Leading esports organization, Complexity Gaming, has partnered with Chickasaw Nation-owned and operated WinStar World Casino and Resort. The recently-inked partnership marks the first time a casino has been designated by a U.S. esports organization as its official sponsor.

According to the official press release…

Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Complexity Gaming, Jason Lake said, “WinStar is a preeminent gaming and entertainment venue, and we are excited for them to become our exclusive casino partner. This partnership signals a significant shift in the esports sphere toward making competitive gaming entertainment even more mainstream.”

Older demographic growing:

Adult audiences especially are being drawn to eSports, where players play computer games against each other. What is reportedly the fastest growing media and entertainment segment, eSports tournaments take place all over the world. While the largest demographic comprises individuals aged 18 to 34, viewership has begun to trend older, with one in three viewers reportedly between 35 and 54 years old.

Also notable, for gaming alone, there is a larger audience base for online streaming platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch than Netflix, ESPN and HBO combined.

“unique, high-energy gaming”

General Manager for WinStar World Casino and Resort, located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, Jack Parkinson said, “The high-energy and competitive nature of esports aligns with our focus on creating unique, high-energy gaming and entertainment experiences for our patrons. Complexity’s forward-thinking and innovative approach to one of the fastest growing genres of mainstream entertainment is a natural fit as we look toward remaining at the forefront of the gaming industry.”

According to the press release, Complexity players will, as part of the new partnership, be able to access WinStar’s many amenities, including the concerts, golf courses and the hotel, and will routinely make casino appearances and at other events.

Contract electives:

Also part of the terms of the agreement, WinStar, which boasts more games than any other casino in the world, can elect to host twice-yearly boot camps and “meet-and-greets,” where prior to large events, Complexity players could train and connect with fans.

The new partnership comes on the heels of the September announcement by the Dallas Cowboys of a partnership with WinStar World Casino and Resort, making it the first in the 32-team league to have an official casino designation.

Owner, Jerry Jones:

The Cowboys, who compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league’s National Football Conference (NFC) East division, is owned by 76-year-old American businessman Jerry Jones, who now also owns Complexity Gaming along with real estate investor John Goff.

According to Forbes, as of November 18, 2018, Jones real time net worth is $7 billion, with his most valuable holding being the Dallas Cowboys, which he bought in 1989 for $150 million. The team is now reportedly currently worth $5 billion.