Valve recently updated their tournament operation rules, announcing a ban on advertisements and sponsorships from gambling and case opening platforms in all tournaments. This restriction applies everywhere—from venue signage and team endorsements to the logos on players' jerseys.
Valve stated that displaying these ads infringes on their intellectual property. Furthermore, any authorized broadcasters (streamers) are strictly prohibited from showing this content. This targets those third-party case opening sites that were massive in China a few years ago; let's be honest, they are essentially just gambling platforms with non-transparent odds. These virtual case opening sites have ruined many lives.
Additionally, gambling related to CS matches is being targeted. Many sites support cash betting on scores and match outcomes, and this update bans these as well.
The image above shows an HLTV betting/prediction screen for the Budapest Major.
With this rule adjustment, many CS2 teams, tournament organizers, and streamers are bound to be affected and will face significant revenue losses. Future revenue sources will likely shift more towards hardware manufacturers, Red Bull, and similar traditional sponsors.
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