📋 [NOTICE]
— VICI Gaming (@ViCi_Gaming) December 10, 2018
Dota2 Coach rOtk Penalized:
[Facebook]https://t.co/YWejzuVqmg
[Weibo] https://t.co/O1AXYpii09
A thread created by Redditor u/OwenNsasa initially broke the news of a potential ban for rOtK, who has a long history with Vici Gaming. Whether by accident or not, rOtK shared an exchange on stream about how PSG.LGD had cost him money in losing to Natus Vincere at the recent MegaFon Winter Clash.
A translation was provided by user u/soul1990, who also claimed the second person sounded like VG star Zhang 'Eurus' Chengjun but wasn’t sure:
Although there are apparently no explicit rules regarding Dota 2 professionals betting on matches, it is understood that Valve are not welcoming of the practice and has communicated this to players, coaches and talents previously.
A precedent was also set by former Ad Finem analyst Allen Cook and his admission of placing bets — both on his own team and OG — to place first and second in their group at the Boston Major. These predictions came to fruition, and Allen won around $1,350 as a result — and faced no punishment.
That is just it though... "this probably shouldn't happen" is exactly what the problem is. Unless I have missed it, there isn't a hard rule anywhere, but instead the idea that you shouldn't bet on matches if you are at all involved in the scene. One of those unwritten ones
— BreakyCPK (@breakycpk) December 10, 2018
In both cases, questions are raised about insider information and the ethics of betting on matches of an esport in which one is involved. In tradition sports such as football, for example, players are forbidden from betting on any match, whether in their home league or on the other side of the world.
The situation led to a discussion between statistician Noxville and caster Breaky on the issue of gambling in esports. Ultimately, confusion seems to come from this lack of a hard ruling from Valve.
As vocal as the faces are in the scene about not gambling on matches, I remember doing a poll asking this very question on as talent if it should be allowed, just out of curiosity. All my visual responses were No, however the poll suggested ~70% said yes its ok (~200 votes)
— BreakyCPK (@breakycpk) December 10, 2018
I also think (not to be rude) but people have a very skewed and selfish perspective on this type of thing. For example, if you asked your followers "should kids under the age of 18 be able to bet on skins", it's very likely you'll get a > 50% "sure" response.
— Ben Steenhuisen (@followNoxville) December 10, 2018
In their statement, Vici Gaming gives a history of rOtK at the organisation, dating back to The International 2014, but do not excuse his behaviour — citing the coach’s failure to ‘demonstrate his professionalism and positive image to the public.’
This follows an investigation by the organisation into rOtK’s activities, including a look into his bank account. They close the statement by apologising to the Dota 2 community, and specifically to the players at PSG.LGD.
Should professionals be allowed to bet on Dota 2 matches?
Header image: STARLADDER
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