Esports Betting Strengthens Integrity and Innovation Through Global Reforms

Key Takeaways

• ESIC's new regulatory framework for talent agents signals a proactive approach to preventing corruption in emerging esports markets across the APAC and European regions.
• Riot Games' policy shift unlocks betting sponsorships for League of Legends and VALORANT teams in the EMEA region, channeling $10.7 billion in global turnover into regulated channels.
• Betby secures industry recognition for its esports data innovations, bolstering live betting tools amid rising demand in regulated jurisdictions such as the UK and Australia.
• Australian authorities enhance real-time betting monitoring collaborations, targeting suspicious activity in high-volume CS2 and LoL events.

ESIC Launches Global Talent Agent Regulations

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for talent agents, responding to stakeholder demands for standardized oversight within the esports ecosystem. This framework, announced during preparations for ICE London 2026, mandates registration, adherence to ethical guidelines, and transparency in contract negotiations to curb exploitative practices that could compromise betting integrity.

In regions such as APAC and the EU, where agent-driven deals frequently influence player transfers and sponsorships, the scheme addresses vulnerabilities exposed by recent match-fixing investigations. By requiring agents to disclose conflicts of interest and adhere to anti-corruption codes, ESIC aims to protect young talents from undue pressure that might lead to betting-related misconduct. Operators stand to benefit from clearer compliance pathways, reducing risks in markets where esports wagering volumes exceed €2 billion annually. This move aligns with ESIC's broader mission, as evidenced by its ongoing partnerships with tournament organizers such as the ESL FACEIT Group.

Source: ESIC

Riot Opens Betting Sponsorships in EMEA

Riot Games has authorized Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT teams in EMEA to pursue betting sponsorships, marking a pivotal evolution in esports commercialization. The policy, effective immediately, includes safeguards such as mandatory integrity programs, use of official data from GRID, and restrictions on unregulated operator affiliations to preserve competitive fairness.

This development channels a portion of the $10.7 billion global betting turnover on Riot titles—predominantly from EMEA and APAC—toward licensed partners, thereby mitigating risks associated with the 70% of wagers placed in gray markets. Teams like G2 Esports and Fnatic can now explore high-value deals, injecting vital revenue into an ecosystem that has been strained by post-pandemic economics. For betting operators in the UK, Germany, and Brazil, it promises enhanced market access with verified odds, fostering innovation in prop bets and live wagering. Riot's emphasis on education and monitoring underscores a balanced approach, prioritizing fan trust while expanding commercial opportunities.

Source: Riot Games

Betby Claims Esports Supplier Crown at SBC Lisbon

Betby has been awarded Esports Supplier of the Year at the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, highlighting its advancements in AI-driven odds and in-play betting solutions tailored for global operators. The accolade recognizes Betby's expansion of esports coverage to over 450 tournaments, including niche APAC leagues in eFootball and eBasketball, amid a sector projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2031.

In regulated markets like Australia and the UK, Betby's tools enable real-time risk assessment and customizable bet builders, addressing operator needs for scalable, integrity-focused products. The win coincides with partnerships that enhance data feeds for titles like CS2 and Dota 2, where betting volumes surged 175% year-over-year for VALORANT following Riot's policy update. This positions Betby as a key enabler for market entrants in Latin America, where Brazil's nascent regulations demand robust technology to handle explosive growth. Stakeholders view the award as validation of esports' maturation, driving adoption of innovative formats like micro-betting without compromising compliance.

Source: Esports Insider

Australian Police Forge ESIC Betting Alert Pact

Victoria Police's Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) has established a direct feed from ESIC for real-time alerts on suspicious esports betting patterns, bolstering Australia's defenses against match manipulation. The collaboration, formalized in late September, targets anomalies in high-stakes events like CS2 Majors and LoL regional leagues, where illicit wagers often originate from offshore syndicates.

With Australia's esports betting market valued at AUD 500 million annually, this initiative enables swift investigations, potentially disrupting operations linked to past scandals involving over 70 corrupt bets. By integrating ESIC's Suspicious Betting Alert Network, authorities can cross-reference data with local gambling monitors, thereby enhancing enforcement in jurisdictions where operators like Sportsbet handle millions of dollars in daily volume. The pact exemplifies APAC's regulatory maturation, offering a blueprint for neighbors like the Philippines and Singapore to safeguard integrity amid rising youth engagement. For global operators, it signals heightened scrutiny, urging investments in transparent data-sharing to avoid disruptions.

Source: ESIC