SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Chairman Barry Hearn has confirmed that bwin will be sponsors of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton for the next two years.
The Grand Slam of Darts, a cross-code event for both PDC and British Darts Organisation (BDO) players, was introduced in 2007 and sees 32 players competing across nine days, with a round-robin group phase followed by a knockout stage.
Won for the past two years at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall by Michael van Gerwen, the tournament has also seen Phil Taylor, Scott Waites and Raymond van Barneveld lift the trophy over the past decade.
Hearn commented: “It’s great to welcome bwin as the new title sponsor for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts. Their previous sponsorship of the World Cup of Darts came at a time of huge growth for that event in Germany in 2014 and 2015.
“Their backing of the Grand Slam of Darts will not only showcase the brand across nine days of fantastic darts in Wolverhampton, but provides worldwide exposure through Sky Sports and our international broadcast partners.”
Adam Lewis, CMO of bwin, added: “We’re delighted to become the title sponsor of the bwin Grand Slam of Darts. It is a huge tournament that continues to grow in popularity every year, with an ever-increasing international reach. Darts is enjoying a huge boom and it’s great for us to link up once again with the PDC to sponsor this prestigious tournament.”
Prize money for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts 2017, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 11-19 November, has increased to £450,000, with the first prize rising to £110,000.
