Gambling operator William Hill has become the Official European Betting Partner of Everton F.C., after signing a two-year deal with the English Premier League football club.
The partnership is to officially begin with the start of the 2016/17 Premier League season. Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, the two parties will be offering exclusive odds on a number of markets and on the football club’s English Premier League, FA Cup, and Capital 1 Cup matches. In addition, fans of the club will be provided with the chance to enter various competitions with attractive prizes.
The two-year deal will also secure William Hill with brand exposure on the football club’s LED screens and interview backdrops. The gambling operator said that it will engage in improving betting experience for Blues fans.
Commenting on the announcement, William Hill Chief Marketing Officer Alex O’Shaughnessy said that they are really happy to be joining Everton at such an important time of the club’s history. The official further noted that they are looking forward to working with the club and offering its millions of fans innovative betting experience across all available channels.
Alan McTavish, Everton F.C. Head of Commercial, said of the newly signed partnership that they are pleased to have one of the world’s largest gambling operators as their official betting partner and that they are convinced in the success of their association. Mr. McTavish, too, put an emphasis on the fact that the partnership will involve not only the provision of improved betting experience across retail but will also deploy the benefits offered by the emerging digital channel.
The announcement about the newly signed partnership comes at what could be described as quite tumultuous time for William Hill. Earlier this year, the gambling operator issued a profit warning, according to which the underperformance of its digital division would lead to lower-than-expected full-year profits.
Following that announcement, William Hill CEO James Henderson announced his sudden departure after spending more than three decades with the company.
Last week, gambling operators The Rank Group and 888 Holdings confirmed that they are interested in approaching William Hill with an offer for its acquisition. The major gambling company, however, expressed lukewarmness towards the potential bid.
William Hill is to post its half-year financial results on Friday, August 5.
