Real Betis selects Betway as its official shirt sponsor

Betway has secured a new agreement with Spanish top-flight football club Real Betis Balompié to become the team’s official shirt sponsor.

The two-year agreement will see the operator’s logo feature on Real Betis’ green and white jersey from the start of the 2020/21 La Liga season.

In addition, Betway will benefit from additional brand exposure with its logo shown around the perimeter of their Benito Villamarin stadium.

Anthony Werkman, Betway, CEO 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 added: “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.”

The agreement comes at a time when the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs is considering proposals which will toughen up regulations on betting companies, including restrictions to sponsorship agreements and advertising exposure.

Under the new proposals to amend the Royal Decree, Spanish Minister of Consumer Affairs Alberto Garzón has altered the wording of the ruling to state that “sponsorship in sports T-shirts or equipment will not be admissible”, with gambling companies already banned from featuring on youth shirts.

Last month, Spanish online gambling trade body Jdigital launched a EU-level appeal against the Consumer Affairs Ministry’s actions – stating that the regulatory department had not followed correct business procedures in its enforcement of the new advertising and sponsorship restrictions.

Making its appeal to EC adjudicators, Jdigital stated that Garzon and the Spanish government had altered the Royal Decree drastically from its original mandate, enforcing last minute adjustment without any formal oversight from business stakeholders.