Archive for May, 2008

Weekend International Football Cashback Specials

International Football Cash Back OffersSunday afternoon brings together Euro 2008 hopefuls Holland and a young Welsh side looking to build for the future. The Dutch are currently 12/1 to lift the European Championships with Irish online sportsbook, Boylesports, and will be looking to build on an excellent 3-0 win over Ukraine last time out. Wales are in fine form also with John Toshack’s side looking to go seven games unbeaten.

 

 

Top Klaas
Holland v Wales – International Friendly – Sunday 2.00pm
       
Click to visit popular Irish Bookie BoyleSports.comIf Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund losing single first, last & anytime goalscorer & scorecast bets on the match. Applies to single pre-kickoff bets only, max refund is 300 (or currency equivalent) per customer.

Sunday night’s action comes from the Caribbean as an under strength England side face Trinidad and Tobago. The last time these sides faced each other was in the World Cup two years ago when England struggled to a 2-0 win. T&T will be looking to Sunderland star Kenwyne Jones to create a shock in the Hasely Crawford Stadium. England will no doubt give first caps to a number of their players as six of their squad have yet to be capped at senior level.

Keeping Up With The Jones’
Trinidad & Tobago v England – International Friendly – Sunday 10.30pm
       
Click to visit popular Irish Bookie BoyleSports.comIf Kenwyne Jones scores at anytime in the game, Boylesports will refund losing single first, last & anytime goalscorer & scorecast bets on the match. Applies to single pre-kickoff bets only, max refund is 300 (or currency equivalent) per customer.

For more on this popular Irish online sportsbook, check out the Boyle Sports Bookmaker Review at BookieLabRat.com.

 

Add comment May 29th, 2008

Online Betting Movers and Shakers

Two online sportsbooks and gaming service providers reviewed and rating well in May 2008 by online gambling specialists BookieLabRat.com have made headline news today.

Click to visit PaddyPower.comPaddy Power, Ireland’s largest Bookmaker, has expanded into the Northern Irish retail sector with the acquisition of a leading independent bookmaker in the Greater Belfast area, McGranaghan Racing. This chain of eight licensed betting offices will now be added to Paddy Power’s existing 183 shops in the Republic of Ireland and 58 in London.

Patrick Kennedy, Chief Executive of Paddy Power said “McGranaghan’s has a similar business model to our own, employing a very competitive offering to drive very high shop turnover and profitability. Acquisition is the necessary route into this interesting market and McGranaghan’s is an ideal entry point for Paddy Power. The estate has an attractive mix of different locations and like Paddy Power is a punter focused business which promotes a very competitive and attractive offering that will drive both footfall in our shops and increased profitability throughout our company”

Click to visit Betsson.comOnline gaming operator Betsson is to open its first retail betting shop this week in its highly protectionist home market of Sweden, directly challenging the country’s gambling monopoly. Meanwhile the country’s gambling regulator, Lotteriinspektionen, has said it is monitoring the situation

Pontus Lindwall, CEO of Betsson says “EU laws provide support for this endeavour. There is no longer any reason for us to wait for a political process that is hardly moving forward. We want to drive development of the gaming market for the benefit of players. I am confident that the monopoly’s retail outlets will experience some tough competition going forward.”

With headlines like those that follow, Betsson is proving to be an interesting investment option.
29.04.08 Betsson Reports Strong Start to 2008 With 54% Revenue Growth
15.02.08 Betsson’s Operating Profit Up 904%
08.01.08 Betsson – The Online Gaming Stock of 2007
Check out the latest reviews and ratings of Paddy Power Sportsbook, Paddy Power Casino (powered by Wagerworks) and top ranking Online Bingo site PaddyPowerBingo.com
Read detailed reviews on Betsson Sportsbook and Betsson Poker (a leading member of the Ongame Poker Network)
 

About BookieLabRat.com
As industry professionals the team at BookieLabRat.com objectively evaluate bookmakers and betting exchanges (the good, the bad and the ugly high risk ones) against formal test criteria. They publish Bookmaker Reviews and recommendations so you don’t have to lose your shirt to dodgy operators or waste your time searching for the site with the odds, game coverage and betting systems that suit your style of punting.

Partner sites, CasinoLabRat.com and PokerLabRat.com specialise in Casino and Poker room analysis and review respectively.

Add comment May 27th, 2008

Smart Betting on the French Open 2008 Tennis

OK, so you’re taking a break from football betting (well, perhaps until Euro2008 kicks off anyway…)

French Open 2008 Roland GarrosDo you want a flutter on the tennis just for fun? Here’s the latest money back bookie specials on the 2008 French Open. I suggest you consider these before you place your bets as stake back betting really is a far smarter way to have a punt!

First up, good old Ladbrokes gives us a choice of 3 great offers (and given their max pay back amount of either £25,000 or ‘no cap’ they’re obviously expecting the Russian Mafia or Asian Triads to get into the action! My betting bankroll is not quite that rich…). Then popular Irish Sportsbook PaddyPower.com comes to the party with a 5 sets special… 

6-0 Winning Bonus  – FRENCH OPEN 2008

Place a bet on any women’s singles match and if your player wins 6-0 6-0, Ladbrokes will double your winnings
Place a bet on any men’s singles match and if your player wins 6-0 6-0 6-0, Ladbrokes will treble your winnings

Match betting only, win singles only, main Championship matches only, In Play bets don’t apply. Max total bonus per customer £25,000

Two Sets to Love – FRENCH OPEN 2008

Place a bet on any men’s singles match and if he leads the match two sets to love and goes on to lose the match, Ladbrokes will refund your entire losing stake

Match betting only, No maximum refund, Refund applies to win singles only on main men’s Championship matches only, In Play bets do not apply, match must be completed for offer to stand

Treble Tiebreak Loser – FRENCH OPEN 2008

Place a bet on any men’s singles match and if he loses the match 3-0 in 3 consecutive tiebreaks, Ladbrokes will refund your entire losing stake.

Match betting only, no maximum refund. Refund applies to win singles only on main men’s matches only. In Play bets do not apply, match must be completed for offer to stand

Sets Appeal!  – French Open 2008 -Tennis Money Back Special –  Roland-Garros May 25th – June 8th

If you place a losing match bet on any match that is decided over 5 sets and top Irish bookie Paddy Power will give you a Free Bet to the same stake on any other French Open match.

For more on these two top rating online sportsbooks check out the latest Bookmaker reviews onsite at BookieLabRat.com
>>Ladbrokes Bookmaker Review
>>Paddy Power Sportsbook Review

 

Add comment May 26th, 2008

Midweek International Football Betting Stakeback Specials

International Midweek footballWith all domestic football now over, its time to turn our attention to the International scene. Unfortunately for the Rep. of Ireland and England qualification for Euro 2008 was beyond them so their friendlies this week will be in preparation for the World Cup 2010 qualifiers.
 
On Wednesday night, England will look to bounce back from their defeat to France last time out as their welcome the USA to Wembley. The American’s have included nine British-based players in their squad for the match whereas Fabio Capello has yet to confirm how many of his stars will feature after a long season.
 
For the Rep. of Ireland, new boss Giovanni Trapattoni will be looking for somewhat of an improved performance after their “mixed bag” display against Serbia when his Irish side take on Colombia at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.
 
Top Irish Bookies Boylesports and Paddy Power are running the following stake-back betting specials for the games:
 
Better Late Than Never  –  England v USA and Rep of Ireland v Colombia

Click to visit BoyleSports.com sportsbookIf a goal is scored in 2nd half injury time in either of the following midweek International Football games BoyleSports will refund all losing single first, last, anytime goal scorer and scorecast bets on that particular match. Max refund 300 EURO or currency equivalent per customer.
Heads We Lose!  England v USA – Wed 8.05pm, Ireland v Colombia – Thurs 8pm

Click to visit PaddyPower.com sportsbookPaddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on either of the above matches if the last goal in that match is a header.  Max refund per punter per offer €300/ £200
And of course you can always rely on tried and true Bet365 Bookmaker with it’s season long Bore Draw Offer. We haven’t done the numbers on this special stake back offer for the season but Bet365 must have refunded HEAPS to relieved punters!  Here are the details if your’re betting on the midweek International Friendlies:

Click to go to Bet365 BookmakerPlace a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0.

Add comment May 26th, 2008

Euro2008 Warm-ups: Do they Shed any light on the winner?

Liverpool duo hand Dutch win over Ukraine

Euro 2008 warm upsLiverpool pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel were both on target as the Netherlands beat Ukraine 3-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up match here on Saturday.

The Dutch shrugged off the absence of injured Robin van Persie and Mario Melchiot, as well as rested Real Madrid stars Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben, to score an important win ahead of the finals where they have been drawn against world champions Italy, France and Romania. Marco van Basten’s side were also without goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who will not join up with the squad until Monday following his Champions League penalty shoot-out heroics with Manchester United in Moscow last week.

“We played very well even if Ukraine didn’t put in a good performance,” said van Basten. “I saw some good football, some good combinations and great motivation. I have a lot of possibilities in my squad and with some positions it will be a difficult choice. “I have a lot to think about. At centre forward, my first choice is Ruud Van Nistelrooy but Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had a good game tonight and scored.”

The Ukrainians mounted little in the way of a challenge and the Dutch were deservedly in front after 24 minutes when Kuyt headed in a cross from Giovanni van Bronckhorst. In the 37th minute, Klas-Jan Huntelaar was set-up by Rafael Van der Vaart to score his seventh goal in 12 internationals to make it 2-0. Van der Vart was also influential in the creation of the third goal, supplying the crucial pass for Babel to score in the 64th minute.

The Netherlands will face Denmark in Eindhoven on Thursday before facing Wales in their last warm-up next Sunday.

Defending champions Greece suffer friendly setback

Euro 2008 warm upsDefending European champions Greece slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Hungary on Saturday, just two weeks before the Euro 2008 tournament gets underway in Switzerland and Austria.

The result was a setback for the Greeks but was a convincing start for new Hungary coach, Dutchman Erwin Koeman, as he engineered a first win for his side over the Greeks since 1987. Ioannis Amanatidis had given the Greeks the lead in the 45th minute only for Balazs Dzsudzsak to level for the Hungarians, who haven’t qualified for Euro 2008, two minutes after the interval. Roland Juhasz and Krisztian Vadocz then scored twice in the space of four minutes to give Hungary a 3-1 lead with Nikos Liberopoulos pulling back a consolation in the last minute for Greece.

Switzerland beat Slovakia 2-0 in Euro 2008 warm-up

Euro 2008 warm upsSwitzerland enjoyed a 2-0 friendly win over Slovakia on Saturday, just two weeks before the Euro 2008 championships, which they are co-hosting, get underway. Midfielder Valon Behrami opened the scoring in the 56th minute before he then turned provider seven minutes later setting up the second goal for veteran striker Alex Frei.

Captain Frei is now just one international goal away from the record of 34 set by Kubilay Turkyilmaz. He could equalise the record, or even beat it next Friday in St Gallen during the last warm-up match for the Swiss, this time against Liechtenstein.

Swiss coach Kubi Kuhn also fielded Patrick Mueller, who left his club Lyon to join his national teammates in Lugano on Friday despite not getting permission from his French side who were involved in the French Cup final on Saturday. He had made the move after Kuhn said he would have to drop him from the national side if he did not have a chance to assess the player’s form.

Croatia beat Moldova in Euro 2008 friendly

Euro 2008 warm upsCroatia won 1-0 against Moldova at the coastal town of Rijeka on Saturday in their first warm-up match ahead of next month’s Euro 2008 finals. 

Croatian captain Niko Kovac scored the goal in the 30th minute, shooting home after Ivan Rakitic headed the ball on to him from the right. The game lacked a competitive edge as both coaches were clearly trying out different combinations of players on the run-up to the June 7 to 29 championships.

Croatian coach Slaven Bilic is still searching for his top strike duo after Eduardo da Silva was injured, and tried Ivic Olic and Igor Budan in the first half, and Ivan Klasnic and Nikola Kalinic after the break. Arsenal striker da Silva suffered a compound fracture of his left leg in an horrific tackle by Birmingham defender Martin Taylor at St Andrews in February. The absence of the Brazilian-born star, who has scored 13 goals in 18 matches for Croatia, was a great disappointment for Bilic.

Luka Modric, expected to be Croatia’s star player in Austria and Switzerland next month, put in a good performance against Moldova.

Hagi tips Romania to spring a Euro surprise

Euro 2008 warm upsRomania, drawn in the so-called group of death with world champions Italy, France and the Netherlands, can bely their underdog status and punch above their weight at Euro 2008.

That’s the verdict of former Romania great Gheorghe Hagi, known in his playing days as the “Maradona of the Carpathians”. “I don’t think a (rival) coach can say he fears us, especially when we’re talking about Italy, France and the Dutch. “But we can be the surprise of the competition, like Greece (winners in 2004),” the former international and national team coach says.

To back up his assertion He harked back to his country’s performance at Euro 2000 when with Hagi in the team Romania drew 1-1 with Germany, lost 1-0 to Portugal before defeating England 3-2 to qualify for the second round. He reflected: “Back in 2000 we were also in a difficult group. “Nobody gave us any chance at all but we still managed to make it out of the first round.. Precedents do exist. It is possible to spring a surprise.” Hagi said the class of 2008 “must believe in their potential” and above all “start well against France (on June 9) as the first match is always the hardest”.

After the French hors d’oeuvre Romania face Italy on June 13 followed by Holland on June 17.

 

>>If you’re after the online sportsbook that will max out your betting profits on Euro 2008 check out the latest May sportsbook reviews and ratings at BookieLabRat.com.

Add comment May 25th, 2008

Serie A Betting : Inter & Roma Renew Annual Cup Clash

Coppa Italia Final Betting Preview – Coppa Italia Final (May 24)

Serie A betting may be over for another season, but there is one piece of Italian soccer silverware still up for grabs. The format of this year’s Coppa Italia may have changed, with a single game final, replacing the traditional two-legged affair, but the contenders remain the same. For the fourth consecutive season, Roma and Inter Milan do battle for the Italian Cup in Saturday’s showpiece game.

Inter & Roma Renew Annual Cup Clash

Stadio Olimpico - venue for this weekends Coppa Italia Final

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inter Milan and Roma have developed a monopoly on the Coppa Italia, appearing in the final for four consecutive years. Things are however a bit different this time around. The competition only included the 42 teams of Serie A and B, not the third tier of Italian football, and the final is a single game rather than the traditional, if unusual, two leg affair. Crucially the final takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which is also Roma’s home ground, handing them an important territorial bonus, reflected in the Asian Handicap at PinnacleSports.com which has Roma 1.787 (0/scratch)* and Inter Milan 2.170 (0/scratch)* to lift the trophy – a market priced to less than 102%.

The two sides have vied all season for the Scudetto, which went down to the final day of the season, when Inter’s 2-0 victory at Parma gave them the title. Both goals came from Zlatan Ibrahimovic who came off the bench to effectively secure the title, and hand the Nerazzurri a huge psychological advantage going into this game. Though the odds were always against Roma catching their rivals, they managed to close an 11 point gap to just one, before falling short on the final day.

Roma coach, Luciano Spalletti, now has the difficult task of lifting the heads of his side, following the disappointing draw at Catania on the final day of the campaign, which given Inter’s win was academic. The Giallorossi are the defending champions, having won the trophy last year by an aggregate of 7-4, winning 6-2 in the capital, but the reduction of the final to just a single game will inevitably change the nature of the game.

After his dramatic introduction at Parma, Ibrahimovic is likely to start up front, giving Inter the attacking threat they have missed during the Swede’s absence. Roma will be without talismanic captain, Francesco Totti, recovering from surgery, instead relying on the goals of Montenegran, Mirko Vucinic. PinnacleSports.com price Roma favourites 1.694 (0/scratch)* in 90 minutes, with Inter 2.340 (0/scratch)*.

OK, so PinnacleSports.com may well have the Asian Handicap betting odds wrapped up but as far as 1X2 betting goes, when this blog was posted, top rating online sportsbook Bet365 once again cruised in with the best odds at 2.40 (7/5)* for a home win (AS Roma to beat Internazionale Milano). Aussie bookie CentreBet offered 3.20 (11/5)* for an away win to Inter Milan. The draw was sitting at around 3.00 (2/1)*.

*All odds subject to change so check out the latest Coppa Italia odds Live at BookieLabRat.com here.

For more info on these top sportsbooks read the latest sportsbook reviews and ratings

Add comment May 23rd, 2008

Champions League Final sees Irish bookie paying out a record €1.5 million

Well, I hope you had YOUR money on the Champions League Final at Paddy Power. Paddy Power bookmaker’s latest daring (crazy?) cash back offer is costing them dearly, like, quizillions… well, an expected payout of almost €1.5 million! 

Russion Roulette Massive Champions League RefundWhat’s this all about?  
In a cash back offer called “Russion Roulette”, as Ronaldo scored in normal time, Paddy Power are refunding ALL losing single pre-match Win-Draw-Win, Correct Score, 1st/last/anytime goalscorer and Half-time/Full-time market bets on this match.

It was limited to a maximum refund of €300/£200 stake-back per customer, but still, wow!

I wonder if Paddy is now regretting refunding the €100,000+ in bets placed on the “poultry puppet” Dustin the Turkey in Eurovision betting? It was just a good will gesture…

As Paddy’s marketing team would, and indeed did say: Stuffed, cooked and served up on a big plate of loser salad. 

We’re looking forward to more of PaddyPower.com’s great cash back deals next football season and hope they come to the party with a few “investement options” during Euro 2008!

Click to visit PaddyPower.com sportsbookIf you don’t have an account yet with this great Irish bookie you should! Get online to Paddy Power now and sort it out!

(Here are links to the latest reviews of PaddyPower bookmaker and the excellent Paddy Power Casino in case you need more encouragement!)  Sorry, no USA residents can be members at Paddy Power.

Add comment May 22nd, 2008

Sports Betting: Champions League Final – Moscow May 21

With a striking similarity to last season, Manchester United find themselves chasing a league and cup double with only Chelsea standing in their way. Last season the Blues thwarted them as the failed to add the FA Cup to the Premiership title. The Londoners will be looking to do the same as the Red Devils look to add the Champions League trophy to the Premier League silverware earned last weekend.

Chelsea Boosted by Fitness of Drogba & Terry

Chelsea pushed Manchester United all the way in this season’s Premier League, but ultimately failed by the narrowest of margins on the final day of the season. They don’t have to wait long for a chance to exact revenge, as the sides meet on Wednesday night at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow for the first ever all-Premiership Champions League.

Leading online soccer bookmaker, PinnacleSports.com, price Man Utd 1.800* favourites to add the European trophy to their Premiership silverware, with Chelsea 2.150* to gain retribution for domestic disappointment.

Drogba - photo courtesy of BodogLife.com Chelsea are boosted by the recovery of John Terry & Didier Drogba, who both sustained injuries in the final league game of the season. Drogba scored the winner in extra-time when they met in the 2007 FA Cup final, while a Michael Ballack double gave the Blues three points at Stamford Bridge near the end of April.

Ronaldo and Ferguson - photo courtesy BodogLife.comDespite that recent defeat, Alex Ferguson feels confident of repeating his 1999 success in this competition with Man Utd. Fergie was recently named Premier League manager of the season, while Cristiano Ronaldo scooped player of the season as well as the top scorer’s golden boot, one of several plaudits the winger has earned. Headlines in recent days have interpreted comments from Ronaldo as suggesting he is destined to leave for Real Madrid. Such rumours are an unnecessary distraction for Man Utd’s key player, and he will have to block the speculation out as he seeks to fulfil his potential on the biggest stage.

PinnacleSports.com price Ronaldo 2.890* to score in 90 minutes, with Drogba 3.880* to find the net.

Click to compare bookie odds Champions League Final
*All odds subject to change, so check out the latest Champions League Odds Live across the top online sportsbooks.

 

Add comment May 19th, 2008

Fancy a flutter on a few football bets offering bigger returns?

So where are we putting our money today?

Click to visit BetFred.comI like the look of a few “long shot” options from BetFred. Called Smith and Jones Specials they offer easy access to some fairly jazzy bets.

BetFred: Rangers & Cardiff to win?

 

 

 

– Rangers To Win The Scottish Cup & Cardiff To Win The Fa Cup Both On Penalties  225/1
– Rangers To Win The Scottish Cup & Cardiff To Win The Fa Cup Both In Extra Time  140/1
– Rangers To Win The Scottish Cup & Cardiff To Win The Fa Cup Both In 90 Mins  5/1

Click to visit VCBetI also fancy an FA Cup Wincast or two.  Here’s the latest odds at Victor Chandler:  
 
All selections to score anytime within 90 minutes:
5/2 Kanu to score & Portsmouth to win
3/1 Krancjar to score & Portsmouth win
11/2 Muntari to score & Portsmouth win
11/1 Campbell to score & Cardiff win
16/1 Ledley to score & Cardiff to win
25/1 Ramsey to score & Cardiff to win

We liked the look of a few of their enhanced doubles too for value betting:
 
Portsmouth v Cardiff & Man Utd v Chelsea
40/1 Both games to end 1-1
55/1 Portsmouth & Man Utd win 1-0
75/1 Both games to end 0-0
80/1 Portsmouth & Chelsea win 2-1
85/1 Cardiff & Chelsea win 1-0
105/1 Portsmouth & Chelsea win 2-0
Compare Live Sportsbook OddsLive odds comparisons compare top bookmakers prices real time here at BookieLabRat.com

 

Detailed reviews on both of these popular UK based online sportsbooks are available here: (How they rate, what’s hot and not, who can join, bonuses and promotions, etc.)

>>BetFred Bookmaker Review
>>VCBet Sportsbook Review

 

Add comment May 16th, 2008

Win a Euro 2008 VIP Package – including tickets to the Euro 2008 semi-final in Vienna!

Bookie Giveaway Alert!

Here’s your chance to win an amazing Euro 2008 prize – and it’s easy to enter.

WIN A VIP TRIP & TICKETS TO A EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL!

Click to visit Betsson for more info on the Euro 2008 prizeYou can win 2 tickets to the Euro 2008 semi-final in Vienna, travel expenses, first class hotel for 2 nights, and a sweet VIP-package on top of that!

Be in to win! (bet with a stylish European sportsbook with a great reputation for quick & fair payouts!)

All Betsson customers (new and existing) that place a bet for at least 5 Euro (or currency equivalent) on a triple or higher get a ticket in the lucky draw on June 1st.

The more bets you place the more tickets you get in the draw.

Five lucky winners will be drawn and the customer with the highest winning odds on any of his winning tickets with a stake over 5 euro will get first Prize of Euro 2008 VIP tickets.

1st Prize:  2 tickets to the 2nd semi-final on Thursday 26th June 2008 in Vienna.
2nd -5th Prize: 100 euro deposited into your Betsson account.

>>Visit Betsson Sportsbook

>>For more info on Betsson read the latest Betsson Sportsbook & Betting Exchange Review at BookieLabrat.com.

Live Odds comparison - which bookie has best 2008 Odds?For the latest – and best – odds on Euro2008 betting check out the Live Euro 2008 Odds comparision here.

 

Add comment May 16th, 2008

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