Staying with LeoVegas Group
BetUK.com, a sportsbook owned by LeoVegas, has been announced as the new official betting partner and shirt sponsor of Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
BetUK replaces Royal Panda after the online casino announced its decision to withdraw from the UK gaming market at the end of January earlier this month.
Perks for all involved
The South Africa Road Stand at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium will feature the BetUK logo as well, along with the training facility and other sections of the stadium. The sponsorship deal with BetUK also includes additional promotional materials.
QPR fans will be able to have their shirts match the new sponsorship branding, thanks to a embellishment amnesty offer from BetUK and the team. Any fan who has a Royal Panda branded shirt from the 2019/2020 season can have the logo changed to BetUK at no cost.
A spokesperson for BetUK stated that they wanted to give supporters the ability to match their shirt with one that players will wear. The spokesperson said:
It’s important for us that we create a strong link between BetUK.com, the club and the supporters.”
QPR’s Commercial Director Euan Inglis commented on their former sponsor, Royal Panda, stating the brand was a fantastic partner for the past two-and-a-half seasons. While the brand has been replaced, the relationship between QPR and the LeoVegas Group will be maintained with BetUK coming on board.
Royal Panda’s UK exit
Earlier this month, LeoVegas announced Royal Panda’s exit from the UK market. LeoVegas gave no clear reason for the exit. A notice posted on the Royal Panda website gave customers more information regarding the removal of services and a timeline for the exit.
Starting on January 8, players in the UK could no longer create a new account at Royal Panda. From January 20, deposits were stopped and sports bets no longer accepted. On January 31, players will no longer be able to place any type of wager from the site or access the account. Players have been advised to withdraw funds before 9am GMT on January 31, 2020.