Cryptocurrency-based betting operator, Sportsbet.io has expanded its sponsorship with Premier League club, Southampton with the addition of a new VIP experience that uses virtual reality (VR) technology.
With fans being asked to stay away from football grounds due to the COVID-19, Sportbet.io turned to VR to bring the matchday experience to the fans at home. As part of their club partnership, Southampton enthusiasts can now enjoy full 360° videos of exclusive football content straight from their mobile devices.
Coingaming Group’s cryptocurrency sportsbook will also leverage the new venture to engage Saints fans and educate them about cryptocurrency. It will reportedly reward influencers with Bitcoin to create their own VIP experience.
The new deal comes nearly six months after Sportsbet.io secured its sponsorship deal with the English football team. The sports betting firm has been selected as the club’s new main partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2020/21 season.
The Saints featured Sportsbet.io on the front of their first-team kit just after the team’s agreement with LD Sports was terminated in August. Sportsbet.io’s logo on the front of Southampton’s shirts includes the Bitcoin logo.
“We think cryptocurrency has a big future in football and we’re right behind it. Alongside fan experiences like this, we’ve just seen the first Bitcoin transfer take place where a footballer was purchased using cryptocurrency and signed for DUX Internacional de Madrid, and earlier this year NFL pro footballer, Russell Okung said he’s getting his salary in Bitcoin. We’re likely to see more of the same – from clubs finding new ways to engage with fans on a match day to the way business is done at the top of the game,” stated Tim Heath, Founder of the Coingaming Group.
(Photo: Sportsbet.io)
