Bwin to Sponsor Manchester United

Bwin, one of the giants of online betting, this week signed a deal to become the major sponsor for Manchester United, one of the giants of European football and among the world's most recognised sporting brands.

Bwin and Man Utd

Bwin and Manchester United agreed to terms which will see the betting company's name replace that of rival Betfair on the famous red jersey. Bwin becomes the official online gaming and betting partner of the club, which gives it the opportunity to advertise its products and services to millions of Man U supporters around the world.

Online betting has become big business in recent years, and at the same time its links with football teams have strengthened. For example, Bwin now stands alongside AON Insurance, Nike, and DHL - three massive global companies - in holding multi million dollar a year deals with United.

English Premier League betting

Bwin's deal with Manchester United is good timing, as believe it or not the English Premier League season is just around the corner and will begin on August 18 - one week after the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. Bwin, William Hill, and the online sportsbooks are already offering odds.

In Bwin's English Premier League title odds, Man Utd is a 3.50 second favorite, trailing only cross-town arch rivals and defending champs Manchester City, who are 2.25. The other main contenders are, as usual, Chelsea, 4.50, Arsenal, 11.00, Tottenham Hotspur, 21.00, and Liverpool, 26.00.