14: SBOBET (2016)

SBOBET has strengthened its position in the top 20 almost purely on the strength of its Asia-facing business, which EGR understands continues to contribute the overwhelming proportion of the operator’s revenues.

However, as with previous years the majority of revenues derived from unregulated markets means the operator’s overall score has been factored down, otherwise it could have featured higher up the table.

The Celton Manx-operated firm appears unaffected by its continued absence from the UK market, which has seen SBOBET miss out on high-profile football sponsorship deals many of its Asia-facing rivals have taken advantage of.

The firm did make a play in Ireland earlier this year, when signing a trio of sponsorships with football clubs Dundalk, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City.