Riot Games is entering the sports betting space, announcing that top-tier League of Legends and VALORANT teams in the Americas and EMEA regions will now be allowed to pursue sponsorships from sports betting brands. This marks a significant shift in Riot’s stance, aimed at generating sustainable revenue for teams while putting in place strong safeguards to protect the integrity of the esports ecosystem.
Why Riot Is Opening the Door to Betting Sponsors
While Riot has historically avoided partnerships in the sports betting space, the publisher says the reality is that betting already exists around its games—whether officially supported or not. According to industry data, the global betting turnover on just LoL Esports and VCT events reached over $10.7 billion in 2024.
Acknowledging this, Riot has opted to take a proactive role in regulating how betting sponsorships are handled rather than ignoring the issue. The decision follows years of feedback and lobbying from teams who have been seeking new revenue opportunities amid rising operational costs.
Riot emphasized that this move is focused solely on Tier 1 teams in League of Legends and VALORANT and that betting sponsorships will remain off-limits to Tier 2 and grassroots teams for now. However, the publisher will use a portion of revenue generated from this initiative to support Tier 2 competitions, increase prize pools, and fund education and integrity programs.
Strict Controls and Integrity First
To ensure these sponsorships don’t compromise competitive fairness or fan trust, Riot has introduced a series of controls:
- Partner Vetting: All betting sponsors must undergo a rigorous approval process by Riot to ensure they operate within legal and ethical boundaries.
- Data Accuracy: All betting partners must use data supplied through Riot’s official partnership with GRID, ensuring transparency and reducing risks posed by unofficial or black-market betting operators.
- Mandatory Integrity Programs: Teams must implement internal programs to monitor, educate, and uphold competitive integrity, responsible betting practices, and player protection—especially concerning younger audiences.
Riot also made clear that there will be no betting ads or sponsor logos on official Riot broadcasts, social media, or team jerseys. Betting content will only appear on team-controlled platforms and must comply with Riot’s sponsorship guidelines, content policies, and regional laws.
A Long-Term Vision for Esports Sustainability
This move is part of Riot’s broader strategy to build a more financially sustainable esports ecosystem. The company has already introduced new partnership models and monetization strategies in recent years and sees betting sponsorships as one more step toward securing long-term support for players, teams, and events.
While sports betting remains a sensitive topic for some fans, Riot believes that controlled engagement—with the right oversight—is safer than ignoring the growing demand and influence of the space.
The company says it remains open to feedback and is prepared to adjust its approach if necessary, but its focus remains clear: to create a fair, thriving, and secure future for competitive gaming.