The influence of bwin.party has been felt in the sport of football for many years now, but did you know that their influence is even felt by the Arsenal? Some of you probably think that we are talking about the recent sponsorship of Manchester United by the company or their sponsorship of Real Madrid, but instead, we are referring to the partnership between the Arsenal and Betsson.

As some of you may be aware, the Arsenal signed into an agreement back in August of 2011 that will see Betsson serve as the Arsenal’s “Official Betting Partner.” What that means is that Betsson controls the betting terminals at the stadium during Arsenal games. In addition, the Arsenal themed gaming site at GunnersGaming.com is run by Betsson.

What does that have to do with bwin? Betsson is part of the Ongame Network, which is currently the 5th ranked poker network in the world. And if you ask who is the owner of the Ongame Network? You guessed it, bwin. Bwin has been operating the Ongame Network for several years and are actually in the process of selling the network as it is a surplus asset.

In the meantime, bwin is still pulling the strings. They have been expanding their sponsorship network in football for years and are even the title sponsor to two football leagues. A company that started as a major player in the poker world and whose biggest sponsorships involved sending players to the WSOP now has a significant impact on the football world in the terms of sponsorship.

When Ongame is sold, that should not affect the contract that they have with Arsenal as the contract is with Betsson. However, at least until Ongame is sold, this means that the Arsenal and some of their greatest rivals are actually affiliated with the same company.

[In collaboration with Daniel Smith, a fellow Football enthusiast and Arsenal Fan]