How football clubs make money by offering gambling

Some are of the opinion that a football club owner who puts in £2m finds it comparatively easy to take out £1m. Money is the football world has boomed ever since the establishment of the English Premier League in 1992. £1 million is small change in the world of football finances today. There’s revenue from TV and other commercials, sponsorships, and much more. Manchester United has been one of the most successful clubs not only in terms of EPL championship titles but revenue as well. In the EP, commercial revenues have grown significantly as clubs seek to cash in on global interest in the competition. Even sponsorship deals have extended to not only shirts and kits but stadium naming rights as well.

The entry of American businesses into the EPL and other leagues began at a time when the sterling was at a much higher level compared to the dollar. U.S. businessmen have continued to foray into English football clubs that started with the Glazer’s takeover of Man United in 2005 and the purchase of Aston Villa in 2006 by Randy Lerner. Liverpool was handed over to Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2007. While there are millions of dollars spent there are also ways that clubs seek to bring back much more than they spend.

Some clubs like Everton Football Club operates a lottery for the general public in the UK to raise funds for the community and the creation of amenities and facilities to develop the sport amongst the youth. The lotteries are operated in a secure, fair and socially responsible way and are regulated by the Gambling Act 2005. Online gambling sites and casinos have been attracted to the sponsorship business. Due to the nature of contracts, gambling companies have the opportunity to sign up with football clubs. Manchester United previously earned an estimated €1.5 million per year from a sponsorship contract with Betfair. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal is viewed as a strong brand by their bookmaker GunnersGaming by Betsson. Tottenham Spurs official betting partner for the 2012-2013 season was betfred.com. Spurs’ fans are offered incentives such as free £10 bets on Spur’s next game and £50 vouchers that can be used on matched bets.

According to industry insiders, though the exact figures are hard to compute, the industry sees an upward of $50 billion USD in betting every year. Many of the top bookmakers and UK online casinos sponsor some or the other team in the European leagues and a part of the money made from betting goes towards the team. So the gambler gets his winning money, and the team he bet on too goes on to make some profit from the whole exercise. A win-win for all we should say!

If you are looking to place a bet on the upcoming EPL games, do look for reputed casinos that offer the chance to play real money casino games like online slots and online blackjack along with sports betting. You will definitely find it an interesting combination.