Riot Confirms No Partnership with Betting Companies for VALORANT Organizations
Contrary to previous reports, Riot has confirmed that organizations participating in Riot-sanctioned tournaments in VALORANT will not be allowed to partner with betting companies. Turkish news outlet Esporkolik recently reported that VALORANT organizations may be eligible for gambling company partnerships in the future, but Riot has clarified that this is not the case.
“While there has been no change in the current policy regarding approved team sponsor categories, we will continue to evaluate all opportunities that deliver safe, secure, and meaningful experiences that best support the growth of our esports ecosystem globally,” stated a spokesperson for Riot in response to .
Riot is committed to investing in opportunities that maintain the integrity of esports, provide great experiences for fans, and generate revenue for teams. However, it remains unlikely that the policy will change due to strict gambling regulations in Europe, as revealed by team owners interviewed by .
Why Gambling Sponsorships are Attractive for Organizations
Gambling sponsorships offer organizations lucrative investment opportunities. Many traditional sports teams have secured multi-year partnerships with betting companies. For example, English Premier League club West Ham is sponsored by Betway, and NBA teams like the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Golden State Warriors are also partnered with Betway, as stated on their website.