CSGOEmpire
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Type of site | Skin gambling |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Headquarters | , |
| Owner | Moonrail Limited B.V. |
| URL | csgoempire |
| Launched | 2016 |
| Current status | Active |
CSGOEmpire is an online skin gambling platform that allows users to wager virtual cosmetic items ("skins") from Counter-Strike 2 (formerly Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) on games of chance and esports matches.[1] The site is operated by Moonrail Limited B.V. and holds a Curaçao gaming licence.[2] It launched in early 2016 and claims over five million registered users.[3]
Skin gambling emerged in the mid-2010s following Valve's introduction of cosmetic weapon skins to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 2013.[4] Because skins could be traded on the Steam marketplace and through third-party sites for real money, a secondary gambling economy developed around them.[4] By 2016, an estimated $5 billion worth of skins had been wagered on third-party sites.[5] Valve has consistently stated that it does not condone skin gambling and sent cease-and-desist letters to numerous gambling sites in 2016.[5]
CSGOEmpire is one of the longest-running platforms in this space.[6] The site offers roulette, coinflip, case openings, case battles, and a sportsbook covering both esports and traditional sports.[3] It also operates a peer-to-peer skin marketplace.[3]
PGL Major Copenhagen incident (2024)
On March 29, 2024, during a quarter-final match between G2 Esports and MOUZ at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, protesters stormed the stage, interrupting the game and damaging the tournament trophy.[1][7] The protest targeted G2 Esports' sponsorship deal with CSGORoll, a rival skin gambling platform.[1] CSGOEmpire's founder, known online as "Monarch," publicly claimed responsibility for organizing the stage rush and live-streamed the event on Kick.[7][8]
PGL temporarily halted the match, and the individuals involved were removed by police.[9] PGL stated it would press charges against the disruptors.[9] The incident drew widespread condemnation from the Counter-Strike community. Multiple esports organizations, including GamerLegion, BLEED Esports, and 3DMAX, subsequently withdrew from the upcoming CSGOEmpire Cup, a $50,000 online tournament, citing the disruption.[7] Monarch was also banned from the Kick streaming platform.[9]
In April 2024, CSGOEmpire published a formal apology, acknowledging that it had "caused hurt and inconvenience to players of the game" and pledging not to disrupt Valve competitions again.[8] The company simultaneously announced the launch of Duel.com, a separate gambling platform intended to operate independently of Valve and Counter-Strike.[1]