LeoVegas switches QPR sponsorship following Royal Panda's UK exit

Malta-headquartered operator LeoVegas has confirmed its Bet UK brand will become the official betting and shirt sponsor of EFL side Queens Park Rangers (QPR), replacing Royal Panda.

The decision follows the exit of its Royal Panda brand from the UK market earlier this month, in a move which will see the company focus its attentions in the country on its flagship LeoVegas and other Rocket X brands.

At the time, the decision was attributed to continued poor performance of Royal Panda in the UK.

As well as Bet UK’s logo appearing on QPR’s home shirts throughout the remainder of the 2019/20 season, Bet UK will be displayed at the West London club’s Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium (previously Loftus Road), mainly across the South Africa Road Stand, as well as throughout other parts of the stadium and the club’s training facility.

🤝 #QPR x @BetUKOfficial

The LeoVegas-owned sportsbook will take over as our official betting partner and shirt sponsor for the remainder 2019/20.

— QPR FC (@QPR) January 29, 2020

In addition, Bet UK and QPR have agreed a ‘shirt establishment amnesty’, whereby any individual can have their Royal Panda-branded shirt replaced with a Bet UK logo at no additional cost.

A spokesperson for the operator said this was to allow club supporters to match their home shirts with the current first-team squad.

“It’s important for us that we create a strong link between BetUK.com, the club and the supporters. We are excited to immerse ourselves into the club’s culture and fan base,” the spokesperson said.

QPR commercial director Euan Inglis said that the Royal Panda brand had been a “fantastic partner” for the club during the last two-and-a-half seasons.

“Although Royal Panda will be replaced by BetUK.com until the end of this season, our relationship with the group will be maintained by BetUK.com coming on board,” Inglis added.

The Royal Panda brand will officially be closed to UK customers from 31 January.