Sportradar boosts Riot Games integrity muscle

Sportradar has advanced its esports profile after announcing that it has secured an integrity partnership with leading video games developer Riot Games.

The partnership will see Sportradar’s ‘integrity services’ monitor all global betting activity related to syndicated League of Legends (LoL) tournaments sanctioned by Riot Games, the developer of the multiplayer esports format.

Doug Watson, Head of Esports Insights at Riot Games, commented: “The competitive integrity of our sport is of the utmost importance for Riot Games. As our sport continues to grow, it’s important that we monitor developing trends and ensure we have the necessary mechanisms in place to account for shifts in our industry. This partnership with Sportradar enables us to protect our players, teams, and competitions and continue to deliver a best-in-class product to our fans.”

In addition, Sportradar Integrity Services will provide Riot Games operating teams with access to ‘Intelligence and Investigation Services’ provisions.

A core focus of the partnership will see Sportradar review Riot Games in-house integrity policies, procedures and future educational programs for professional esports competitors.

“Through this partnership, Riot Games is bolstering its capabilities by implementing an effective and innovative integrity program,” added Andy Cunningham, Head of Integrity Services and League Relations, North America at Sportradar.

“With legal sports betting expected to grow over the next several years, especially in the U.S., we are encouraged by Riot’s proactivity, as it looks to maintain and further establish its leadership position in the esports space.”