LONDON: English Premier League club Arsenal have become the latest club to jump on the betting bandwagon by signing a partnership deal with Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.

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Under the agreement, Paddy Power will serve as Arsenal’s ‘official betting partner’ in the UK, Ireland and Italy.

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The three-year deal will run from 2013-14 to 2015-16, with Paddy Power set to expand its online offering to customers and Arsenal supporters through a combination of offers and exclusive bets around key fixtures.

Arsenal fans will be targeted by Paddy Power through the club’s digital and social media channels, while the bookmaker will enjoy access to first-team players for promotional activities, hospitality at Emirates Stadium in London and Arsenal’s marketing database.

Last week, Arsenal agreed a similar deal to make online gaming website Bodog its official Asian betting partner.

The deals come at a time when, ironically, many media observers have criticised manager Arsene Wenger for not being willing to take a risk in the transfer market.

“As we enter into the season, we are delighted to have agreed a long-term deal to welcome back Paddy Power as a partner,” Arsenal’s head of global partnerships, Vinai Venkatesham, said. “They are a respected leader within the betting industry, and our partnership will ensure Arsenal fans have access to unique betting offers when backing their team.”