Ecstatic Partners with Gamban in Denmark
The Danish esports organization Ecstatic, ranked #47 in the HLTV Counter-Strike 2 standings, has partnered with Gamban, a company that develops software to block access to online gambling.
About the Ecstatic–Gamban Partnership
This marks the first time a professional esports team has partnered with a company fighting gambling addiction instead of the usual betting sponsorship.
The Gamban logo will appear on the team’s jerseys, accompanied by the tagline “Blocking Online Gambling”.
Goals of the Partnership
- Create a safe community for players at risk of gambling addiction.
- Launch a Discord hub with anonymous support groups, expert talks, and practical tools.
- Promote the idea that esports can grow without gambling sponsorships.
Statements from Representatives
Ecstatic co-founder Oliver ‘zipeL’ Berendsdorf said:
This is personal for me. I’ve struggled with problem gambling, and installing Gamban was the first step toward change. We’re not trying to tell others what to do — we’re offering support to those who need it.
Gamban co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin added:
Over the past ten years, Gamban has helped people block gambling on their devices and begin recovery. Partnering with a team that completely rejects gambling sponsorship is a powerful first step.
Esports Industry Context
In recent years, betting sponsorships have accounted for roughly 25% of esports revenue. Many professional teams, including FaZe Clan, Fnatic, and Heroic, have signed deals with gambling companies.
In June, Riot Games opened sponsorship opportunities for Tier 1 teams in League of Legends and Valorant in the Americas and EMEA regions. However, the company set restrictions and vetting programs for betting partners to protect the ecosystem.
Riot Games’ Position
John Needham, President of Publishing and Esports at Riot Games, stated:
We understand that betting isn’t for everyone, and some fans feel strongly about it. The reality is that betting activity exists and will continue, whether we are involved or not.
Benefits for Players and Fans
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Support | Anonymous groups and professional talks to help reduce gambling habits. |
| Safe Community | A Discord hub for interaction without exposure to gambling risks. |
| Industry Example | Shows that esports sponsorship can be socially responsible. |
Conclusion
The Ecstatic–Gamban partnership represents a groundbreaking move in esports, demonstrating that teams can collaborate with companies addressing gambling addiction rather than promoting gambling. It sets a new standard for responsible sponsorship and player support.