SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Netherlands National Cycling Association (KNWU) has announced European online bookmaker Unibet as its new main sponsor.
The four year sponsorship deal will begin in 2017, with KNWU unveiling its new cycling jersey branded with six green dot representing Unibet’s logo.
At present the Unibet brand cannot be displayed as official sponsor, as the operator awaits to enter the licensed Dutch online gambling market.
Speaking to national media, KNWU Chairman Marcel Wintels welcomed Unibet to Dutch cycling, stating that their sponsorship was vital to the continued support of the sport in the Netherlands.
“Funding for sports is a complicated field of play. Our sport must make the leap into the future; we cannot only continue with the current partners.” Wintels commented to Dutch news sources.
KNWU governance stated that it respected Unibet’s current position with regards to the Dutch online gambling market. The Stockholm listed operator has previously stated its interest in entering the licensed Dutch market, under fair business conditions.
Nevertheless the Dutch online gambling agenda, has hit several roadblocks, with several members of the ruling parliamentary coalition supporting a fixed 29% gross gaming revenue tax on all services.
Industry insiders have question whether any progress will be made on the online gambling agenda as the country’s next National Election looms (polling date can take place no later than 15 March 2017).
