The Sports Bookie Blog

There’s a Free Cheltenham Tipping competition at BetFred.com that’s worth a look. (Cheltenham runs from March 10 to 13 so you’d better get a wriggle on if you want a chance to win a prize)

Prizes: The main prize for the 2009 Cheltenham Predictor is a VIP Day at the 2009 Grand National at Aintree including 2 nights in a 4 star hotel, complimentary bar through the day and guest tipsters.

BetFred is also giving away over £1,000 in free bets and a VIP day out at Haydock to the runners up.

How to Play: Simply sign-up (they just want an email address) and then go to BetFred’s Predictions page, enter your prediction for each race available and hit the “Save” button. You can go back and update your selection if you change your mind or if your selection is a non runner. Keep on top of your predictions to win prizes.

Bet on the Festival: You can keep up to date with all the latest odds and betting on the BetFred Cheltenham Predictor website.
There are direct links to their festival guide, expert tips and all the latest festival news so make sure you take advantage! Why not put your money where your predictions are?

Register to join the new free tipping competition - 2009 Cheltenham Predictor.

Need a little help with your predictions? Why not follow the advice of BetFred’s team of experts: Peter Scudamore, Angus Loughran and of course, Fred Done.

Check out more on BetFred.com online bookmaker here in BookieLabRat.com’s BetFred Review or read what the team at GoonersGuide.com thinks about BetFred Sportsbook here.

Training Camp: From the linesmaker - by the team at popular US-friendly online sportsbook Bodog Sports.

I can’t deny the fact that I’ve got a great job. But it’s not like I spend all day sipping mai-tais and browsing the swimsuit issue. I have to make sure that the betting lines I put up are an accurate reflection of the betting marketplace – one half-point in the wrong direction could take food off my plate.

Some people still think my job is to pull the wool over our customers’ eyes and take their cash. I think the informative articles you’ll find on Bodog Sports prove otherwise. We want our customers to make educated bets so nobody loses his shirt – us included. So let me play the Answer Man for a moment and give you an insight into the nature of what we do around here.

How are game totals set?

It’s common knowledge among bettors that the online gambling industry pays close attention to Las Vegas Sports Consultants, a private company that handles the odds for casinos and newspapers. But the totals I set have to reflect our customers’ preferences for betting the over or under on certain teams in certain situations. Also, because LVSC lines are published early, I have to keep on top of injuries and potential changes in coaching strategy leading up to the game in question before I release any totals. This is doubly important in basketball, where pace determines how many shots will be taken in 48 minutes.

Why do lines move?

Ideally, the lines I release will balance the action equally, so that the winners get paid out from the pockets of the losers and we take the vigorish. That’s an ideal that rarely happens – especially in sports without a pointspread, like NASCAR and golf. If Team A is getting too much action, I’ll move the line toward Team B to try to achieve that balance. My personal preference is to tweak the vig from –110 to –105 or +100 before taking the bigger step of moving the spread a half-point or more.

Are there ways to make money from line movements?

Absolutely. When the lines go up for the NFL, or for the first game of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, there are several days in between the open and the game itself where movement can take place. You’ll find that the betting public tends to pile in on their favorite teams once they get home from work on Friday. You can anticipate these line movements and time your bet accordingly to take advantage.

Sometimes a line will move far enough to create a “middle” opportunity. Say the Texas Longhorns end up facing the Wisconsin Badgers in the first round of March Madness. If you have Texas early as a 5-point favorite, and I move the line to Texas –7 later in the week, then you can also place a bet on Wisconsin +7. If Texas happens to win by six points, both your bets cash in. Texas winning by either five or seven gives you a win and a push. Any other result creates a win and a loss, so you’re only risking the vigorish.

What type of betting statistics do you recommend?

If you want to predict what will happen when Team A meets Team B, your best stats to analyze are those generated in their most recent head-to-head matchups at the same venue. The habits of the betting public are fairly constant, so ATS results in general have a longer shelf life, but don’t bother going too far back in time. The 2009 New York Yankees are going to look a lot different than the 2008 Yankees or the 2000 Yankees.

Do multiple deposits count toward special promotion offers?

Yes. If you receive a special offer from our marketing team, and you make several deposits adding up to X dollars before the expiry date, it qualifies the same as one big deposit of X dollars. We remind you, though, to be aware of our deposit method fees and take those into account.

Ready for some online betting?  Get started today at Bodog Sportsbook!

>>For more on Bodog, check out the latest Bodog Sportsbook Review here at BookieLabRat.com.
>>Compare Bodog Sportsbook to other online betting sites popular and safe for American bettors.

Here’s the latest round-up of stake-back betting promotions at the top online sportsbooks for European and UK sports betting. Win, Lose - or get your stake back!

Tuesday’s Champions Cashback

If Ronaldo Scores The Last Goal of the Inter Milan v Man United Game, Boylesports Will Refund ALL Losing Single Bets In ALL MARKETS Of ALL 4 Of Tuesday’s Champions League Matches! Max refund EUR300 or currency equivalent. (Applies to pre-match betting only).

Wednesday’s Champions Cashback

If Torres scores the last goal of the Real Madrid v Liverpool game BoyleSports will refund ALL losing single bets in ALL markets on ALL FOUR of Wedneday’s Champions League games. Max refund EUR300 or currency equivalent. (Applies to pre-match betting only).

The Special One?

Inter Milan v Man Utd  -  Tues 7.45pm ITV/RTE2. Ireland
Money-Back Special: If Ronaldo scores the last goal in this match Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match. Max Refund €300/£200 per customer.  If Ronaldo takes no part in match special will revert to last goal from outside box. Own goals do not count.

All Champions League Matchs involving British sides

BetFred will refund your total stake as a free bet on any Champions League game involving a British side if… - You place a scorecast bet and you only get one half of your selection correct… OR - You place a first goalscorer bet and your selection doesn’t score first but scores last.

Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count. Applies to all Champions League games involving Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic only

Last Chance Saloon Refund

Place a bet on the 1st goal scorer, or last goal scorer markets for any of the below games and if the selected player for that game scores the last goal Ladbrokes will refund all losing 1st goal scorer or last goal scorer bets for that game.

Arsenal vs Roma  -  Robin van Persie 
Atletico Madrid vs Porto  -  Diego Forlan
Inter Milan vs Man Utd  -  Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Lyon vs Barcelona  -  Samuel Eto’o
 
Goals scored in extra time or penalty shoot outs do not apply. Total refunds per customer up to a maximum of £250. Bet must be placed before kick off to qualify, bets in play will not be valid for the offer

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place 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.

Here’s the latest round up of sportsbook money back special betting promotions at top rating online bookmakers. They all cover EPL matches playing February 21 and 22nd, 2009. 

Another Early Payout! 

Man Utd v Blackburn  Sat. 5.30pm Live on Setanta
Money-Back Special: If a goal is scored in the first ten minutes of the game, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match. Max Refund E300/£200 per customer. Does not apply to customers whose language of registration is Spanish.

Gift of the Gab

Aston Villa v Chelsea  -  Saturday 21st February
If Gabriel Agbonlahor scores the last goal against Chelsea, BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast bets as a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count. 

Everything Must Jo

Newcastle v Everton  -  Sunday 22nd February
If Jo scores the last goal against Newcastle on Sunday, BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count.

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Saturday, 21 February

If your bet loses and a penalty kick (a direct free kick from the penalty mark) is awarded during the first half of this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL21FEB

Liverpool v Manchester City - Sunday, 22 February

If your bet loses and any player scores a hatrick (3 goals) in this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL22FEB

Correct Score Cashback

Place a correct score bet on any match in one of the major leagues*. If there are 6 goals or more in the match and your bet loses, Globet will refund your stake up to a maximum of 250 Euros.  *Major Leagues include Italian Serie A, English Premier, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Champions League and UEFA Cup matches.

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place 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.

Here’s a round up of the best promotions currently running on the Australian Open 2009. Free bets and cash back deals on the best Tennis betting of the season… starting today!

Live Streaming Tennis - and a free bet!

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland or Norway bettors only!  Pay a one-off £10 subscription or currency equivalent at Ladbrokes and you’ll be able to view all available Australian Open Streams Live.  Ladbrokes will give you back your £10 subscription in the form of a Free Bet to the value of the subscription. 

Court Short Down Under - Australian Open

Place a win or each-way single bet on any seeded player in the Men’s or Women’s Australian Open outright market and if your selection is knocked out in the First Round, BetFred will refund your stake as a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Applies to bets placed before 11pm GMT Sun 18th January

Djokes On Us - Men’s Australian Open 2009

BoyleSports will refund all losing single bets places on the men’s outright market if Novak Djovik wins the Men’s Australian Open 2009.  Max refund EUR250 (or currency equivalent). Applied to bets placed prior to tournament start only.

Serbs Us Right - Women’s Australian Open 2009

If either Ana Ivanovic or Jelana Jankovic wins the womens Australian Open, BoyleSports will refund all losing single bets on the outright betting market. Max refund EUR250 or currency equivalent.

Pocket Aces - Australian Open 

If you have a losing in-running match bet on the Australian Open and the final shot of the match is an Ace, Paddy Power will give you a free in-running bet to the same stake on any other Australian Open match. Max Free Bet €300/£200 per customer per match. Does not apply to the finals.

For more on these popular online sportsbooks, check out the latest reviews onsite at BookieLabRat.com. For a dialy update on the latest cashbacks, freebets and betting promotions across all sports visit the promos pages on the Gooners Guide to Gambling here.

Here’s the latest rundown of stake back betting offers (money back specials) at the top online sportsbooks for English Premier League betting. How these bets work is that instead of just 2 outcomes (win or lose), you also have a chance of getting your stake back as a free bet.

Back with a Bang!

Stoke v Liverpool   -  Sat 5.30pm Setanta
If Fernando Torres scores the last goal in this match then Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match.  If Torres plays no part in the match special will revert to last goal scored outside the box. Max Refund E300/£200 per customer. Does not apply to customers whose language of registration is Spanish.

Blues Brothers!

Man United v Chelsea  -  Sun 4pm Sky Sports 1
If Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka scores the last goal in the above match then Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match. If either player plays no part in the match special will revert to last goal scored outside the box. Own goals do not count. Max Refund E300/£200 per customer. Does not apply to customers whose language of registration is Spanish.

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place 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.

Have a Ron on Us

Manchester United v Chelsea  -  Premier League, Sunday 4pm
If Ronaldo scores the first or last goal of the game, BoyleSports will refund all losing single bets on this game  Max refund EUR300 or currency equivalent per customer.

Friend or De-Foe

Wigan v Tottenham - Sunday 11th January
After leaving Tottenham for Portsmouth less than a year ago, Jermain Defoe returns to White Hart Lane to join up with boss Harry Redknapp for the third time. If he scores the last goal against Wigan on Sunday, BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet.  Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count

Premier League Second Chance Specials

Middlesbrough v Sunderland   -  Saturday, 10 January

If your bet loses and either side comes back from 2-nil down to win the match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL10JAN

Manchester United v Chelsea    -  Sunday, 11 January

If your bet loses and 5 or more goals are scored in this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL11JAN

For detailed cash back betting offers across ALL sports (not just English Premier League football) check out the Money Back Special Bets listing on site at GoonersGuide.com. It’s updated daily so check it out if you’re into betting on horse racing, NFL, snooker, darts, NHL, Basketball golf and other sports.

It’s time to dust off your BetFred Bookmaker Account for the New Year. (Or set up a new account if you haven’t bet with this popular online sportsbook before).

Canny UK bookie Bet Fred is offering all punters the chance to win a “pretty cool football trip” - yep, it’s official I’d like to win this one! Check it out onsite at BetFred.com - Comptition details below.

Win a Fabulous VIP Package to watch Real Madrid v Deportivo at the Bernabeu Stadium on 25th January 2009.

All you have to do is wager £10 between now and 16th January 2009 at BetFred.com and you will be entitled to one prize draw ticket. The more you wager the more chance you have of winning! The winner will be notified on 17th January 2009. Good Luck!

Hotel Information:

Hotel – Husa Paseo del Arte**** - Situated among the famous “Triángulo del Arte” – amidst the most important museums in Madrid, i.e. El Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. It offers 260 air-conditioned, state-of-the-art rooms and suites. It has parking, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, salons, etc.  Breakfast is served as a buffet. 

Terms and Conditions:

• In order to qualify for one prize draw ticket you will have to wager a £10 or greater single on the Sportsbook with odds over evens.
• This promotion is only applicable to customers who have bet on Sportsbook between 7th January 2009 and 16th January 2009
• The VIP Package is for the Real Madrid v Deportivo de la Coruna match on the 25th January 2009.
• The package includes 2 x tickets for the game, superb seats above the president’s box, travel, 2 nights in 4 star Hotel in the heart of Madrid (see above for Hotel information) and Spending Money.
• Prize Draw finishes on 17th January and the winner will be picked from random from qualifying participants.
• The Winner will be notified on 17th Jan 2009.

For more on BetFred Bookmaker:

>>GoonersGuide to Gambling BetFred Bookmaker Review
>>BookieLabRat.com’s Review of BetFred Sportsbook 

Here’s the latest online sportsbook round-up of stake back betting offers that might just tempt you to place a flutter at a specific bookie on this weekend’s FA Cup Third Round action.

Bruce Almighty!

Tottenham v Wigan  -  Fri 8pm Live on Setanta
If Wigan win this match, Paddy Power will refund all losing single 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets on the match.  Max Refund €300/£200 per customer. Does not apply to customers whose language of registration is Spanish.

No New Years Resolution!

Southampton v Man Utd  -  Sun 4pm Live on Setanta
If this match finishes in a draw, Paddy Power will refund all losing single 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets on the match.   Max Refund €300/£200 per customer. Does not apply to customers whose language of registration is Spanish.

Sweet FA

All FA Cup ties Fri 2nd Jan - Mon 5th Jan 2009
Back any team to win the FA Cup outright and if they are knocked out of the competition this weekend, BetFred will refund your stake as a free bet. Free bets will be credited by 3pm on Tuesday 6th January 2009. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer.

ALL Football (e.g. FA Cup 3rd Round…)

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer…Place 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.

Don’t Hit the Bar!

All Football Markets - e.g this week’s FA Cup Third Round or La Liga Action. Place a five-fold or upwards on ANY football markets and if you have only ONE losing selection VCBet will refund your stake as a free bet. Max refund £100 or currency equivalent.

Buy One Get One Free! 

Place a WINCAST bet on Tottenham v Wigan and, win or lose, Victor Chandler will give you a WINCAST FREE BET to the same stake on Preston v Liverpool!  Max free bet £25 (€25) per person. Free bets available from 11am Saturday. Void bets do not qualify for this offer.

Here’s the latest round-up of stake back betting and free bet offers at the top online sportsbooks we rate and recommend for English Football bets.

For Ste’s a Jolly Good Fellow  -  Arsenal v Liverpool  -  Sun 4pm SS1
Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on the match if Steven Gerrard scores the first or last goal of this game. Max Refund E300 or currency equivalent per customer.

A Christmas Carol 

Arsenal v Liverpool Sunday 21st December, 4pm
If Robin van Persie scores the last goal in the Arsenal v Liverpool game on Sunday, BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count.

Everton v Chelsea Monday 22nd December, 8pm
If Tim Cahill scores the last goal in the Everton v Chelsea game on Monday, BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count.

Escape Claus!  -  Arsenal v Liverpool  -  Sun 4pm SS1
If either team leads at half time and fails to win, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles.. Max Refund E300/£200 per customer.

Premier League Second Chance Specials  

Arsenal v Liverpool  - Sunday, 21 December
If your bet loses and a penalty kick (a direct free kick from the penalty mark) is awarded during the first half of this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL21DEC

Everton v Chelsea  - Monday, 22 December
If your bet loses and any player scores a hatrick (3 goals) in this match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL22DEC

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place 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.

Here’s the latest round-up of sportsbook money back specials on this week’s English premier League football betting. (And one on Barca-Real Madrid).

These little bookie promos pay our surprisingly often so check them out before you decide where to place your weekend bets. 

White Hart Drain

Tottenham v Man Utd  -  Saturday 5:30pm Live on Setanta

If the Tottenham v Man Utd game finishes 0-0, BetFred will refund all losing win single first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet.Maximum refund is £100 (or currency equiv) per customer.

Hot Coles

Chelsea v West Ham  -  Sunday 4pm Live on SS1

If the Tottenham v Man Utd game finishes 0-0, BetFred will refund all losing win single first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet.Maximum refund is £100 (or currency equiv) per customer.

A White Hart-breaker!

Tottenham v Man Utd  -  Sat 5.30pm Setanta
If Dimitar Berbatov scores the last goal in this game Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on this match.  Max Refund €300/£200 per customer.

Another Fine Messi

Barcelona v Real Madrid  -  Sat 9pm SS1
If Messi scores the last goal of the above match then Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on this match.   Max Refund €300/£200 per customer.

Premier League Second Chance Special

Middlesbrough v Arsenal  - Saturday, 13 December

If your bet loses and Robin Van Persie scores a goal in the match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL13DEC

Premier League Second Chance Special

Portsmouth v Newcastle United  - Sunday, 14 December

If your bet loses and either side comes back from 2-nil down to win the match, Canbet will refund your bet (Correct Score Only).  Maximum bonus is £50 (€65)…enter the promotional code: EPL14DEC

1st Scorer 2nd Chance

All Premier League Games

Place a 1st goal scorer bet and if your player fails to score the 1st goal but scores at any other time in the match, Victor Chandler will refund your stake as a free bet on any future match. Max refund £100 (€120) per person per match.

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place 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.

>>For the latest sportsbook reviews of these online bookmakers check out BookieLabRat.com or GoonersGuide.com.