Riot Games Embraces Gambling Sponsorships for Valorant & LoL Amid Esports Financial Struggles

Riot Games has officially opened the door to gambling sponsorships for its flagship titles, Valorant and League of Legends, in what is being described as one of the company’s most controversial policy shifts to date. The move follows years of internal debate and reflects mounting concerns over the long-term sustainability of the developer’s esports ecosystem.

💸 Why Riot Is Now Allowing Gambling Sponsors

In a lengthy statement, John Needham, Riot’s President of Publishing & Esports, framed the decision as a necessary step to support teams’ financial health in a difficult market. The esports industry, despite being valued at $2 billion in 2023 and projected to hit $5.5 billion by 2029, continues to face sustainability challenges, especially in the wake of sponsorship pullbacks post-pandemic.

"Betting activity already exists around our sports and will continue whether we engage with it or not," Needham explained. Rather than ignore it, Riot aims to regulate and monetize the space in a way that supports the ecosystem and protects its integrity.

🌍 Where Will Betting Sponsorships Be Allowed?

The new policy allows Tier 1 Valorant and League of Legends teams in the following regions to pursue gambling partnerships:

• North America
• South America
• EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

Asia and Australia are currently excluded from the initiative, with Riot emphasizing there are no immediate plans to expand into those markets.

🔐 Riot’s Approach to Responsible Gambling Partnerships

Riot has introduced several safeguards and requirements to regulate this new sponsorship category:

• All partners must be pre-approved by Riot
• Betting services must utilize data from Riot’s official partner GRID
• Teams must implement internal integrity programs to mitigate risks like underage gambling and match-fixing
• Gambling sponsors will not appear on official Riot esports broadcasts

Additionally, a portion of revenue generated from these partnerships will be reinvested into Tier 2 esports, expanding prize pools and supporting talent development.

⚖️ Balancing Financial Needs and Ethical Concerns

While Riot emphasized its "responsible approach", some fans remain skeptical. Gambling in esports has long been a contentious issue, and critics worry this move may prioritize revenue over community values.

Nonetheless, Riot insists this change comes after extensive deliberation—and under increasing pressure from professional teams seeking more stable income streams.