Ecstatic, a Danish esports team that competes in Counter-Strike 2, has announced the launch of a Gamban Discord Hub to support individuals suffering from gambling harm.
The team signed a sponsorship deal with Gamban, an online gambling blocking tool, last year. The Gamban Discord Hub aims to provide “a place for anyone affected by gambling harm to get together, chat, game, socialise, or just read what others have to say.”
Ecstatic co-owner Oliver “zipeL” Behrensdorff has been public about his own history of gambling problems, which led to the team partnering with a gambling support organization, rather than a gambling company.
When announcing the launch of the new tool, Gamban noted that more than 80% of the top 50 CS2 teams are sponsored by casinos or betting companies.
Offering Support To Isolated Gamblers
In comments to esports.net, Behrensdorff said the support hub is launching due to the widespread prevalence of gambling in society.
He stated, “Gambling used to require a place. Today, it requires only a signal. With a phone in your pocket, the casino is always within arm’s reach. That level of constant access, and still growing access, has made gambling addiction extremely relentless and more difficult to escape than ever before.”
While gambling is readily accessible, support is not, says Behrensdorff. He added, “On the contrary, support is often nowhere to be found. Most advice is scattered, and for many, it starts and ends with searching ‘how to quit gambling’ on YouTube. That’s not real support, but a lonely process in an environment that constantly pushes the opposite behaviour.”
New research has claimed that Americans are also starting to gamble at younger ages. A report claimed that 1 in 3 American boys aged 11 to 17 years old are gambling, with video games acting as the top way youths encounter gambling-like activities.
The Discord channel will have the following areas where users can participate in the community:
- General | Chat about your day, how you’re feeling, and anything in between.
- My Story | Connect with other like-minded people and give and receive advice.
- Forum | Start a new topic thread.
- Gaming | Chat about games, play together or just have it on in the background.
- Events | Live events with ECSTATIC, Gamban, and leading experts in gambling addiction.
Behrensdorff said his own experience of isolation in dealing with his gambling problem led to the development of these community-focused groups. He stated, “I wanted to create the Discord server to offer a safe space for people who want to step away from gambling and connect with others who truly understand. From my experience, the most effective path to quitting isn’t just information, it’s community.”
“There are so many people who have successfully quit and want to support others, and just as many who feel they have nobody to talk to or are too ashamed to speak up. Our hope is that this space can grow into both a supportive community and a reliable resource hub for gambling addiction – and provide crucial help to people who might otherwise have given up.”
Keep Gaming Fun
Gamban stressed that the Hub “is not a place for therapy, counciling or financial advice,” but users seeking these services will be directed to experts.
Jack Symons, Gamban founder, stated, “Drawing on over a decade of experience in gambling-blocking at Gamban, we want gaming to remain a harm-free source of enjoyment.
“For me, the hope is that the Hub brings wholesome community into gaming, helping fill the space that gambling might otherwise occupy. Whether you’ve struggled with gambling in the past, want to connect with others or want to keep gaming fun, come join us.”