Manx betting firm in double NW Premiership deal
ISLE of Man gaming company 188BET is striking in to the North West football sponsorship market with a twin pronged attack.
It has become the first brand to sign shirt sponsorship deals with two clubs, local rivals Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
The company, which specialises in in-play football betting, has signed two-year deals for the sponsorships of the club’s adult replica kit.
The deals mark 188BET’s first significant step into the English football market.
The new look kits will be unveiled by the clubs this week and will be worn for the first time in each team’s last home game of the season; on Saturday when Bolton Wanderers play Hull City and on May 24 when Wigan Athletic take on Portsmouth.
Andy Scott, CEO of 188BET, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, both of whom offer 188BET significant brand exposure in the world’s greatest football league.
“We were looking for a unique opportunity to mark 188BET’s first major foray in the UK market, and feel that the collaborative engagement with both Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic shall help us to further grow the strength of our brand.
“We have ambitious plans to develop our brand across Europe over the next two years and are excited about working with our new partners to drive this forward.”
Phil Gartside, chairman of Bolton Wanderers, said: “This is a fantastic deal and the beginning of an exciting partnership with 188BET. We are looking forward to developing it further as we move forward in the future, and working alongside 188BET on a number of major initiatives for the club and the fans.”
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan added: “We are delighted to have attracted a new sponsor with such strong global reach. This record agreement will enable Wigan Athletic to build its profile internationally as well as introducing 188BET to the UK market. We look forward to working together to develop the partnership both on and off the pitch.”
Wigan was formerly sponsored by JJB Sports and Bolton by sportswear brand Reebok.
