English Premier League Teams Accepting Internet Casino Sponsors
Asian sports betting operator 188BET has signed a sponsorship deal with the Chelsea Football Club, the two announced this week. The Chelsea signing follows just days after 188BET reached a similar agreement with the Aston Villa Football Club, bringing two members of the English Premier League into partnerships with the online casino.The moves by English Premier teams lie in stark contrast to the policies of the National Football League and other sports groups in the US. While the NFL moves forcefully to lobby against gaming, the English Premier League, considered the ultimate league in the world's most popular sport, sees no harm in associating with gambling and sports betting.
The NFL has raised the issue of game integrity and the need to avoid gambling corruption. But the EPL even offers betting kiosks at games, unconcerned that fans' gambling could influence their soccer matches.
The new deal with 188BET will last three years, and is designed to help the soccer teams discover new markets in Asia. Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon compared the agreement to negotiations with other major companies, and noted 188BET's global position will help the club.
“Having just concluded a major extension with Samsung, we are delighted to have finalized another significant deal with a leading brand in 188Bet," said Kenyon in a press release.
