Esports

Skyesports: Gamers Once Again Highlight Its Continued Partnership With an Online Betting Company; All We Know

Here we go again.

Skyesports: Gamers Once Again Highlight Its Continued Partnership With an Online Betting Company
Moulik Mathur
by Moulik Mathur 
 Posted June 17, 2024, 3:40 p.m.

Almost a year ago, Skyesports partnered with 1XBET, an online betting website banned in India. Right after the announcement, Skyesports, one of the major esports tournament organisers in the country, received backlash from the Indian gaming community. This was obvious with growing concerns about the diminishing distinction between video games and other entities involved in Real Money Games (RMG), betting, or gambling.

Fast-forward to the present, and the community has again highlighted the continued partnership between Skyesports and 1XBET. This time, the focus is on Skyesports Championship 2024, the upcoming C esports tournament for Counter-Strike 2.

Short-Term Gains Could Harm the Hard Work of the Video Games Industry Representatives

The video games industry has continuously tried to differentiate itself, including standing together in solidarity to request the government to clearly define a distinction between video games and other aspects, including RMG, betting, and gambling. This partnership between a major Indian esports tournament organiser and an illegal betting website risks damaging the movement for extremely short-term gains.

Esports is an extension of the video games industry, as it allows gamers to showcase their skills in a video game at the highest, competitive level. India has seen a surge in the popularity of esports, with many top teams, organisations, and content creators finding the public spotlight. Not long ago, several content creators and esports players representing the industry met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hence, IGN India believes that it is fair to say that key players in the industry are expected to play their part in this ongoing effort to gain a clear distinction for video games away from betting and gambling.

When we first reported on the collaboration between Skyesports and 1XBET, we reached out to the tournament organiser to gain clarity behind their decision. It shared "no comment" as a response to all our queries regarding the decision and Skyesports’ stance on a distinction between gambling, betting and esports.

IGN India has once again contacted Skyesports for a comment. We have also reached out to JetSynthesys, the parent company of Skyesports, regarding their stance on the matter. We will update this story if and when any of the entities respond.

Ministry Advisory Against Online Gambling Platforms

On March 21, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory warning "social media influencers against endorsing offshore online betting and gambling platforms." As per the notification, the ministry highlighted the "significant financial and socio-economic implications" of online gambling. It also warned that "failure to comply" would result in the "removal" of "social media posts and accounts".

IGN India’s Take on the Situation

As mentioned above, the Indian gaming landscape has continued to suffer from the intrusion of many RMG, betting, or gambling websites and apps. IGN India believes these companies are misleading the general public and gamers by using the terms "gaming" or "e-gaming". These companies hope to be included in the gaming industry for regulatory reasons.

Skyesports is one of India's major esports tournament organisers, often leading the charge of providing a platform for grand esports tournament spectacles in the country. As a key industry player, the organisation should lead by example and set a good example for others in nationwide representation and collaboration with relevant companies. These things are fundamental before a company aims to elevate the level of esports tournaments and put India on the global stage.

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