We are opening betting sponsorship opportunities to Tier 1 LoL and VALORANT teams in the Americas and EMEA, incorporating systems that promote integrity and fan trust. At Riot, visions of eSports extend far, shaping ecosystems that last beyond a single season; sustainability remains woven into every move. Support is more than cheering; teams, pros, and fans drive the engine, so every plan considers all three. In 2023, our sustainable eSports map was launched, promising fresh partnership models and defined, reliable revenue streams 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 statistics show $10.7 billion placed on LoL eSports and VCT; eSports betting continues to grow rapidly year on year. Unlicensed betting still dominates, accounting for 70% of all bets across all sports, which flow to markets without official regulation. We choose to build support structures, not sit in the spectator seats and watch risks climb. Engagement enables us to build fences and establish standards where none currently exist.

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 requested new revenue, and this sponsorship category provides them with a new tool for financial stability.

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 just noise; in 2023, we formed a global GRID partnership, proving that official numbers can combat 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: safeguarding fair play, shielding younger people, and applying 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 towards larger prize pools, new tournaments, and enhanced training operations for the next generation 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 adhere to Riot, content platforms, and local laws regarding the display of betting-related 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.