We open betting sponsorship to Tier 1 LoL and VALORANT teams in the Americas and EMEA, building in systems for integrity and fan trust. At Riot, visions of eSports reach far, shaping ecosystems for more than a single season; sustainability remains stitched into every move. Support is more than cheering; teams, pros, and fans drive the engine, so every plan considers all three. Back in 2023, our sustainable eSports map launched, promising fresh partnership models and defined, reliable revenue paths for team partners. Once forbidden ground, sports betting became a topic teams kept raising, asking for its place in the sponsorship list. Today, the news arrives: Tier 1 LoL and VALORANT teams in the Americas and EMEA can partner in betting, but with set rules.

Why Sports Betting & Why Now

Some say sports betting divides fans; feelings run deep and we respect every opinion.
No policy can stop betting outside our window, it already surrounds eSports, open or closed door; sitting out doesn’t change this. Until now, we politely declined betting sponsors, unlike recent analysis, which points to “time for new revenue” signals.
Sportradar’s 2024 stats show $10.7 billion placed on LoL eSports and VCT; eSports betting grows fast year on year. Unlicensed betting still dominates, 70% of all bets, all sports, flow to markets without official regulation. We choose to build support structures, not watch risks climb from the spectator seats. Engagement allows us to build fences and establish standards where none exist now.

Our Approach: Guardrails First

As leaders in global eSports, duty goes beyond prize pools; safeguarding every participant underlines every sponsorship. The green light isn’t casual, unlocking betting means creating a partnership system guided by analysis, not just hope. Teams asked for new revenue, and this sponsorship category gives them a new tool for financial balance.

1. Regulation evolves; we invest in monitoring methods and teaching tools so teams, players, and fans stay protected.
2. Rules for betting are active, not passive; we ramp up monitoring of wagers to help reinforce integrity at all levels.
3. Teams need sharp tools: expert guidance, best practices, and monitoring must shield supporters and games alike.

The plan, betting sponsorship works like this:

• Vet and Approve all Potential Sports Betting Partners

No betting partner lands in the spotlight unless Riot checks, reviews, and gives an official thumbs up; parity is the principle.

• Build on our Established Official Partnership with GRID

Data isn’t side noise; in 2023, we formed a global GRID partnership, proof that official numbers fight black markets. GRID stands as the source, if betting partners want in, they plug into GRID, standardising data and accountability for everyone.

• Mandate Team Integrity Program Checks

Sponsorship isn’t a handshake, every team builds an Internal Integrity Program matching Riot’s policy and responsibility checklist.

• Each program covers the foundations: safeguard fair play, shield younger people, and apply rules for every bet.
• Riot alone can’t hold the ecosystem, teams must own education, policy, and monitoring within their brand.
• Support and Foster our Tier 2 eSports Ecosystem

Sponsorship doors open for Tier 1 teams only, but money also flows into Tier 2, fueling the wider pyramid. A portion of every betting sponsorship goes into bigger prize pools, new tournaments, and stronger training ops for the next group of pros. Integrity systems and more education reach Tier 2 event organisers, so no one at the grassroots is left behind.

We’re Protecting the Viewing Experience

Show broadcasts and Riot’s social stages remain betting-free zones—no logos, sponsor segments, or ads show up in the game itself. Teams retain creative control but must follow Riot, content platforms, and local law on where and how they display betting-connected content.

Looking Ahead

Action, not inertia: Shaping eSports responsibility ourselves beats watching outsiders draw sloppy lines. Long-term means just that — Riot’s benchmark is to build, protect, and steer, not merely watch as bystanders. Every new step brings puzzles; when the landscape shifts, we adapt, still holding onto the values we promised. Commitment stands: teams, players, and fans get protection and growth, as the experience expands for the future together.