Riot Games lifts ban on betting sponsors as Esports wagers surge

The global esports betting industry is booming — and in a landmark move set to reshape the market, Riot Games has officially approved betting sponsorships for its flagship titles League of Legends and VALORANT from 2025 onwards.

Long opposed to gambling affiliations due to concerns over integrity and its younger fanbase, Riot’s updated policy marks a seismic shift that aligns with the rapid commercial growth of esports betting worldwide. The market, valued at $2.6 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed $4.5 billion by 2031, driven by competitive giants like CS2, Dota 2, and LoL.

Under the revised guidelines, Riot-partnered teams will be allowed to collaborate with top esports betting sites.

However, limitations remain in place — betting company logos will not be permitted on jerseys, official broadcasts, or Riot’s social media platforms.

Despite these restrictions, the door is now open for a new wave of commercial partnerships that could transform the competitive scene financially. For teams and tournament organisers, access to the lucrative betting sector could unlock much-needed revenue streams in an increasingly professionalised ecosystem.

But while the ruling is being hailed by betting companies and esports stakeholders alike, it comes with clear caveats.

The esports audience skews young — particularly in titles like League of Legends, which accounted for 26% of all esports bets in 2024. As a result, Riot is treading carefully by placing limits on betting ad exposure and encouraging responsible gambling practices.

The legal complexity of betting also raises regional concerns. Jurisdictions around the world differ in how they regulate gambling and underage exposure, making sponsorship navigation a potential hurdle for global organisations.

Still, the future of esports betting looks bright. With emerging tech such as blockchain and AI enhancing user engagement, and Riot now leading the charge on sponsorship acceptance, more publishers may soon follow suit. The convergence of esports and wagering is set to mirror the path of traditional sports, bringing with it both opportunities and new responsibilities.

As esports continues its meteoric rise, Riot’s decision underscores a pivotal moment — one that will redefine fan engagement, team funding, and how the betting industry interacts with the next generation of players.