Bookies bank on Premier League kudos

It was a busy month for betting firms and Premier League football teams, with no fewer than five new ‘official betting partner’ agreements between large companies and top-flight sides.

188Bet bagged the contracts for Chelsea and Aston Villa – to go nicely with their shirt sponsorships of Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers; while Bodog Europe did a deal with Fulham, Betfair with Manchester United and Sportingbet also linked up with Portsmouth.

“Portsmouth is such a well-known and well-supported club and we are excited to be part of this,” said Sportingbet chief executive Andy McIver.

Bodog Europe managing director Keith McDonnell said: “We are absolutely thrilled to kick off what we are certain will become a long-standing partnership with Fulham. We think it’s a perfect fit.”

And with no fewer than seven Premier League sides sponsored by betting firms this season, the ties between the world’s most famous football league and the gambling world are closer than ever.