Rugby Team Accepts Online Casino Sponsorship

A top-level European rugby team announced it would accept sponsorship, including betting services, from online casino and wagering operator Sportingbet.

Hull Kingston Rovers, a rugby team from the UK competing in Europe's top league, announced it would enter into  a sponsorship arrangement with online casino operator Sportingbet. The deal continues a burgeoning European acceptance of relationships between sporting clubs and the online gambling sites which handle betting on them.

Sportingbet's logo will appear on Hull's jerseys, as well as throughout the home stadium. The sports betting company will also appear on the Hull website, carry Hull news and promotions on its own sites, and feature betting services for Hull followers.

"Sportingbet.com is Europe's biggest online bookmaker and we are delighted to be working with them," stated Hull Chairman Neil Hudgell.

"Hull Kingston Rovers is such a well known and well supported club and its profile has been growing immensely over the last few seasons," said Sportingbet official Marc Thomas. "Sportingbet.com is excited to be part of this and like all other rugby league supporters we can't wait for the season to begin."

Soccer teams and other European sports have formed deals with online gambling sites, even allowing gambling kiosks within stadium walls. The attitude differs greatly from the US sport approach, which is exemplified by the NFL's disingenuous denial of fan betting, combined with ferocious resistance to legalization of gambling.