888.com to sponsor new UK TV channel; Unibet deals with EuroHockey Championships

888.com to sponsor new UK TV channel; Unibet deals with EuroHockey Championships

888.com to sponsor new UK TV channel; Unibet deals with EuroHockey ChampionshipsTwo online gaming companies have successfully announced separate sponsorship deals, bolstering their presence in the world of television and sports, respectively.

First up is 888 Holdings, which recently announced an exclusive sponsorship deal with new UK TV channel Spike. The partnership with the free-to-air TV channel gives 888 the platform to promote its online gaming and sports betting services in the channel operated by the UK’s Channel 5 and Viacom.

Viewers in the US might be familiar with Spike, the general entertainment channel that features an eclectic mix of original programming, syndicated, shows, movies, and sports shows.

With the channel’s move across the Atlantic, 888 is confident that Spike will boost the online gaming company’s profile, especially with younger audiences, Spike’s key demographic.

“888 is delighted to launch a multi-brand sponsorship agreement with Spike for their exciting UK launch,” 888.com Senior Vice President of B2C Itai Pazner said in a statement. “The Spike channel and brand has been highly successful in the US and their target audience is the perfect fit for our strong 888Sport, 888Casino and 888Poker brands.”

Not to be outdone, online gaming operator Unibet also announced a new deal to become the title sponsor of the EuroHockey Championships 2015 in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from August 21-30.

Despite the fact that England isn’t considered a hockey powerhouse, Unibet is taking advantage of the tournament to promote itself as an equal-opportunity sports betting site that caters to a wide range of sports, hockey included.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Eurohockey Championships 2015 and believe this fits in with Unibet’s passionate, friendly and expert values,” Unibet UK Manager Phillip Manzi said in a statement. “[The company] prides itself on being the home for all sports, especially those that people are passionate about, and Hockey certainly fits the bill.”

EuroHockey organizing committee chairman Andy Tarpley echoed those sentiments, hailing Unibet’s “genuine passion and expertise across all sports” as one of the reasons the deal got done.

“The partnership will help us create more interest in the event and continue to grow hockey in the run up to the Olympics,” Tarpley added.