Whelan has struck a two-year deal with Isle of Man-based gaming and entertainment company, 188BET.

Figures for the deal have not been revealed, but 188BET will also be sponsoring Bolton's shirts next season in a double-deal.

It is unlikely Wigan will have got anywhere near £1million for the deal, but Whelan is delighted considering the problems the recession is causing in football.

He said: "Everyone in football is suffering from the recession. Clubs, newspapers, TV, we are all the same. You used to be able to command £1million to have someone's names on your shirts, but those days are long gone.

"We are all struggling to get anyone to pay a reasonable fee to put their name on your shirt, every club in the land is struggling for that.

"Revenue is being hit everywhere. Peoples' spending power has dropped. You can see that at the gates, in the bars, eating before the game, every aspect of football is suffering."

Whelan insists he will continue to pump funds into Wigan, having now ended the club's involvement with the JJB brand and installed his own DW Sports from now on.

Whelan, though, has strong views on club ownership just as the Barclays Premier League are considering greater controls following Government intervention.

Whelan said: "Ownership in the Premier League should be subject to certain tests, and I don't think that has happened. It is time to introduce severe testing for people who want to own clubs.

"The Premier League and the FA have to get involved to make sure people running clubs are honest and genuine and can afford to be there and not put clubs into serious debt like we have at a few clubs now.

"I hope it is self-regulating. I would hope politicians don't intervene because when that happens it is always a cock-up. We will all be claiming expenses we are not allowed, so I don't want politicians involved at all.

"I hope the game can put in the right regulations for people to own clubs."