ONLINE POKER operator PokerStars has replaced rival firm BetClic as a sponsor of the French football club Olympique Lyonnais in the digital gaming and betting space.
The agreement, which began last weekend, will see video branding for one of the world’s largest online poker brands appear on screens inside the club’s 40,000-seat Stade De Gerland.
In addition, the PokerStars.fr website is to run a series of special tournaments giving fans of ‘Les Gones’ the chance to win prizes including shirts, scarves and tickets, along with trips to meet the players while Olympique Lyonnais is to display offers for the online poker brand via its own website.
“Digital is a major focus of development for the club,” said Vincent-Baptiste Closon, marketing director for the seven-time domestic champions.
“PokerStars is a major player in the digital arena so it is natural for us to associate with this site.”
Among the main gaming and betting operators in the French market, Betclic is the main shirt partner of Olympique de Marseille, while Winamax is the main shirt sponsor of St Etienne and a betting partner of Paris St Germain.
By Matthew Glendinning
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @mattglen