Archive for July, 2008
Here’s the latest update on the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix from the friendly team at Bodog Sports.
Lewis Hamilton is the form driver of the world championship and the next race, the Hungarian Grand Prix, is traditionally a happy hunting ground for his team, McLaren. The omens couldn’t look better for Hamilton as he contemplates his next challenge, but will it all go to plan in Budapest?
Hamilton has fought back brilliantly in recent weeks; just as the critics were sharpening their knives (or pens) following a couple of disappointing races, he responded in perfect fashion. Victory at the British Grand Prix, victory at the German Grand Prix, a race dominated so often in the past by Ferrari. Once again, the Brit is back at the top of the driver standings and, though Ferrari are so close he can literally feel the heat from the immaculate red engines, he has a points advantage. A win in Hungary would be his third straight success, scoring psychological as well as actual points.
Last year, Hamilton won here, ahead of Raikkonen, Heidfeld and Alonso, though it was also the calm before the storm. In qualifying, he clashed with team-mate Alonso as the uneasy relationship simmered to boiling point. As a result of that incident, McLaren were denied points in the constructor’s championship and, after his victory, Hamilton won only one of his next six races, a sequence which eventually cost him the world title. Whatever happens in Budapest, Hamilton will know there is plenty of hard work ahead.
Having finished third (Massa) and sixth (Raikkonen) in Germany, Ferrari’s drivers are very much in contention, but they need an improved showing here to put Hamilton under sustained pressure. BMW Sauber continue to go well – Heidfeld and Kubica were both in the points – and have a realistic chance of finishing ahead of McLaren in the constructors’ championship if their drivers carry on performing.
There may be another challenge from Nelsinho Piquet, who drove superbly in Germany. Hamilton’s former GP2 rival came from 17th on the grid to finish second, putting his better-known Renault team-mate, Alonso, to shame. He’ll be greatly encouraged by that, but will find it difficult to repeat the feat at the Hungaroring.
Driver Standings
1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) 58
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 54
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 51
4. Robert Kubica (BMW) 48
5. Nick Heidfeld (BMW) 41
Constructor Standings
1. Ferrari 105
2. BMW Sauber 89
3. McLaren-Mercedes 86
4. Toyota 25
5. Red Bull-Renault 24
Bet on the Hungarian GP at Bodog Sports (Bettors from around the world are welcome to join Bodog, sorry, no Canadian punters. US OK!). Check out the latest Bodog Sportsbook Review here at BookieLabRat.com.
July 31st, 2008
Arsenal Welcome the Cream of Europe
Emirates Cup betting is now on with the four team pre-season event, hosted at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, running Saturday and Sunday (August 2 and 3, 2008).
Along with the hosts, Arsenal, soccer punters can get early look at Real Madrid, Juventus and Hamburg. The Emirates Cup only features four games, with three points for a win and one for a goal, but bettors can look to profit from smart betting – especially if you use a top online sportsbook for the best odds.
If you’re into handicap betting PinnacleSports.com is well worth a look, and for fixed odds bets on the Emirates Cup, we’d suggest Bet365. We’ve provided handicap odds below:
The event kicks off at 2pm (GMT) on Saturday with La Liga Champions, Real Madrid, against Bundesliga side, Hamburg, now coached by ex-Spurs boss, Martin Jol, who will be all too familiar with the Gunners. PinnacleSports.com price Real Madrid favourites 2.090 (-0.5 & -1)* with Hamburg 1.840 (+0.5 & +1)* – a market priced to 102%.
As always with friendly games, bettors should play close attention to the team sheets, as soon as they are available. The on-pitch squad and overall positional makeup pre-season make for some tricky betting.
At 4.15pm (GMT) the hosts Arsenal, take on the mighty Juventus for what should be a cracking game. The Gunners remained unbeaten at home last season, conceding just 11 goals from 19 home games. Kolo Toure is a doubt having suffered a bout of malaria, but Arsenal fans could get more familiar with new signing, Samir Nasri – an adaptable attacking midfielder. The Old Lady was rejuvenated last season having returned from the wilderness of Serie B. Claudio Ranieri achieved the target of Champions League qualification, but this season, he has set his sights much higher. PinnacleSports.com price Arsenal slight favourites 1.893 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Juventus 2.040 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
*All odds subject to change so check out the latest onsite at PinnacleSports.com.
About PinnacleSports.com
PinnacleSports.com was the first online sports book to introduce reduced margin betting, using a pricing model that gives players up to 60% better odds than other bookmakers. They’re not a betting exchange, like BetFair, but with low minimum bet requirements and the highest maximum limits on the Web, PinnacleSports.com has earned an industry-leading reputation for providing consistent value to the player as a sportsbook.
Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on US horse bets and some of the best odds on all major sports. (Compare PinnacleSports.com to other popular online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com)
July 29th, 2008
Gallas apologises for captaincy errors
William Gallas has apologised for the mistakes he made last season as Arsenal captain and promised to learn from his errors should Arsene Wenger entrust him with the on-field leadership of the side in the upcoming campaign.
Gallas was criticised for setting a bad example when, after Birmingham City secured a late draw against the Gunners at St Andrews in February, he spent several minutes sitting on the turf after the final whistle in what appeared to be a protest at the decision that led to City’s equalising penalty.
“You know I learned a lot, you want to be the best captain, give good advice to your players, but sometimes you can make mistakes as well so I think this season I know what I’m going to do and I know I am ready to change my way to speak to the players,” Gallas told Arsenal TV.
Experienced midfielder Gilberto Silva has left Arsenal for Panathinaikos with recent additions Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey enhancing the youthful feel at the Emirates Stadium. “They (the Arsenal squad) are young,” Gallas said. “They are very shy but it won’t be difficult for them to settle in, the squad is fantastic the atmosphere is very good so I think it will be fine for them. We have to win something because the trophies are more important at the end of the season. Last season we were near to winning something, I hope this season it will be different. Everybody knows what they have to do, we are ready.”
Fabregas pledges loyalty to Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has slammed a report suggesting he is considering a move to Real Madrid.
Fabregas was a key member of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008 and according to a report last weekend in Spanish sports newspaper Marca he was quoted as saying he might move to the Bernabeu, especially if Arsenal did not win a trophy this season.
But in a statement the 21-year-old told Arsenal’s official website here Monday: “I have not spoken to any media so it’s frustrating to read quotes that I have supposedly said about my future. I have spent the summer relaxing with my family, friends and girlfriend and I return to training with Arsenal tomorrow (Tuesday). I think that some people are just trying to make mischief but my intentions are very clear. I am happy here at Arsenal, my future is with Arsenal and the priority is to achieve success and win trophies at Arsenal.”
Start the new season with a new online bookie: check out the latest sportsbook reviews and online bookmaker joining bonuses at BookieLabRat.com.
July 28th, 2008
Whoa! I almost missed the limited time deal at top bookie Bet365. It’s only available for a few days (closes 3 Aug 08) and is not just for those of you who like a flutter on the horses, so check it out!
Bet365 is our top rating sportsbook overall, and all of us at BookieLabRat.com have had Bet365 accounts for many years (except our 2 US based punters who just can’t – and they’re gutted!) Here’s the deal:
A GLORIOUS £200 FREE BET BASKET!
Bet365 celebrate the Goodwood Festival by doubling their new customer offer.
Glorious Goodwood is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and, if you’ve not yet registered with bet365, you now have the perfect opportunity to do so.
This is because the popular bookmaker are offering all new customers the chance to grab £200 in free bets – providing you register before Sunday 3rd August.
To qualify, simply register with bet365 and place your first qualifying bet of £5 or more. You will then be entitled to a free bet to the same stake as your largest qualifying bet up to a maximum of £50. So if you place £50 on a horse running at Goodwood, you will get a free £50 bet to place on a sporting market of your choice.
Another free bet up to £50 is available after you’ve placed a further five bets with bet365, while third and fourth free bets are available in much the same way.
Remember, this offer is only available for eight days, so whether you’re a racing punter or a football fanatic, be sure to register with bet365 and land your £200 free bet basket this summer.
Click here to register with bet365 in minutes (or to go for a wander round the newly revamped Bet365 Betting site).
Check out the latest Bet365 Bookmaker Review at BookieLabRat.com (what’s hot and not at Bet365, their banking options, specialty bets, etc.)
Bettors from most countries around the world can be members at Bet365 (except USA residents). They’ve got multiple site languages, all odds formats and the most banking options of any bookie on the net!
July 27th, 2008
Paddy’s Price Promise: Starting this weekend, Paddy Power will be offering Guaranteed Prices on both Horseracing and Greyhound racing.
Never worry about whether or not to take a price again as they’ll ensure that you will always get the best value, which, to use the words of renowned wordsmith and literary genius Sir Patrick Power, “is pretty snazzy.”
You cannot get this anywhere else, Paddy Power are the only bookmaker to guarantee all early and board prices on BOTH Horses and Dogs!
– Take 2/1 and if your selection wins at 6/4 you get 2/1!
– Take 2/1 and if your selection wins at 4/1 you get paid at 4/1!
– If a Rule 4 is applied to the price you have taken but your returns would be better if your bet was settled at starting price, we will pay you the starting price.
– The fact that guaranteed price applies will be signified by the GP symbol on your betslip.
NOTE:This does not apply to bets placed at Ante-Post odds, tote bets or bets on US racing.
>>For more info on this horses and dogs betting offer check out PaddyPower.com
>>For the latest info on Paddy Power Bookie (Ireland’s top online sportsbook) read the latest detailed review of Paddy Power Bookmaker here at BookieLabRat.com. (Sorry, no US punters).
July 25th, 2008
Here’s a quickie: Place a £10 bet this weekend on Betfred Mobile. Receive a Free £10 bet for use next weekend. Easy.
Anyone who places a bet of £10 or more on Saturday 26th July or Sunday 27th July on BetfredMobile will qualify for the £10 free bet.
Offer applicable to new & existing users.
>>Visit BetFred.com for details
>>Here’s a link to a detailed review on Fred Done’s sportsbook (BetFred.com Bookmaker Review) – sorry, no US bettors.
July 25th, 2008
NASCAR Allstate 400 Betting Preview (July 27)
The Nascar Allstate 400 betting at top handicap sportsbook, PinnacleSports.com, has Sprint Cup Series points leader Kyle Busch as a +564 (6.640)* favourite to win the Allstate 400 this Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which would be Busch’s eighth race win of the season.
As if Busch needed any help cashing wins, the Brickyard presents an ideal venue for his Toyota and his teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing. Indianapolis favours cars with horsepower over handling ability, because the track is flat and turns are narrow.
That’s good news for Tony Stewart (+839, 9.390)* and Denny Hamlin (+1363, 14.630)* backers. Stewart has won at Indy two of the last three years, including last season. Stewart is one of only two drivers in the field who have multiple wins at the Brickyard, the other being Jeff Gordon (+1500, 16.000)*.
Gordon is the sharp pick, because Gordon has owned Indy since the track opened its doors to NASCAR in 1994. Gordon has four wins and the highest average finish at Indy (8.9) of any driver, with 11 top 10s and eight top 5s in 14 starts at the Brickyard. There’s huge value in Gordon at his current price.
If you’re looking to play it safe and lay down cash on a driver that stays on the track, look no further than Jeff Burton (+3500, 36.000)* and Bill Elliott (listed with the field at (+2832, 29.320)*. Burton and Elliott are the only two drivers that have finished all 14 races at the Brickyard. Elliott won it in 2002, while Burton leads the Series in average start-to-finish at +11.5.
It may be prescient to avoid NASCAR betting on the pole sitter: Kevin Harvick (+1918, 20.180)* is the only driver to have taken the checkered flag at Indianapolis from the lead position, turning the trick in 2003.
Do bet on the winner, after the race: If history tells us anything, the winner at the Allstate 400 has a great chance to win the Sprint Cup. The victor at Indy has gone on to win the Series championship six times, most recently in 2006 when Jimmie Johnson (+719, 8.190)* pulled it off.
The green flag will drop at 1 pm ET on Sunday.
*All odds subject to change (so check out the latest on site at PinnacleSports.com)
About PinnacleSports.com
PinnacleSports.com’s underlying philosophy is to educate players and our key principle is simple – always get the best price. PinnacleSports.com was the first online sports book to introduce reduced margin betting, using a pricing model that gives players up to 60% better odds than other bookmakers. With low minimum bet requirements and the highest maximum limits on the Web, PinnacleSports.com has earned an industry leading reputation for providing consistent value to the player, professional customer service and the quickest payouts online.
>>Find a smarter way to bet at PinnacleSports.com
>>Compare Pinnacle Sports to other popular online sportsbooks and bookmakers at BookieLabRat.com.
July 24th, 2008
We regularly list the best sportsbook cash cack offers and bookie free bet specials on this blog. Unfortunately we’ve been slacking a little lately, and did not list last week’s ones (but you can always catch the latest bookie offers here at the GoonersGuide.com Bookie Bulletin Board. These guys update it most days).
We refer to this stuff as “betting insurance” as you get 3 possible outcomes instead of two (ie win, lose or get your stake back). Generally the bookies are smart enough to make the offers obscure or unlikely enough that they do not often payout…well, only once in a while (or in Paddy Power’s case something most weeks – as they’re just crazy!). However, this week another popular Irish sportsbook, BoyleSports.com took a real pounding. A roasting actually…
If you had a bet on the British Open, the German Grand Prix or on Armagh v Fermanagh at BoyleSports we recommend you check your account for your stake refund!
British Open – Padraig Harrington’s second British Open title in two years could be good news for you. Boylesports are refunding all losing single bets on the outright market. This applies to bets placed prior to the start of the tournament only. The maximum refund is €300/£200 per customer. Applicable to win singles and win part of each way bets only.
German Grand Prix – Kimi Raikkonen’s failure to make the podium at Hockenheim on Sunday means that Boyle Sports will refund all losing single outright winner bets on this race. This applies to bets placed up until 12:30pm on the 20th of July 2008. The maximum refund is €300 (or currency equivalent). Applicable to win singles and win part of each way bets only.
Ulster SFC Final – Fermanagh’s powerful comeback against Armagh in Clones will see the Ulster final replayed. As Fermanagh’s number 13 scored the last goal of the game, it will also see Boylesports refund all single losing bets in the following markets: First, last and anytime goalscorers. Winning margins. 1st scoring play. Score first-lead H/T – win F/T. This applies to win singles and 70 minutes only. The maximum refund is €300 (or currency equivalent) per customer. Applicable to bets placed before kick-off.
There’s more great betting action this week including the Tour De France (BoyleSports and Paddy Power both have cash back offers in place), ATP Masters Series Tennis (Will the Fed Express get back on the right track at Toronto? BetFred.com has a free bet offer on the Rogers Cup), The World Matchplay Darts is worth a look with James Wade ready to defend his title this week.
For more on Boyle Sports read the latest BoyleSports.com Sportsbook Review. You can get up to £200/€200 in free bets as a new customer (sorry, no USA or Canadian bettors).
July 21st, 2008
Off season wagers and beating that boredom
Ever wonder what the marketing team at sportsbooks do in the off season? (And by that I really mean when there’s no football on… so don’t whinge at me via email about all the great golfing, cycling, tennis, poker and other non-football related betting opportunities currently in play!) I’m still missing my football…
It IS the off season when footballers play musical clubs, dump their girl friends, get that “new look”, recover from knee ops, etc.
The crew at Ireland’s top online bookmaker PaddyPower.com have come up with yet another new series of betting market to fill in time – and provide a modicum of entertainment…it’s called EggyCam.
You can watch ten numbered eggs hatch live – and of course, in true Paddy Power style, bet on a range of markets. These include: Which egg you think’s going to hatch first, second, third, last; Chick out odd or even; a midday hatch; the sex of the chick; spread betting (e.g. the first chick out will be from an egg numbered 6-10), etc.
The “first to hatch” odds for all ten eggs are currently at 8-1 except egg seven, at 7-1, and poor old egg five at 9-1… obviously deemed the runt.
The live streaming video lets you watch your egg (24×7 if you like!) to check that no Leprechaun jumps out and juggles them or whatever… the eggs do rock around a bit so it’s actually not quite as boring as I thought it would be!
Paddy Power’s crew are not taking this new betting market too seriously (although I bet they watch the eggs almost as much as I watch my Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner do his thing). They’re donating all profits from Eggycam betting to the Down Syndrome Ireland charity.
When hatched, the chicks will apparently return to a farm in County Wicklow, Ireland rather than join Paddy Power’s marketing team on a permanent basis.
Paddy Power says “All the chickens will live happily-egger-after in the old-yolks-home. No chickens were harmed during the making of this eggstravaganza”
>>Check out this (cute? fun? ridicuous?) little distraction at PaddyPower.com
>>Compare Paddy Power to other popular online sportsbooks in detailed reviews here at BookieLabRat.com.
July 19th, 2008
Ladbrokes Poker is inviting all UK based poker players to try their luck at winning “The Ultimate Silverstone Driving Experience“.
The prize is a day’s racing at Silverstone and sounds a lot of fun. Oh yeah, it’s free to enter, so you’ve really got nothing to lose!
Ladbrokes operates Europe’s busiest online poker room (powered by Microgaming Poker software). It’s very popular with European and UK poker players as Ladbrokes offers some of the best cash games on the net, great tournament poker as well as regular player promotions and competitions. Free sports bets and VIP Sporting Event passes are regular prizes.
In their latest promotion you can win a day of racing at Silverstone (the famous British Grand Prix circuit) in a selection of ‘really cool’ cars. Fancy doing handbrake turns around a purpose-built gravel rally stage? Want top try a unique off-road course in an ATV?.
If you win this free-to-enter poker tournament you’ll experience all of the following*: Ferrari 360 f1™ Modena, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Formula Silverstone single seater, Lotus Exige, Ford Fiesta Street Group ‘N’ Rally car, Caterham 7, Peugeot 206 GTI rally car, Land Rover Defender, Honda TRX 350 ATV
* N.B. the activity line up may be subject to change, but equally amazing alternatives will be available! This is Ladbrokes, they won’t rip you off!
So how do I enter?
By playing poker in free-to-enter qualifiers! Each day from 20th July to 31st July, there are free 1 Hour Qualifying Sessions that lead on to the main event on August 3rd – “The Ladbrokes F1 Poker Tournament“. Here’s how it works:
Qualifying Session: Each night at 20:00 BST, from 20th – 31st July, there’ll be a free-to-enter F1 Poker Qualifier tournament. After 1 hour of play, the tournament will be paused, and if your chip stack is within the top 20% of the field at that time, you will qualify for the Main Event. If you don’t make it through the qualifier, don’t worry – you can enter as many qualifiers as you want until you get through!
Main Event: On August 3rd at 12:00 BST, during the Hungary Grand Prix, all successful qualifiers will be able to play in the Ladbrokes F1 Poker main event. Your chip stacks from qualifying will be re-set, and the “race” will not stop until there is a winner. Play poker online while watching all the action from the Hungary Grand Prix on TV!
$5,000 of Prizes!
Win the F1 Poker Main Event and you will win the driving experience of a lifetime (list of activities above). There will also be runner up prizes as follows:
1st: Ultimate Driving Experience at Silverstone PLUS $600 into your poker account!
2nd: $600, 3rd: $400, 4th: $300, 5th: $200, 6th – 10th: $100, 11th – 20th: $50, 21st – 40th: $25
Check out Ladbrokes Poker and register for a F1 Qualifier today!
For more info read the latest Ladbrokes Poker Review
Compare Ladbrokes Poker to other top rated poker sites popular with UK and European players.
July 19th, 2008
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