Nevada is close to allowing bets on esports video game competitions by gamblers, which can draw thousands of spectators, and is developing a big following in the UK, Europe, and Asia.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday recommended approval of regulatory amendments that would permit betting on esports in 2-0 vote. The board was down a member.

If the Nevada Gaming Commission approves esports betting when it meets on January 26, 2023, the regulation would take effect instantly.

Esports has landed in Las Vegas with regularly scheduled tournament events at the HyperX Arena at Luxor which sell out and are viewed online by streamers. Other venues, including The Venetian’s MSG Sphere, have indicated a desire to offer esports competition events.

Regulations due to be approved on Wednesday are amendments to Regulation 22, the guidelines for traditional sports wagering. The amendments tweak the regulation to incorporate esports wagering, with sportsbook managers responsible for monitoring and reporting betting irregularities to Control Board authorities.