Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Riot Games Permits Betting Sponsors for Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT

Strict vetting of betting partners with mandatory use of official match data accompanies a plan to reinvest a portion of sponsorship revenues into the Tier2 ecosystem.

Image
TOPSHOT - Attendees cheer and wave inflatable batons as they watch DRX compete against GEN during the League of Legends Worlds Championship semifinals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage / AFP) (Photo by ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • The policy covers Tier 1 teams in the US and EMEA regions, allowing them to sign licensed betting sponsors for the first time.
  • Riot will require all betting partners to pass integrity reviews and use official GRID platform data to contest unregulated wagering.
  • Riot-owned broadcasts and social channels will remain free of betting ads and sponsor logos on team jerseys.
  • A share of the new sponsorship income will fund prize pools, tournaments and development programs in the Tier2 ecosystem.
  • Community responses range from support for new revenue streams to concerns over increased gambling exposure among young esports fans.