EFG’s updated CS2 rulebook cuts off skin gambling sponsors for good

ESL FACEIT Group has drawn a firm line in the sand for Counter-Strike 2 teams: case-opening sites, skin gambling operations and skin trading platforms can no longer sponsor EFG-run events. The policy update, which brings EFG's own rulebook into alignment with licensing rules Valve put in place in December 2025, shuts down one of the most controversial but widespread sources of money in the Counter-Strike ecosystem.

What's actually changing in the rulebook

Previously, EFG's sponsorship guidelines focused on categories like drugs, adult content, and other material deemed likely to bring the tournament organizer into disrepute. While those restrictions are still in place, an explicit clause targeting any company that interacts with a player's Valve game inventory is now in place, covering platforms that allow users to deposit, wager/trade their skins.