Caesars Atlantic City will host the resorts first big time eSports event when it holds a championship for the eSports game Gears of War 4 starting March 31.
The event will award more than $200,000 in cash prizes.
“Caesars is always looking at ways to bring innovative gaming and entertainment experiences to the market,” said Kevin Ortzman, president of Caesars and Bally’s Atlantic City in a press statement.
Caesars has already introduced skill-based gaming machines—which are allowed under state gaming regulations.
The inaugural Gears Pro Circuit Atlantic City Open will be presented in partnership with game developer the Coalition and publisher Microsoft Studios.
The event comes as casinos work to gain a footing in the growing eSports industry, which is expected to generate $1.23 billion by 2019, according to a report by Super Data research.
In some other Atlantic City news, the state Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has approved a redevelopment plan for the area surrounding Martin Luther King Boulevard. The plan hopes to increase development options around the site of a proposed 350-foot Polercoaster roller coaster to be built on the former Sands casino property, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The plan allows for retail space, amusements, hotels, bars, and casino hotels to be built in the area. The redevelopment area includes approximately 19 acres bordered by Indiana, New York, and Atlantic avenues and the Boardwalk, the Press said.
Also, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall has named a new general manager. Jim Wynkoop will replace Fran Rodowicz, who is leaving to become general manager of the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton.
Wynkoop’s roles at Boardwalk Hall will include supervision and oversight of the facility. Wynkoop most recently worked as general manager of Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University, where he was responsible for booking and scheduling acts, according to a press release.
