Manchester United Signs up Bwin

Bwin, the leading European online gambling operator, has signed a deal that will see it become the official betting sponsor of Manchester United, the giant of English and European football.

Bwin will integrate its services with Man United's official website and provide exclusive betting opportunities to the club's fans under the deal. This exposes it to a global fan base of tens of millions inside Europe and an estimated 569 million followers outside of the continent - mainly in Asia.

According to co-CEO Norbert Teufelberger, this deal supports Bwin's real money gaming business and complements its recent foray into social gaming. He pointed out that football is fundamental to the company's long-term success, making up approximately half of its total sports betting revenue of €261 million in 2011.

Despite being sponsored by Bwin, Manchester United is playing second fiddle to cross-town arch-rivals Manchester City in the Bwin Premier League title odds. With the season underway this week, City are 2.30, United 2.70, Chelsea 5.00, 17.00, and Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool 41.00.

Thanks to the Xpert: Premier League promo, online betting customers can place a wager on three-way single bets on the first three weeks of the season to be in the running for a share of a EUR 1,000 prize pool. Check out Bwin  for all the details.