BURNLEY have secured the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in the club’s history after signing up with Chinese entertainment company Fun88.

In a multi-million pound deal, Fun 88, who operate a fully registered online casino and sports book, will see their name advertised on the club’s home and away shirts for an initial two years.

The Clarets’ first-ever international shirt sponsorship deal will bring to an end their one-year association with Padiham-based Samuel Cooke & Co Ltd, as the Turf Moor club look to broaden their profile in Asia and create potential new overseas investors.

Historically, Burnley’s shirt sponsors have been British firms with many located in East Lancashire.

Prior to their partnership with fuel suppliers Cooke, the Clarets were tied up for two years with Baxenden-based pie manufacturer Hollands Pies.

Clarets chairman Barry Kilby believes the historic new deal with Fun88 can open new and ambitious doors for the Premier League club.

“We are delighted and proud to have secured Fun88 as our shirt sponsors for the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons,” said Kilby.

“This multi-million-pound deal is clear evidence of the global appeal of Burnley Football Club as a result of our Premier League status.

“We had discussions with many top international companies, expressing an interest in getting involved with the club.

“But we feel the special relationship we have enjoyed and established with Fun88 will be one that is hugely beneficial to both parties.

“We look forward immensely to working with them on several exciting ventures over the next two years.”

Burnley are the latest in a increasing line of top-flight clubs to have been targeted by the gambling industry for shirt sponsorship rights.

In all, seven of the current 20 Premier League clubs - Tottenham, West Ham, Wigan, Bolton, Sunderland, Wolves and Hull City - bear the logo of online betting companies.

Nick Lee, spokesman for Isle of Man-based Welton Holdings Limited, owners of Fun88, said: “Sponsoring Burnley is in line with Fun88’s ambitions to move our brand to the next level in Asia, as well as giving Fun88 a key platform to reach out to the European market where it intends to penetrate in the next season.

“As part of the club sponsorship, Fun88 will be launching a number of marketing initiatives in the next few months.

“This will further reinforce Fun88’s association with the club.”

Fun88’s website, which gained a gaming licence in the Isle of Man in October 2009, has the motto: Where Dreams Come True.

As well as offering online betting on all major sporting events across the globe, including football, basketball, golf and cricket, the firm also has a virtual casino. Here, customers can play poker, roulette and slot machines.