READING Raiders Rugby League Club have hit the jackpot after Grosvenor Casino decided to become the principal sponsor of the fledgling outfit.

The Grosvenor Casinos of Queen’s Road and Rose Kiln Road each put £500 down on the Raiders, leaving the club with £1,000 to go towards pitch fees, equipment and kit stitching for their debut season.

The deal will see the Raiders hold their official functions at a choice of either of the two casinos and wear the casino’s logo on their shirts after Grosvenor decided to roll the dice on Berkshire’s only amateur rugby league club.

Raiders chairman, Andrew Belt, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Grosvenor Casino as our first main sponsor and I hope we add value to their business. They approached us when we were just setting up as a club and have been a pleasure to deal with throughout our conversations.

“The money ensures we will be able to get set up and host our first game in the town this month and it’s great that the deal ensures we have a venue to host what should be some fantastic club functions in the near future. I hope this is the start of a long-term relationship and look forward to working with Grosvenor on an ongoing basis.”

Grosvenor Casino Reading Central Manager, Steve Challis, said: “Grosvenor Casinos are committed to working with local communities, charities and are happy to be sponsoring a local team.

“We wish Reading Raiders every success and feel sure than the enthusiasm we have seen so far will enable the team to grow stronger and we hope the sponsorship will help in that regard.”

Reading Raiders are due to play their first home fixture, at Berkshire County Sports Club, in the second leg of the Kennet Cup versus Swindon St George A on Saturday.

For more information email readingroyalsrlfc@gmail.com and to keep up to date, follow @ReadingRRLFC on Twitter or like www.facebook.com/ReadingRLFC/