Esports Betting Integrity and Sponsorships Accelerate Globally

Key Takeaways

• ESIC's new alliances with betting operators enhance global monitoring against match-fixing, prioritizing data sharing and real-time alerts.
• Market expansions in LatAm and APAC introduce innovative betting tools, driving revenue growth amid rising esports viewership.
• Publisher policy shifts open new sponsorship avenues, balancing integrity with commercial opportunities for teams and organizers.

ESIC Welcomes Stake as Anti-Corruption Ally

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has integrated crypto betting platform Stake into its tier-one Anti-Corruption Supporter program, marking a pivotal step in fortifying esports betting safeguards. Announced on November 25, 2025, this partnership enables ESIC to leverage Stake's operational data for detecting suspicious activities, including match-fixing and unauthorized gambling by participants. Stake, a prominent esports bookmaker, will contribute to ESIC's intelligence network, facilitating proactive investigations and promoting transparency across global tournaments.

This collaboration addresses persistent integrity challenges in high-stakes events, where betting volumes can exceed millions. By embedding betting operators into its ecosystem, ESIC aims to disrupt fraud rings more effectively, as evidenced by past referrals to law enforcement. For operators and organizers, the move underscores a commitment to accountability, potentially reducing dispute rates and boosting bettor confidence in markets like Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends. Industry experts note this could set a precedent for similar ties, ensuring sustainable growth without compromising competitive fairness.

Source: The Esports Advocate

1xBet Pioneers Betting Sponsorship in Riot Ecosystem

Brazilian esports giant MIBR has secured 1xBet as its official betting partner for the VALORANT roster, becoming the first Riot Games-affiliated team to do so following recent policy relaxations. Revealed on November 28, 2025, the multi-year deal focuses on fan engagement through exclusive content, watch parties, and enhanced media activations, while emphasizing responsible gambling. MIBR, fresh off a top-five finish at VALORANT Champions 2025, brings star player Aspas— a three-time Prêmio e Sports Brasil Athlete of the Year—into the spotlight.

This landmark agreement reflects Riot's June 2025 decision to lift longstanding bans on betting sponsorships for League of Legends and VALORANT teams in EMEA and the Americas, aiming to diversify revenue streams amid escalating operational costs. For the LatAm market, where esports betting handle reached 10% of global totals in H1 2025, the partnership could accelerate the adoption of regulated wagering. Stakeholders highlight its potential to fund integrity programs and Tier 2 tournaments, though it requires rigorous vetting to align with ESIC standards. MIBR's Director of Marketing, Raphael Castanheira, stated, "This is a direct result of our robust governance, putting competitive integrity first."

Source: Asia Gaming Brief

Bet365 Unveils Dedicated Esports Betting Platform

Bet365 has launched a specialized esports betting platform on October 1, 2025, in partnership with leading game publishers, targeting EU and APAC markets with advanced live and in-play features. The rollout introduces tailored odds for titles like Dota 2 and VALORANT, including interval-based kill markets and player props, designed to capitalize on the sector's projected 2025 revenue of $2.8 billion. This initiative responds to a global active bettor base of 74.3 million, up from 21.9 million in 2017.

The platform's integration of AI-driven insights and blockchain for secure settlements addresses key pain points in esports wagering, such as rapid match pacing and dispute resolution. In APAC, where Oceania bettors accounted for 23% of Dota 2 handle in H1 2025, it aims to deliver localized experiences to boost engagement. For operators, this signals a shift toward specialized tools amid regulatory clarity in jurisdictions like the UK and Australia, potentially increasing average revenue per user to $34.90. Analysts predict it will spur similar innovations, enhancing market depth without diluting traditional sports offerings.

Source: Market.us

Team Liquid Partners with Duelbits on Responsible Betting

Team Liquid announced a multifaceted partnership with Duelbits on November 29, 2025, emphasizing responsible betting practices across its global operations in the EU and APAC. The deal encompasses content collaborations, branded activations, and educational campaigns on safe wagering, aligning with Liquid's commitment to player welfare. Co-CEO Victor Goossens penned an open letter highlighting the initiative's role in fostering ethical industry standards.

As esports betting surges—with global turnover up 26.7% for CS2 in Q3 2025—this partnership arrives at a critical juncture for integrity-focused sponsorships. It builds on ESIC's recent anti-corruption initiatives, providing Liquid's audiences with tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion resources. In the EU, where regulatory scrutiny intensifies, such deals could mitigate the risk of overexposure among young demographics while driving sustainable revenue for teams. Goossens noted, "Esports betting is evolving; we must lead with responsibility to protect our community."

Source: The Esports Radar

DATA.BET Expands Esports Solutions in Brazil

DATA.BET has inked a comprehensive agreement with Brazilian platform Rei do Pitaco (RDP) on November 26, 2025, delivering full-suite esports betting coverage to tap into LatAm's burgeoning market. The partnership introduces enhanced match coverage for League of Legends and Rainbow Six, with turnover spikes of 290% and 126% respectively in Q3 2025, alongside innovative props and live odds.

This move strengthens RDP's offerings in a region accounting for 10% of global betting handle, amid Brazil's regulatory advancements for online wagering, by integrating DATA.BET's data feeds, RDP gains 100% expanded match coverage, reducing latency and improving user retention. For the industry, it exemplifies how tech providers are enabling localized growth, with profit surges of 416% for Lo L signaling untapped potential. The collaboration prioritizes compliance with local bodies, ensuring seamless scalability for operators eyeing LatAm expansion.

Source: Focus Gaming News