe Ohio can form a model for innovation and investment in esports that other states will follow,” Johnson said.