Betway loses eSports sponsorship

Online betting group Betway has been dropped as main sponsor to the Ninjas in Pyjamas eSports team so that the team can comply with Riot Games’ rules for the European League of Legends Championship Series.

Team spokesman Lukas Berc said in a statement announcing the split:

“It is no secret that entering League of Legends comes with a new set of regulations related to the league as it is a different competition in a different competitive landscape. Because of the league participation rules, Betway can no longer be the main sponsor of Ninjas in Pyjamas. NiP’s relationship with Betway has been one of the most successful team partnerships in eSports.

“We are delighted to announce that Betway will continue supporting and working with our individual Counter-Strike players to deliver great experiences to all fans and supporters around the world.”

Betway’s sponsorship deal with NiP ran into difficulties over a European League of Legends rule that restricts the display of material from limited sponsorships “…adjacent to League of Legends related material, the LCS, the CS, or any other Riot-affiliated event.”

Gambling websites are included in Riot’s list of “limited sponsorships”, prohibiting NiP from displaying Betway’s logo prominently in any League of Legends tournament.

Betway became the main sponsor of Ninjas in Pyjamas last September (see previous report).

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