Danish Esports team ECSTATIC has penned a deal with UK-based charity Gamban to be its main sponsor.
Teaming with the gambling-harm prevention charity is the first sponsorship of its kind in esports.
Gamban provides gambling platform blocking software, in addition to offering tools for self-exclusion and activity monitoring.
As part of the agreement, ECSTATIC will launch a community hub on instant messaging social platform Discord where it will offer expert talks, tools for people looking to gamble less, and anonymous peer groups.
Both ECSTATIC and Gamban will also look to make seeking help “easy and stigma free” for younger players who may feel “out of place” in support groups.
The Danish esports team hopes that by having Gamban as its sponsor, it proves “non-gambling sponsors” can do well in esports and lead to other industries investing in the esports sector.
Explaining why the sponsorship is important, ECSTATIC cited that two-thirds of the 31 major European esports leagues are sponsored by betting firms, with more than 80% of the top 50 Counter-Strike 2 teams having operators as sponsors.
It was also highlighted that illegal operators lack age verification checks and self-exclusion tools, meaning players have no safety net to protect them from gambling-related harm.
Discussing why the team opted for Gamban as its new main sponsor, ECSTATIC co-owner Oliver Behrensdorff said: “This is personal for me. I’ve had periods of problem gambling myself, and installing Gamban was my first step toward change.
“We’re here to offer a lifeline, not to preach.”
Matt Zarb-Cousin, Gamban co-founder, added: “For 10 years, Gamban has helped people block access to gambling on their devices and begin their recovery.
“Partnering with a team that rejects gambling sponsorship entirely is a powerful first step.
“We hope this inspires others to invest in esports without exploiting addiction”
The post Esports team ECSTATIC agrees sponsorship deal with Gamban first appeared on EGR Intel.
Danish Counter-Strike 2 outfit strikes first of its kind partnership with the UK-based gambling-harm prevention charity
The post Esports team ECSTATIC agrees sponsorship deal with Gamban first appeared on EGR Intel.