GROSVENOR Casinos are rolling the dice on rugby league in Berkshire again after agreeing to remain as Reading Raiders’ main sponsor for the 2017 season.

Having gambled on the fledgling venture last year, enabling the Raiders to get off the ground, the company’s two Reading casinos have combined to stake £1,500 on the club this year.

The money will enable the Raiders to host four home games as they attempt to build on their inaugural season last year.

Raiders chairman Andrew Belt said: “I cannot thank Grosvenor enough for their continued support. We’ve formed some good relationships with the people behind the operation at its two Reading casinos and they have been fantastic to work with and always accommodating.

“Without Grosvenor’s generous support, we would struggle to move forward as a club and I look forward to continuing to work with them and hope we can maintain a long-term relationship in the town.”

As part of the sponsorship deal, the Raiders will host four events at Grosvenor Casino Reading Central in Queen’s Road which has previously hosted the club’s official functions.

The first of these was held to launch the season recently with 18 people attending and enjoying a buffet at the casino.

Raiders are also calling on businesses across Berkshire to take part in a raffle to become their shirt sponsor.

Companies have until Saturday, April 1, to enter the draw with the winner being picked at random from a hat the following day, and earning a spot on the back of the Raiders shirt.

All participating businesses will get a mention on the club’s website and the opportunity to promote special offers to Raiders members.

Belt said: “We are Berkshire’s only open age rugby league team, which we feel gives us a USP and we hope people respond to our raffle which hopefully will lead to us forging good links with other organisations in the region.”

Entries are £50 per company. Email readingroyalsrlfc@gmail.com to take part or find out more information about the raffle or other sponsorship opportunities.