Riot Games has come under fire after announcing it will allow top-tier League of Legends and Valorant teams to secure sponsorship deals from sports betting companies. The decision, revealed last week, has sparked criticism from segments of the eSports and gaming communities who view the move as a risky departure from the company’s previously strict stance on betting partnerships.
Just two years ago, Riot publicly denied claims that it was softening its position on relationships with sportsbook operators. The recent reversal appears to be driven by financial realities and the dominance of unlicensed betting in the eSports space.
According to data from Sportradar, global betting turnover for League of Legends and Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) reached $10.7 billion in 2024 alone. Riot’s Global Head of eSports, John Needham, acknowledged a major issue: “70% of bets across all sports are placed in unregulated markets with unlicensed bookmakers.” He added that opening sponsorships to betting brands is a response to requests from partner teams seeking new revenue streams.
To address integrity concerns, Riot says it will implement clear guidelines to safeguard the competitive environment and prevent match-fixing.
A Boost for eSports Betting Industry
Riot’s move could help accelerate the growth of eSports wagering, which analysts see as a lucrative yet underdeveloped segment of the U.S. sports betting market. eSports already commands massive viewership—expected to surpass all traditional sports except the NFL in the coming years.
Currently, 21 U.S. states and Puerto Rico allow betting on eSports events. An additional 13 states and Washington, D.C., don’t explicitly ban it, though only four states, including Pennsylvania, prohibit eSports betting outright.
If the reported $10.7 billion turnover figure is accurate, eSports would rank among the most bet-on sports globally, surpassing some traditional sports in betting volume. Needham emphasized that Riot is taking a long-term view of these partnerships, stating, “We’re committed to defining what responsible sports betting sponsorships should look like, while helping teams build sustainable business models.”
Community Pushback Over Betting Ties
Despite potential revenue gains, Riot’s decision has drawn criticism from fans and stakeholders concerned about the broader implications of betting sponsorships in eSports. Detractors argue that gambling promotions are already overexposed in traditional sports and could contribute to rising rates of problem gambling among younger, impressionable audiences.
There are also fears about the increased risk of match manipulation and harassment of players, especially as betting-related scandals have affected mainstream sports. Riot itself hasn’t been immune: just last month, reports emerged of alleged match-fixing in Valorant’s Tier 2 league. And in 2023, a Singaporean Valorant player was jailed for four months for deliberately throwing matches.
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