Gamban has launched a new community-based support initiative on Discord, partnering with Counter-Strike 2 esports team Ecstatic to provide an accessible space for individuals affected by gambling-related harm within gaming and esports communities.
The Gamban Discord Hub has been designed as a non-clinical environment where users can socialise, play games, share experiences or simply observe conversations without pressure to participate.
The supplier said the initiative responds to the isolation many people experience when stepping away from gambling, particularly when avoiding familiar social spaces that may act as triggers.
Rather than directing users towards formal support settings, the hub aims to meet people where they already are. Discord is widely used across gaming and esports communities, making it a natural environment for open discussion without the formality often associated with recovery services. Gamban said this approach lowers barriers to engagement, particularly for younger audiences.
The hub includes multiple themed channels, covering general discussion, personal recovery stories, gaming activity, forums and live events. Scheduled sessions will feature contributors from Gamban, Ecstatic and external experts in gambling harm. A library of localised support resources is also available for users seeking professional help.
The initiative is moderated by trained volunteers, with oversight focused on maintaining a safe, respectful environment and removing users acting in bad faith.
Gamban has stressed that the hub does not provide therapy, counselling or financial advice, but instead acts as a gateway to connection and signposting.
The partnership with Ecstatic reflects growing concern around gambling exposure within esports. Gambling sponsorship now represents a significant share of esports commercial revenue, with betting, skin gambling and crypto-style wagering increasingly normalised across competitive gaming.
Much of this activity takes place on lightly regulated or unregulated platforms, heightening risks for younger players and fans.
Ecstatic, founded in 2018, has positioned itself as an organisation seeking to challenge that trend. The collaboration with Gamban has been framed by both parties as a harm-prevention initiative rather than a commercial sponsorship.
The launch comes as betting-linked esports content continues to expand. In January 2026, SIS rolled out 24/7 racing and esports betting content with UK operator Midnite, adding high-frequency head-to-head esports fixtures alongside live racing.
The deal delivered more than 225,000 annual simulated esports events, highlighting the scale and accessibility of wagering opportunities tied to gaming ecosystems.
While such integrations underline commercial growth, they have also intensified scrutiny around player protection and exposure to gambling harms within esports-adjacent spaces.
Gamban provides gambling-blocking software used globally and has increasingly focused on harm prevention initiatives linked to gaming, esports and digital-first communities
