The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has seen a surge in the popularity of esports in recent years. As a result, many esports organizations have been looking to expand their presence in the region. However, one organization, League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), recently ran into trouble when it operated an unlicensed gaming event in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian General Authority for Entertainment (GAEA) recently fined LCS for operating an unlicensed gaming event in the country. The event, which was held in Riyadh in October 2020, was organized by the Saudi Arabian Esports Federation (SAEF). According to GAEA, the event was held without the necessary permits and licenses, and thus violated the country’s laws and regulations.

The fine imposed on LCS is a reminder that esports organizations must be aware of the laws and regulations of the countries they operate in. In Saudi Arabia, all gaming events must be licensed by GAEA before they can be held. Furthermore, all participants must be registered with GAEA and must adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the authority.

This incident highlights the importance of understanding local laws and regulations before operating any esports events. It is also important for esports organizations to ensure that their events are properly licensed and that all participants are registered with the relevant authorities. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.

Esports organizations must also be aware of the cultural sensitivities of the countries they operate in. In Saudi Arabia, for example, certain topics such as religion and politics are considered taboo and should not be discussed at esports events. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all participants adhere to local customs and traditions.

In conclusion, operating unlicensed gaming events can have serious consequences for esports organizations. It is therefore essential that all esports organizations understand and adhere to the laws and regulations of the countries they operate in. Furthermore, they must ensure that all participants are registered with the relevant authorities and that all events are properly licensed. Finally, they must be aware of local customs and traditions and ensure that all participants adhere to them.