Codere is raising a claim at the Madrid Commercial Court that Bwin’s advertising contravenes competition laws in the country. Codere’s claim has stated that “Bwin carries out unfair advertising, competing unfairly in Spain with authorised operators such as Codere”.
Bwin's name first appeared on Real's shirt at the start of the 2007-08 season, and in 2009 the two parties agreed an extension through to 2013 reportedly worth in excess of Eur20 million per year. Online betting companies that have struck shirt sponsorship deals have run into opposition in several European countries in recent years, including France and Germany, although the legislation against such firms is gradually being relaxed.
“Authorised gambling operators in Spain are not permitted to advertise or may only do so subject to stringent restrictions and after obtaining authorisation from the authority,” read a statement from Codere.
“Neither are authorised operators able to operate games through the internet, although they have the necessary technology and expertise to do so, since these games are prohibited in Spain and in some cases may be activities liable for prosecution in the context of criminal law,” the statement added.
