Riot Games Reportedly Allowing VALORANT Teams to Partner with Betting Companies
The developers of VALORANT are reportedly changing their stance on betting sponsorships and will allow partnered organizations to be sponsored by betting companies. Previously, Riot Games had strict policies against betting sponsorships in other titles like League of Legends. However, according to a report by Turkish news outlet Esporkolik, Riot Games is now open to allowing VALORANT teams to partner with betting companies for sponsorship opportunities.
Updated Policy: Gambling Partnerships Previously Prohibited
Gambling partnerships were previously listed as one of the prohibited sponsors in the VCT global competitive policy rulebook, which was published in 2021. Other prohibited sponsors included the promotion of fantasy esports operators and alcohol products. Additionally, gambling sponsors were not allowed for companies organizing VALORANT community tournaments.
Riot’s Distancing from Cryptocurrencies and Unregulated Financial Instruments
The rulebook also stated that companies should not partner with cryptocurrencies or other unregulated financial instruments or markets. Riot Games partnered with cryptocurrency exchange FTX in August 2021 but is now trying to distance itself from the exchange following its collapse in November of the same year.
Impact on European Esports Teams
The regulation of betting sponsorships in esports, enforced by Riot Games, has had an impact on notable European esports teams. Ninjas in Pyjamas had to withdraw from a sponsorship agreement with Betway, one of the largest betting operators in the region, after joining the EU LCS following the acquisition of Fnatic Academy.
It remains unclear if these regulations will be changed for teams competing in League of Legends.
has reached out to Riot Games for comment on these changes.
VALORANT, Riot Games, betting sponsorships, sponsorship opportunities, gambling partnerships, VCT, esports teams, League of Legends