The desk's responsible-play policy, in plain language
The esportsx desk is an editorial newsroom. We do not run a sportsbook, take bets or sell picks. We publish this page so readers can find help if they need it, and so the desk's editorial position on gambling is on the record.
The desk's editorial position
Five short paragraphs. The whole policy in one place.
esportsx is an independent editorial newsroom covering competitive gaming. The desk does not run a sportsbook. The desk does not take bets. The desk does not sell picks. The desk does not publish a "who to bet on" column. The desk's revenue comes from a reader subscription and from the affiliate route for the tournament's first-party app — a separate product that the desk links to with a "PLAY NOW" button on every page.
The "PLAY NOW" button takes the reader to a first-party route that the desk does not control. The desk does not see what the reader does after clicking, does not see what the reader wagers, and does not receive any information about the reader's betting activity. The desk is paid a flat fee for the click, not a percentage of any wager.
Help resources
The following organisations provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling. The desk publishes these as a service to readers. The desk is not affiliated with any of them and does not receive any payment for the listing.
BeGambleAware
Free, confidential help for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. Helpline, live chat, and self-assessment tools.
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other to solve their common problem.
Gambling Therapy
Free online support and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling. Available in multiple languages.
For parents and guardians
A short note on the age question.
Competitive esports broadcasts are public events. The desk's website is intended for readers 18 and over. If you are a parent or guardian and you would like to limit a young person's access to gambling-adjacent content, the following tools can help.
Most modern routers, mobile operating systems and home network gateways include some form of content filter or screen-time control. The desk does not endorse any specific product, but we do encourage parents and guardians to use the tools available to them.
The desk is an editorial newsroom. Help resources are a click away.
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Editorial coverage of competitive gaming for readers 18 and over. esportsx is an independent newsroom. We do not operate a sportsbook, take bets or sell picks. For help with problem gambling see responsible play resources.
Why the desk takes this position
The desk's reasoning, in plain language.
The desk is an editorial publication covering competitive gaming. The desk's audience is the reader who watches the broadcast and wants to read more about the circuit. The desk's editorial incentive is to write the most useful, most accurate, most readable coverage of the competitive circuit.
The desk takes the position that running a sportsbook, taking bets, or selling picks would compromise that editorial incentive. Once the desk is in the betting business, the desk's coverage of any team, tournament, or match is potentially influenced by the desk's commercial interest in the betting outcome. The desk's readers would have to wonder whether the desk's coverage is editorial or promotional. The desk does not want its readers to have to wonder.
The desk's compromise is the affiliate route. The desk links to the tournament's first-party app with a "PLAY NOW" button. The desk is paid a flat fee for the click. The desk does not see what the reader does after clicking. The desk's editorial coverage is independent of the affiliate relationship.
How the desk reviews its coverage
The desk reviews its editorial coverage for responsible play concerns on a quarterly basis.
What the desk reviews
Every article the desk publishes is reviewed for responsible play concerns. The review looks for language that could be read as encouraging gambling, language that frames gambling as a solution to a problem, and language that oversimplifies the risks of gambling. The review is part of the desk's editorial workflow, not a separate process.
What the desk flags
The desk flags any article that uses language that could be read as encouraging gambling. The flag is added to the article and the original wording is preserved. The desk's quarterly review log is on the about page.
What the desk does not do
The desk does not use language that frames gambling as a solution to a problem. The desk does not use language that oversimplifies the risks of gambling. The desk does not publish stories that depend on a gambling outcome for their news value.
What the desk welcomes
The desk welcomes reader feedback on its responsible play coverage. Write to the desk via the contact page with a link to the article and the specific paragraph. The desk responds within two business days.