SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
As part of a new educational campaign driven by Sportsbet.io, Premier League side Watford FC will display the Bitcoin logo (₿) on the shirt sleeves throughout the 2019/20 season.
It forms part of a wider campaign to boost awareness of the cryptocurrency and offer further education to the public on its benefits.
Justin Le Brocque, Head of Sportsbet.io Marketing, said: “The crypto community have been hugely supportive of us since we began, so putting the Bitcoin logo on the sleeve felt like a fun way to give something back while also showing them our support.”
The betting operator signed a three-year deal back in June of this year to become the team’s primary shirt sponsor, marking the first time a company known for blockchain and cryptocurrency had appeared on the front of a Premier League shirt. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of Sportsbet.io’s ‘Know No Borders’ campaign.
As part of the Bitcoin campaign, the sponsorship is set to be crowd-funded with Sportsbet.io ‘allowing anyone who holds Bitcoin the opportunity to share in the perks granted to Watford FC sponsors.’
Those contributing to the initiative will be given the opportunity to bid for LED space shown live during matches, as well as the use of the Bitcoin box for eight people and exclusive Watford FC merchandise.
“Some of the biggest challenges we, and others like us, face is raising awareness, dispelling common myths around cryptos and educating the public on the advantages and opportunities presented by cryptocurrencies,” continued Le Brocque.
“Our partnership with Watford marks a major disruption in the world of traditional sports sponsorship, and by adding the Bitcoin logo we hope this world’s first partnership will create even more buzz around cryptocurrencies.”
Scott Duxbury, Hornets’ Chairman & CEO, added: “Placing the Bitcoin logo on a Premier League shirt is something that challenges the accepted norm. We’re excited about the partnerships and the potential for new global conversations that it could help start for our club.”
