Riot Games is facing sharp criticism after announcing that top-tier League of Legends and Valorant teams can now partner with sports betting companies. The move marks a major policy reversal from the developer’s previous strict stance against gambling-related sponsorships, a shift many say is driven by financial realities.
According to Sportradar, betting turnover involving Riot’s eSports titles reached $10.7 billion in 2024, with roughly 70% of those wagers placed through unregulated operators. Riot eSports head John Needham said the change responds to partner teams’ requests for more sponsorship opportunities, emphasizing that new integrity guidelines will ensure fair play.
Potential Boost for eSports Betting
eSports wagering is seen as a major growth frontier for the US betting industry. Twenty-one states and Puerto Rico currently allow betting on eSports, while 13 others and Washington, DC have no laws prohibiting it. Needham said Riot’s goal is to “guide and protect” its brands by setting responsible standards for betting partnerships while helping teams achieve financial stability.
Community Divided Over the Decision
Despite potential economic upside, many fans and industry figures are unhappy with the shift. Critics argue that sports betting ads are already saturating traditional sports and fear similar exposure could normalize gambling among younger audiences. Concerns about player safety and match integrity have also resurfaced, particularly in light of recent match-fixing scandals within Valorant’s Tier 2 circuit.
Riot’s decision could reshape the relationship between eSports and betting — but it’s one that comes with controversy and heightened scrutiny.
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