Video game developer Riot Games has announced that Tier 1 League of Legends (LoL) and VALORANT (VCT) eSports teams are now permitted to sign betting sponsors. While acknowledging that many fans will not like the move, John Needham, President of Publishing & Esports at Riot Games, said in a post on Riot’s website that “the reality is that betting activity already exists around our sports and will continue whether we engage with it or not.”
Needham added that he believes that betting partnerships can work provided it is done “thoughtfully, carefully, and with the right protections.”
He explained that a “well-researched” sports betting partnership program will provide much-needed revenue to eSports teams, “guide and support” the continued development of regulations and educational programs to protect the integrity of the games, and “strengthen and reinforce” integrity stands for competitions.
every sports betting partner must use the GRID data platform for its eSports data
Needham detailed four ways Riot Games is “engaging” sports betting partners. First and foremost, the company will vet any potential betting operator before it is permitted to partner with an eSports team. Second, every sports betting partner must use the GRID data platform for its eSports data. Third, teams will be required to have their own internal integrity programs and regularly evaluate them. And fourth, revenues from Tier 1 LoL and VCT eSports teams will be shared with Tier 2 teams to help the lower levels grow.
One significant decision that Riot Games has made is that while teams will be able to have betting sponsors, there will be no gambling promotion on Riot-owned broadcast and social media channels. Compare that to traditional sports that now bombard viewers with gambling ads, betting shows, and betting segments during broadcasts. Teams will also be prohibited from having betting sponsor logos on the front of their players’ shirts.
“With any new endeavor, there will be challenges, and if we need to make adjustments, we will,” Needham concluded. “Please know our overall commitment is to do right by our players, teams, and fans as well as the world-class esports experience that we’ve built together and want to see thrive for years to come.”
