Pressure on Gambling-Branded Esports Teams to Change Names in Singapore

Ahead of the PGL Major Singapore 2026 tournament in Singapore, several esports teams whose names or branding include gambling company names have reportedly been asked to change their names at the last minute. The tournament will run from November 24 to December 13. For Counter-Strike 2, the tournament's simultaneous viewership is expected to reach millions.

The tournament reportedly means that not all teams with gambling sponsors will be able to display those sponsors. BC.GAME, 1win Esports, BETBOOM and PARIVISION will have to do more than hide their sponsors, since they must change their entire organization names. Teams were reportedly given 24 hours to remove all gambling references, including names, logos and in-game cosmetic items.

It is reminded that in Singapore, online gambling is only permitted through Singapore Pools. Article 85 of the Gambling Control Act 2022 explicitly prohibits the promotion of unlicensed gambling and sponsorship and brand sharing agreements.

The news was first published by the Russian Counter-Strike 2 source Esports Base on its Telegram channel, and has not been independently confirmed by PGL or Valve. iGB asked PGL for comment. BC.GAME said it had sent a new team name and was awaiting a response from PGL and Valve. The company's CEO, Ali Muhanned, said they are aware of restrictions on gambling branding in countries where they are not licensed and will continue to comply with the rules.