WITH World Cup interest at its height, a football club has just launched an online betting service on its official website.

As England prepare to take on Denmark on Saturday, Newcastle United is tempting Magpie fans to bet on the game with a special introductory launch offer that includes a free £20 treble bet.

The service, operated through the UK online football betting leader Bet365, is specifically tailored for Newcastle fans, and is among the UK's most comprehensive.

It involves united manager Bobby Robson, who has been giving his expert opinion on the World Cup site www.worldcuptournament.co.uk, and has already had dealings with Bet 365.

While fans can already bet online, the new service will soon enable them to bet over the phone through the same account.

It will also include a casino betting option.

Trevor Garwood, director of commercial affairs at Newcastle United, said: "Newcastle fans from all over the world can now bet on the official site and win or lose, they will be helping the club by doing so.

"An online betting service is an important part of any club's service to its fans and in this product, our fans have the market leader.

"We hope that those fans looking to have a wager on England's performance on Saturday will go to www.nufc.co.uk to do so."

To take advantage of the introductory offer, fans should register on the site.