Betway signs as Real Betis sponsor despite expected ban
The deal comes as Spain proposes to ban gambling sponsorship in sport.
Spain.- Proposals to ban gambling sponsorship in sport are not putting operators off pre-season deals.
Betway has just sealed a new two-year agreement to become the shirt sponsor of Seville-based Real Betis Balompié.
Betway’s logo will appear on Real Betis’ green and white jersey from the start of the 2020/21 La Liga season, and the operator will gain brand exposure around the perimeter of the Benito Villamarin stadium.
Betway CEO, Anthony Werkman, said: “Real Betis play in one of the most popular leagues in the world, where we already have a tremendous presence.
“We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with one of the established clubs with a great history. We look forward to showcasing Betway to their fans and the people of Seville.”
Ramón Alarcón, General Director of Business of Real Betis Balompié, said: “At Real Betis we have been working in the digital environment for many years to increase the value of our advertising assets.
“This sponsorship agreement, which is the most important quantitatively in our history, recognises this work, for which we are proud.
“In addition, the agreement comes with a leading company in the sector, with scrupulous compliance with current regulations.”
Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has already received approval for tough restrictions on gambling promotion, to which Minister Alberto Garzón has added a ban on all gambling shirt sponsorship in sports.
It is expected the restrictions could be introduced by the end of the year.
Similar measures have been proposed by the UK’s House of Lords, but that hasn’t stopped a flurry of pre-season sponsorship deals involving betting operators in the last few days.
Newly promoted Leeds United have announced SBOTOP, part of the Celton Manx Group, will replace Kindred’s 32Red as its shirt sponsor for the new season in a record deal for the club.
Last week, W88 signed a shirt sponsorship deal with Premiership side Crystal Palace.
