Riot Games Allows Betting Sponsors in Valorant and League of Legends Esports
A big change is coming to the world of esports. Riot Games, the company behind two of the most popular games — League of Legends (LoL) and Valorant — has officially allowed teams in these games to partner with betting companies. This news is making waves in the gaming community around the world, including India.
In this post by Mobile Gaming, we break down what this change means, how it will affect players, and what fans should watch out for.
What Has Riot Announced?
From 2025 onwards, esports teams that are officially partnered with Riot Games can now accept sponsorship deals from betting and gambling brands. This rule applies to teams in North America, Europe, and other select regions that compete in League of Legends and Valorant pro circuits.
But there are rules. Teams cannot promote these sponsors on official Riot broadcasts, team jerseys during matches, or on social media accounts linked to the official esports events.
So, the ads won’t be in your face during live matches, but the money will help teams grow.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Until now, Riot Games did not allow any kind of betting or gambling sponsors in their esports ecosystem. This made it harder for teams to earn money compared to other esports like CS:GO or Dota 2, where betting sponsors are common.
Now with this new change, teams can:
- Earn more money through sponsorships
- Invest more in player salaries and bootcamps
- Build better infrastructure and training programs
This may also attract more investors to the esports scene, especially in games like Valorant which is hugely popular in India.
What’s the Catch?
Riot is being very careful. They are making sure:
- Teams follow local laws related to betting
- Sponsors are approved by Riot after a strict check
- No underage audience is directly targeted
- Betting promotions are kept away from official Riot platforms
The goal is to find a balance — allowing teams to make money, but also keeping esports safe and family-friendly.
What Do Fans Think?
Reactions have been mixed.
- Some say it’s a great move that will help esports grow faster.
- Others worry that promoting gambling can harm young players and fans.
- Many want Riot to stay transparent and protect the gaming community.
In India, where gambling laws are strict in many states, this change may not have a direct impact immediately. But as the Valorant and LoL scenes grow in India, local teams may benefit if rules change in the future.
What Indian Esports Teams Should Know
For now, Indian teams cannot legally promote betting companies unless allowed by Indian law. But this change from Riot could push Indian gaming companies to explore other new monetization options — like crypto partners, local brand sponsorships, or merch collaborations.
Final Words
This change by Riot Games is a game-changer for the esports industry. While it brings in more money, it also brings new responsibilities. Teams, players, and event organizers will need to act wisely and ethically.
As Riot keeps a close watch on how this rule affects the community, fans and players in India should stay informed and involved.
For the latest updates on esports rules, tournaments, and team changes, bookmark Mobile Gaming — your go-to destination for all things gaming.
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