Bruce Dias 
The League of Legends Championship of The Americas (LTA) marks a new and exciting chapter for competitive gaming. Merging the competitive ecosystems of North America, Latin America, and Brazil, Riot Games has created a unified league featuring two conferences: LTA North and LTA South. This ambitious project aims to blend regional talent and rivalries while elevating the overall competitive experience. Simultaneously, Riot’s decision to permit casino sponsorships for League of Legends (LoL) and VALORANT teams marks a significant shift, further entwining the worlds of esports and gambling.
The New LTA Format And Online Casinos Sponsorship
Starting this year, the LTA is set to revolutionize the esports landscape. With 16 Tier 1 teams across its two conferences, the league combines established organizations like Cloud9, LOUD, and paiN Gaming with rising stars such as Leviatán and Shopify Rebellion. The structure includes three competitive stages designed to foster rivalries, test adaptability, and build a stronger connection with fans.
Key elements of the format include:
- Regional rivalries: Each conference competes internally in double-elimination tournaments before the best teams face off in inter-regional playoffs.
- Innovation with “Pick & Play”: Teams can select their opponents weekly, encouraging strategic and bold decisions that enhance excitement.
- Worlds qualification: The top teams from both conferences secure direct slots at Worlds, with additional spots earned through intense playoff battles.
The LTA also introduces residency rule adjustments, enabling teams to recruit one player from any region in the Americas without occupying an import slot. This flexibility ensures strong regional representation while allowing inter-regional collaboration.
As an addition to these changes, Riot Games has opened the door for casino and betting companies to sponsor LoL and VALORANT teams. This decision aligns with the growing legalization of gambling worldwide, particularly in esports. In countries like Brazil, recent regulatory frameworks have legitimized betting in traditional sports and esports, spurring significant investments in the industry.
Casino sponsorships bring substantial financial support to esports teams, enabling them to improve infrastructure, scout top talent, and invest in fan engagement. However, Riot maintains strict guidelines to ensure responsible advertising and protect younger audiences, preserving the integrity of its competitive ecosystem.
The Rise Of Esports Betting In Brazil
Esports betting has become a global phenomenon, driven by the legalization of gambling in numerous countries. In Brazil, the complete regulation of online betting in 2024 has propelled the industry to new heights. According to recent data from KTO, one of the biggest online casinos in the country, esports count for 1.33% of all active bets placed.
When it comes to e-football, the number is higher, about 5.12%, driven by the national passion for the sport and the amount of available information, like the quantity and quality of sports streaming.
Key factors fueling this growth include:
- Increased accessibility: Mobile apps and user-friendly platforms make it easier than ever for fans to place bets.
- Global reach: Esports tournaments are accessible to audiences worldwide, creating opportunities for international betting markets.
- Higher stakes events: With prestigious competitions like the LTA and VALORANT Champions Tour, fans are more engaged, driving betting activity.
While the intersection of esports and betting presents opportunities for online casinos, it also introduces challenges. Betting companies and esports organizations must prioritize player education, ensuring fans understand responsible betting practices. Furthermore, regulatory oversight is crucial to prevent match-fixing and maintain the integrity of competitive gaming.
The introduction of robust verification systems, as seen in Brazil’s gambling laws, helps mitigate these risks. Players are required to undergo identity verification, including document submission and geolocation checks, ensuring secure and fair transactions.
Brazil is driven by a passionate gaming culture and a rapidly expanding audience. The integration of casino sponsorships and the growth of esports betting underscore the country’s potential as a global leader in competitive gaming.
With events like the LTA playoffs hosted in São Paulo and international tournaments drawing massive audiences, Brazil is cementing its place at the heart of the esports industry. As the ecosystem matures, the collaboration between gaming, betting, and regulation promises a thriving future.
