Riot Games Allows Betting Sponsors for VALORANT and LoL Teams

Sponsored Links with Limits

Riot Games is expanding the esports ecosystem by permitting teams in the League of Legends and VALORANT leagues in the Americas and EMEA regions to partner with betting sponsors.
The first time this policy change was suggested was by an esports commentator MonteCristo, and later by Riot’s COO of Esports, Whalen Rozelle.

Although this change gives teams new opportunities to generate income, Riot is cautious. The betting brands will not be advertised during the official Riot broadcasts, which will maintain the publisher’s approach to gambling safe.
Riot’s Rozelle also stated that the decision was not made lightly, adding that Riot always cares about the competitions’ integrity.

This decision comes as esports organizations struggle to find ways to become financially sustainable. Through funding from betting companies, teams can be able to balance their financial books and open up for more growth.

Betting Partners Must Comply with the Rules

Riot is not opening its ecosystem to any betting company out there to partner with. Rozelle mentioned that all the sportsbooks have to meet the regulatory and licensing requirements of the country they operate in, and Riot’s content and promotion policies.

However, there are certain limitations. Betting sponsors cannot be displayed on team kits or any Riot-created content, including official streams.
This means that it is up to each team to find ways of working around these constraints and to establish relevant partnerships.

A Cautious Approach to the Future

Rozelle was also realistic about the future, saying, “We will discover a lot along the way and adapt if at any time this threatens the purity of the sport or the quality that fans enjoy today.”
It will be noted that the policy is effective, and any changes that will be required will be made. Riot may adjust or extend this strategy in the future depending on how the first phase of this process will be conducted.

The Significance of the Esports Scene

This change in policy could be the turning point for esports, which may mean more financial possibilities for teams. As Riot Games is trying to protect its values and fans, the opportunity to attract betting sponsors might change the competitive environment,
giving the teams an opportunity to create a more stable future.

With this new chapter now open, people will be waiting for Riot, its teams, and the esports industry to see how betting sponsorships will change the landscape.