Riot Games to allow betting sponsorships for Valorant & LoL teams

[Wolf32]

Riot Games has announced that starting in 2025, esports teams will be allowed to partner with betting operators.

Whalen Rozelle, COO of Riot’s esports division, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that League of Legends and Valorant Champions Tour teams in EMEA and the Americas can pursue sponsorships with “Riot-approved betting platforms.”

Riot Games’ decision marks a shift from its earlier stance against betting brands in its esports competitions. However, ahead of the 2024 League of Legends EMEA Championship season, Riot raised the minimum player age to 18, citing the need to “explore additional revenue opportunities.”

Allowing betting sponsorships in esports has sparked controversy, with critics labeling it unethical. Some fans, already discontented with the introduction of ‘gacha skins’—randomized in-game items purchased with currency—view this as another contentious move. Observers have suggested mandatory betting education for teams and enforcing strict bans on players and teams placing bets at any level.

A few weeks ago, we told partnered LoL Esports and VCT teams in Americas and EMEA that starting in 2025, they’ll be allowed to explore…

Hey all – saw some chatter about policies with teams and betting platforms these past few days, and thought some context could be helpful.

A few weeks ago, we told partnered LoL Esports and VCT teams in Americas and EMEA that starting in 2025, they’ll be allowed to explore…

— Whalen Rozelle (@RiotMagus) December 16, 2024

Rozelle emphasized that the decision “wasn’t made lightly,” explaining that it followed extensive study and planning.

He stated:

It’s the result of careful study and planning to settle on a move that will unlock new revenue opportunities for teams while also protecting competitive integrity and the overall fan experience.

Riot Games has clarified that its own platforms will remain free of betting-related content, with no betting brands featured on broadcasts, social media, or jerseys. Additionally, all potential betting partners will undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet Riot’s standards for integrity, transparency, and fan engagement. Betting operators must also comply with local regulatory and licensing requirements.

Rozelle added:

This is a new sponsorship category for our esports, and we’ll approach it thoughtfully. We’ll learn a lot along the way, and we’ll make changes if at any point this compromises the integrity of the sport or impacts the high-quality experience our fans have today. Depending on how this initial implementation goes, we’ll evaluate opportunities to expand—or refine—our approach in the future.