Crystal Palace’s ‘record’ shirt sponsorship deal with a previously unheard of Vietnamese bookmaker under scrutiny

Palace yesterday announced what they called a “record two-year deal” for the previously unheard of Asian ­betting company to become their front-of-shirt sponsor.

Little is known about NET88, who do not have a working website in the UK and did not even have an official account on X, formerly Twitter, until this week.

A holding page on NET88’s website says: “We are working on building a brand new betting experience. Our full website will be live soon. Net88 promotes responsible, legal gambling.”

In their announcement yesterday, Palace described NET88 as a provider of “online gaming services” and did not reference it is a betting website.

Palace’s deal came a day after Wolves announced a similar “record deal” for Vietnamese gambling firm Debet to become their shirt sponsor.

Premier League clubs have collectively agreed to ban gambling sponsorship on their shirts from the end of the 2025-26 season, but clubs are allowed to secure new deals until that deadline. Palace have been contacted for comment.

Their chief commercial officer Barry Webber said in the announcement yesterday: “We’re pleased to announce this principal partnership. Net88 is a global online gaming platform and we’re looking forward to working with them.”

A NET88 spokesperson said: “Everyone at Net88 is excited to work with Crystal Palace after a fantastic end to last season.

“We are delighted to join a club that is moving forward. We are proud to be the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor and aim to build a successful relationship with the team and fans.”