The Asian-facing and Isle of Man-based online gambling firm 188Bet has signed its first rugby sponsorship agreement - a one-year deal with rugby league football club Wigan Warriors, becoming the team’s official betting partner for the 2010 season.

188Bet already sponsors English Premier League soccer clubs Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers, and its logo will now appear on the sleeves of the team’s home and away shirts.

“188Bet is already establishing itself as a big name in professional team sports being principal sponsor with Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers as well as partner deals with Chelsea, Aston Villa, Liverpool and London Wasps RFC,” said Mick Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Wigan Warriors.

“We are delighted that it has now extended its support to Wigan Warriors for 2010. Having listened to its future plans regarding sports sponsorship, we are excited to be in partnership with it for the forthcoming season.”

The agreement will also see 188Bet offer match-day betting services to rugby fans at the team’s DW Stadium, which is the home for Wigan Athletic, along with an online service.

“Having already developed a strong relationship with Wigan Athletic, the company was keen to associate itself with Wigan Warriors,” said Andy Scott, CEO of 188Bet.

“The club is a like minded and progressive organisation with similar ambitious plans for the future that will allow 188Bet to enter into a new sporting sector. Wigan Warriors has a strong brand profile in England and internationally and we see it as the ideal partner and look forward to developing the association further.”

Source: Recent Poker

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