Betway, a brand notorious for lowering its Return to Player (RTP) percentages, has recently been named the Official European Betting Partner of Chelsea Football Club. This new partnership adds to Betway's growing list of affiliations with top Premier League teams, further fueling speculation about how the company generates the extra revenue needed to secure such high-profile deals.

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As part of this agreement, Betway's logo will be prominently displayed on the LED advertising boards at Stamford Bridge during all domestic matches. In addition to the branding exposure, Betway and Chelsea will collaborate on creating exclusive content and fan experiences, including opportunities to meet players and even play on the pitch. The brand has also committed to supporting Chelsea in promoting safer gambling initiatives.

However, industry insiders point to Betway's practice of lowering RTP percentages as a key factor in their ability to fund these expensive sponsorship deals. By offering games with reduced payout rates, Betway ensures a higher profit margin, which critics argue comes at the expense of players' chances of winning. This controversial approach allows the company to accumulate the extra cash needed to sponsor not just Chelsea, but also several other major football clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, and West Ham United.

Chelsea’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to fans. “We are really pleased to welcome Betway as our Official European Betting Partner. Their focus on creating memorable experiences for fans aligns with our values at Chelsea,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Super Group CEO Neal Menashe celebrated the deal, calling it an opportunity for Betway to expand its brand and engage with football fans on a global scale.

However, the growing concern among players and industry experts about Betway's revenue tactics casts a shadow over these sponsorships.

As Betway continues to expand its reach in the football world, questions remain about the ethical implications of their business model and the true cost to the millions of players who use their platform.