Report: Riot Games to allow VALORANT betting sites and bookmakers to sponsor teams

Bookmakers and betting sites that offer VALORANT betting may be allowed to become sponsors of teams participating in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). This will likely pertain to partnered teams that are participating in the top-flight VCT 2023 International Leagues. The news has surfaced due to a report by Turkish site Esporkolik on Twitter.

Translated Tweet title reads: "According to the information received from Esporkolik, Riot Games will allow teams to cooperate with betting brands in the near future, especially VALORANT."

Possible policy change regarding VALORANT betting

Riot Games has always been adamant on their stance against any form of gambling-related sponsors for teams taking part in any VALORANT (and not only) events. The "Prohibited Sponsor and Advertiser List," part of the VALORANT Community Competition Guidelines strictly specifies, "Gambling, sportsbook, and casinos" as prohibited sponsors and advertisers. The list extends to many other prohibited sponsors such as those related to other video game publishers, cryptocurrencies, or alcohol products.

Despite the possible and sudden change of policy for VALORANT, the future for other Riot Games titles is uncertain when it comes to the possible ruling. League of Legends, the biggest product of Riot Games, still sees teams not be able to have betting operators as sponsors. Currently, it is unknown whether these rule changes will affect League of Legends and other Riot Games.

Meanwhile, Valve's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, thrives on gambling websites being a big part of esports (and not only). This goes hand-in-hand with CSGO's in-game lootboxes and random weapon skins featuring different floats and market prices.

Make sure to check out our guide on VALORANT betting if you're interested in getting started.

*Featured image credit: Photo by Bruno Alvares/Riot Games