Ecstatic and Gamban Forge First-Ever Responsible Gambling Sponsorship in Esports
Danish CS2 team Ecstatic has made history by partnering with gambling-blocking software provider Gamban—the first esports sponsorship focused on harm prevention instead of betting. While most teams carry gambling logos, Ecstatic is taking a stand for player safety, launching community tools to support responsible play. At Chase the Scatter, we share that vision: gambling should always stay fun, safe, and on your terms.
Editorial Team
In an industry where gambling partnerships dominate, Danish Counter-Strike 2 team Ecstatic has taken a bold step by partnering with Gamban, a leading gambling-blocking software provider. This deal marks the first-ever collaboration between an esports team and a gambling harm prevention organisation—a striking contrast to the usual betting logos we see in competitive gaming.
A Shift in Esports Sponsorships
Esports has quickly become a prime target for betting operators, with around 80% of the top CS2 teams currently backed by gambling brands. High-profile examples include Team Vitality’s deal with Stake and Blast’s partnership with Underdog for multiple events this year.
But Ecstatic has chosen another route, putting responsible play at the heart of its sponsorship strategy. With Gamban as the main sponsor, the team will roll out initiatives such as a community Discord hub offering peer support groups, expert-led discussions, and digital tools for fans who want to reduce or stop gambling.
This focus directly addresses a younger fan base that might otherwise be vulnerable to offshore operators aggressively pushing esports betting.
A Personal Mission for Ecstatic’s Co-Owner
Co-owner Oliver “zipeL” Behrensdorff revealed that his decision was driven by personal experience with problem gambling:
“Installing Gamban was my first step toward change. We’re not here to judge anyone—we just want to give people the chance to take back control.”
This approach not only challenges the dominance of gambling operators in esports but also sends a powerful message: sponsorship doesn’t have to come at the cost of community well-being.
Why This Matters for the Gambling Industry
From a wider perspective, the Ecstatic–Gamban deal reflects a growing duality within the gambling sector. On one side, we see expansion—new casinos, innovative slots, and esports betting platforms. On the other, there’s increasing pressure for safer gambling tools and accountability.
For affiliates and operators alike, this is a reminder that long-term growth depends on balancing entertainment with protection. Solutions like Gamban play a role in keeping players safe, ensuring that online casinos and betting remain a sustainable form of entertainment.
Gamban’s Role in Esports
Beyond its well-known blocking software, Gamban has worked to shut down skin gambling sites, a shadowy part of the esports ecosystem. Co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin highlighted the importance of the Ecstatic partnership, calling it a “powerful first step” in showing that non-gambling sponsors can thrive in the esports space.
Final Thoughts
While casinos and sportsbooks remain central to esports funding, Ecstatic and Gamban are showing that the industry can also embrace partnerships built on responsibility.
At Chase the Scatter, we celebrate the thrill of slots, casinos, and betting—but we also know that gambling should always be safe and fun. That’s why we fully support initiatives like this. If you ever feel the excitement turning into pressure, remember: take a break, set limits, and play responsibly.
Article source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/31136/gamban-signs-with-ecstatic-for-first-gambling-harm-prevention-partnership-in-esports