SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Scottish League One side Ayr United have agreed terms on an improved shirt sponsorship deal with the online gaming brand Bodog. The partnership is one of the longest partnerships in Scottish Football as the two team up fifth consecutive season.
Bodog, which is also Official Asian Betting Partner with Arsenal FC, has seen Ayr make it to two cup semi finals as well as the highs of promotion and the lows of relegation.
Bodog founder Calvin Ayre commented: “The new manager has brought about a tangible change of mood at Ayr United and we think that the rest of the current season will build a strong platform for a massive 2015-16 season. Ian’s appointment seems to have lifted the club, the players and us supporters so, as we say over here ‘Lets kick some ass!’”
Commercial manager Graeme Miller added: “Bodog were delighted to enter into talks earlier than ever before this year as we can now get our new strips ready for the fans to buy at our final home game against Stirling on the 25th April. Our fans will be wearing the stunning new tops all over the World this Summer! Bodog’s passion for the club make them a pleasure to deal with and we are convinced that next season will be a hugely successful one with them on board.”
Bodog is one of the few unlicensed operators in the UK to continue its shirt sponsorship campaigns, in the face of disapproval from the Gambling Commission. As Bodog does not take UK customers, it is still able to sponsor Ayr United without a licence, although the regulator has been actively discouraging sports teams from signing UK-facing deals with non-licensed operators.
