Ecstatic Esports Team Takes a Stance Against Gambling Sponsorships

In a move that sets it apart from the growing trend of esports teams partnering with gambling companies, the Danish Counter-Strike team Ecstatic has formed an alliance with Gamban, a software firm that specializes in helping individuals struggling with gambling addiction. This pioneering partnership marks the first instance of a professional esports team being sponsored primarily by a company focused on mitigating the harm caused by gambling. The collaboration, announced on September 12, 2025, has been dubbed a "groundbreaking partnership focused on protecting people, not promoting betting" by Ecstatic. Gamban's software is designed to block access to online betting sites and apps, including casinos, thereby aiding individuals in their recovery from gambling addiction. According to Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, "For ten years, Gamban has helped people block access to gambling on their devices and begin their recovery." He further emphasized that partnering with a team that rejects gambling sponsorship entirely is a significant step, expressing his hope that this move will inspire others to invest in esports without exploiting addiction. As part of the partnership, Ecstatic and Gamban plan to launch a community Discord hub, which will offer anonymous peer groups, expert talks, and practical tools for individuals seeking support to stop or pause their gambling. The partnership aims to make help easily accessible and stigma-free, particularly for young fans, while also demonstrating that non-gambling sponsors can thrive in the esports industry. Ecstatic co-owner Oliver 'zipeL' Behrensdorff shared his personal experience with problem gambling, stating that installing Gamban was his first step towards change. He emphasized that the team's goal is not to lecture others but to offer a lifeline to those in need. According to a report by Esports Insider, gambling sponsorships currently account for 25% of total esports sponsorship revenue, with numerous professional teams and organizations signing deals with betting companies. In June, Riot Games opened up betting sponsorship opportunities for Tier 1 League of Legends and Valorant teams in the Americas and EMEA for the first time, implementing "guardrails" to safeguard the ecosystem, including a well-researched sports betting partnership program that vets its betting partners. While acknowledging that sports betting is not for everyone and that some fans have strong feelings about it, John Needham, president of publishing and esports at Riot Games, noted that betting activity already exists around their sports and will continue regardless of their involvement.