Swedish Unibet could lose out in its efforts to sponsor a Tour De France cycling team
Thursday 21st June 2007
An argument has arisen between online gambling group Unibet and the organizers of the Tour De France cycle race over a decision to ban the company’s sponsorship of a team in the event.
Contrary to European Court rulings, France upholds a ban on advertising by all foreign online gambling operators, including free online bingo game operators, to protect the position enjoyed by lottery operator La Francaise Des Jeux. This State-run company sponsors a team in the Tour De France and this has particularly upset Unibet, a Swedish-owned company.
Unibet has invested heavily in cycling’s premier event and stands to lose a lot of money if it is barred from being represented at one of France’s biggest annual sporting events.
Unibet said that it caters to about 1.7 million online customers in the sportsbetting, poker and casino games sectors but does not currently offer an online bingo option.
