The Sports Bookie Blog

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! 

What’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!

If 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.

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.

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.

Despite 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.

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

So where are we putting our money today?

I 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.

- 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

I 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
Live 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

Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov looks set to play his last game for the club against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday in what promises to be a farewell fixture for a number of players on both sides.

The Bulgarian striker is expected to be the most high-profile departure from Spurs after manger Juande Ramos admitted that he may be powerless to prevent his prize asset seeking Champions League football at a bigger club.

“It’s difficult to say whether it will be his last game. I would obviously like him to stay here but we don’t know how future negotiations will go, so it’s something I can’t guarantee,” the Spanish coach said. “I’ve spoken to him many times and I know exactly what he wants. But it is a private conversation and I won’t say what he told me.”

Ramos is expected to make wholesale changes to the squad in the close season with Pascal Chimbonda, Ricardo Rocha, Young-Pyo Lee, Teemu Tainio, Radek Cerny and Younes Kaboul all knowing that Sunday’s game could be their last in the white of Spurs.

The former Valencia boss took charge after the chaotic end to Martin Jol’s reign in October, and led the club to League Cup victory and UEFA Cup qualification, but is now keen to bring in his own players as part of ambitious plans for next season.

The Spaniard signalled his intentions with the 15-million-pound capture of 22-year-old Croatian playmaker Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb last week and he has also been linked with big money bids for Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, Portsmouth’s Lassana Diarra and West Ham’s Anton Ferdinand.

England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also expected to move in the summer but is unlikely to be fit for Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury, denying him the chance of a last appearance in-front of his home supporters.

Opponents Liverpool have had a similarly dramatic season on and off the pitch but will be in a relaxed mood for Sunday’s game after securing Champions League qualification last month. Manager Rafael Benitez and American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett had high hopes of a title challenge at the beginning of the season but after a largely disappointing campaign will be refreshing their squad ready for a more sustained attempt next year.

Players who could be appearing in their last game for the Reds on Sunday include John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Finnan and Andriy Voronin.

The Spanish coach has already made a bid for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, fuelling rumours that midfielder Xavi Alonso could also be saying goodbye on Sunday. However, Benitez scoffed at the reports, saying: “(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract. Barry can play in three different positions, so I don’t think we need to worry about this.”

England forward Peter Crouch could also be making his ‘Pool swansong against Spurs, the club who gave him his first professional contract, after publicly stating he wants to leave to seek first-team football. Again, the Spanish boss played down suggestions. He said: “If we receive a very good offer — and by that I mean 15 million pounds — we will consider it. I’m happy to keep him.”

Sunday’s fixture could also be the Reds’ last under the ownership of Gillett and Hicks following their acrimonious falling out earlier in the season. Supporters of the famous club are banking on a takeover offer from Dubai based consortium DIC over the summer to provide the stability needed for improvement.

Liverpool are guaranteed a fourth place finish, whatever Sunday’s result, while Spurs can still finish in the top ten if they win and West Ham slip up against Aston Villa.

Check out the latest online sportsbook reviews and ratings for May at BookieLabRat.com - how does your bookie rate? 

The season end is nearly upon us but it’s no excuse to throw away sports betting profits! Be sure to check out the latest sportsbook deals below before you place your bets as getting your stake back is far better than a loss.

First up is our favourite deal of the week. Popular Irish bookie BoyleSports.com have come to the EPL betting party with an offer called “Singing the Blues”. They’ll refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer bets on ALL TEN of Sunday’s Premier League games if Chelsea win the 2007/08 Premier League. Max refund is €500 or currency equivalent per customer. 

Paddy Power Bookmaker has an offer called “Squeaky Bum Time” and complete the image with lots of rolls of toilet paper… Dodgy title, a dodgy game?  This cash back offers a refund on all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on the WIGAN v MANCHESTER UNITED Sunday May 11th - If Manchester Utd win this match 1-0. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Bet365 has it’s season-long old reliable Bore Draw deal running where they’ll refund your pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH if the match finishes 0-0. There’s been a lot of payouts on this offer this season!

BetFred Bookmaker has both a First Scorer and a Scorecast cashback deal this weekend. If you back a player to score first in any Premier League games this weekend …and he fails to score the first goal in the game but scores the last, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max. If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League games this weekend …and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Victor Chandler has finally come to the party with a money back offer for all Sunday’s Premier League games (they’re slow to get them onsite!) If there is a goal scored in INJURY TIME in any Premier League game on Sunday May 11th, VCBet will refund losing correct score and first goalscorer bets as a free bet. Max refund is €125/£100 per customer.
 

Compare the latest odds on English Premiership football live here at BookieLabRat.com.

Here are the latest online betting specials from our recommended sportsbooks on the next round of English Premier League football.

A Hammer Blow! - MANCHESTER UNITED v WEST HAM - Premier League, Saturday May 3, 12:45pm SS1. If West Ham score the last goal of the game Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Throwing it Away! - NEWCASTLE v CHELSEA - Premier League, Monday May 5, 4pm Live on SS1. If Chelsea lead at any time and fail to win Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Seoul Mate - MAN UNITED v WEST HAM - Saturday 12:45pm, If PARK JI SUNG scores the last goal in this game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer.

It’s All Greek to Me - BOLTON v SUNDERLAND - Saturday 5:15pm, If STELIOS scores the last goal in this game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer.

Cracker Yak - ARSENAL v EVERTON - Sunday 1:30pm, If YAKUBU scores the last goal in this game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer.

Sven, You Walk Through the Storm - LIVERPOOL v MAN CITY - Sunday 4:00pm, If LIVERPOOL win this game from behind Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer.

Nil All? 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.

Scorecast Cashback - If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League games this weekend…and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

First Scorer Cashback - If you back a player to score first in any Premier League games this weekend…and he fails to score the first goal in the game but scores the last, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

To get the latest BEST ODDS to complement these betting specials check out the live odds comparison at BookieLabRat.com before you place your bets.

Michael Ballack’s cool head caused Sir Alex Ferguson to lose his as Chelsea blew the English Premier League title race wide open.

On a day of high drama at both ends of the table, a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge ensured Chelsea moved level on points with their rivals with two games left for both clubs.

United’s vastly superior goal difference means they remain masters of their own destiny but Ballack’s second goal of the afternoon, a nerveless spot-kick four minutes from time, ensured the champions’ own nerve will be tested over the last two weeks of the campaign.
The Germany captain, who had given Chelsea the lead with a first-half header before Wayne Rooney equalised, claimed afterwards that the thought of missing the penalty had never entered his head.

“In the end you have to score,” Ballack said. “For me it is no problem, I can handle the pressure.”

United will still be champions if they beat West Ham at home next Saturday and win at Wigan on May 11. But Chelsea, who face Newcastle away on May 5 and entertain Bolton on the final day of the season, have put themselves in a position to exploit any slip-ups.

“We did what we needed to do,” declared their manager, Avram Grant. “This team has a lot of courage and character.” Asked if he thought United would crack in their remaining matches, Grant replied: “I need to believe it. It is not easy when you are under pressure to win two games.”

Ferguson variously described the 87th minute penalty converted by Ballack after a Michael Essien cross struck the arm of Michael Carrick as “ridiculous,” “disgraceful” and “diabolical.” Ferguson insisted that Carrick should not have been penalised because the contact with the ball was not deliberate and Rio Ferdinand was waiting to clear the ball behind the midfielder.

“It was absolutely diabolical,” the United boss told United’s in-house television station MUTV. “It is a major decision. Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that. “It is going straight to Rio Ferdinand. The referee should have seen that rather than the linesman. “If we’re not going to get those decisions then we are under pressure.”

The penalty was not the only issue Ferguson had with referee Alan Wiley and his assistants. “If we’re not getting the decisions we deserve then we’re going to have to perform really well. In the context of today, when (Cristiano) Ronaldo comes on, in the first minute he’s grappled to the floor by Ballack. “It was a clear penalty kick but no penalty was given.” Ferguson was also upset by a challenge by Didier Drogba on Nemanja Vidic, which saw the defender come off after 14 minutes. The Serbian needed stitches and lost a tooth. “He got kneed in the face by Drogba - no foul given, ” said the Old Trafford boss. “He was dazed rather than concussed.”

Ferguson remains confident that his side can secure the tenth title of his reign at Old Trafford. “It’s still in our hands,” he said. “The players and the support are really fired up for the next game. Hopefully we can get the result we want.”

Does your bookie make the grade? Check out the latest online sportsbook reviews and ratings at BookieLabRat.com.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United will be well prepared for their title decider with Chelsea despite his side having had less rest than their rivals. United, who expect to have key defender Nemanja Vidic back after illness, flew to London on Thursday after their goalless Champions League semi-final draw in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Chelsea, three points behind Premier League leaders United, have had more time to prepare with an extra day’s rest after a 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw at Liverpool on Tuesday.

United will also have the second leg of their tie with Barcelona a day before the Blues take on Rafael Benitez’s side at Stamford Bridge.
While Ferguson thinks that Avram Grant’s team have been given a major advantage, he is sure United have made the best of the situation.

“The fixture is not fair as well in terms of the timing between the two games,” United manager Ferguson said. “The Liverpool fixture with Chelsea was Tuesday followed by Wednesday, so there is four days either way to get themselves ready, which is a big advantage, there is no question about that. “Unfortunately, we have 60 hours to prepare for this game. All we can do is rest them. We stayed overnight in Barcelona. “Then we had a light training session at Barcelona’s training ground. Being in the sun and having a day relaxing is probably the best thing we could have done,” the Scot added.

Serbian centre-back Vidic came through training on Friday after missing the game in the Nou Camp with sickness.  With Chelsea trailing United and with a vastly inferior goal difference, Ferguson believes he can make one or two changes for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge without great risk.

“I will freshen up one or two positions obviously. With the squad I have got, I can do that. But nothing definite at the moment but I will make a couple of changes. “Vidic will hopefully be okay. He has trained and we are hopeful he will be fit. He has a good chance.
“We could achieve quite a lot in the next few days. The incentives are all there and we have the players to do it,” added Ferguson, who saw his 1999 United side lift the Champions League trophy as part of a memorable ‘treble’. “We have the squad to do it. We just have to make sure we are rested properly and prepared for the game. The game will take care of itself. It is a massive, big game. “It would not have mattered where we would have been in the table. When you play the top four, you have to do well. Our record against them is not too bad. It is not great but it balances out overall.”

Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will not be distracted by criticism for his early penalty miss in the Nou Camp which, had he scored, would have secured United a valuable away goal.

“That is the modern way,” he continued. “There is nothing we can do about that. When you are as big as Ronaldo, they will always look for holes to pick. “That is just the way it is. We will not worry too much about that.”

Here’s a quick round up of the latest sportsbook stake back betting offers on the weekend’s English Premiership and Scottish Premier League football.

Tevez-stating!
Chelsea v Man United - Saturday 26th April 2008, 12:45. If the Carlos Tevez scores the last goal of the game Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200.

Bore Draw
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.

A Bridge Too Far
Chelsea V Manchester United, English Premier League, Saturday  12.45pm.  If Chelsea win the game from behind  Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Rover and Done With
Portsmouth V Blackburn, English Premier League, Sunday  1.30pm. If Roque Santa Cruz scores the last goal of the game Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent. Own goals do not count.

The Fifth Amendment
Everton V Aston Villa, English Premier League, Sunday 4:00pm. If Aston Villa win this game from behind Boyle Sports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

Firm But Fair
Celtic V Rangers, Scottish Premier League, Sunday  12:30pm.  If a goal is scored in 2nd half injury time Boyle Sports will refund all losing first/last/anytime goalscorer, correct score & half time/full time single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

First Goalscorer Special
If you back a player to score first in any Premier League game this weekend and your selection fails to score the first goal but scores last, BetFred will refund your stake to £100 max.

Scorecast Cashback Special
If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League game this weekend and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Compare the best prices across these top online sportsbooks live at BookieLabRat.com.

Here’s the latest round up of cash back sportsbook offers on English Premier League football this weekend.

This weekend’s live action kicks off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, when Arsenal entertain Reading. The Gunners have seen their season peter out in the last few weeks but will be determined to put on a show for their home crowd. For Reading, relegation is still a major possibility and Steve Coppell would be delighted to take a point home with them.

“At Long Last” - Arsenal v Reading - Premier League - Saturday 12.45pm
If Shane Long scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

“Bore Draw” - 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.

“First Scorer Cash Back” - If you back a player to score first in any Premier League game this weekend and your selection fails to score the first goal but scores last, BetFred will refund your stake to £100 max.

“Scorecast Cash Back” - If you place a scorecast bet on any Premier League game this weekend and you only get one half of your selection correct, BetFred will refund your total stake to £100 max.

Saturday evening sees champions elect, Man United, look to put another nail in the coffin of Chelsea’s title challenge when they travel to Blackburn. Mark Hughes’s men looked like a side who have gone through a hard season when they were well beaten by Liverpool last weekend but Rovers have a good record at home against the Red Devils.

“A Cruz Missile” - Blackburn v Man United - Premier League - Saturday 5.15pm 
If Roque Santa Cruz scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

It’s Derby Day in the North East as Newcastle and Sunderland battle it out in the 128th Tyne-Wear league derby. Both sides have flirted with relegation this season, but with a good run of form of late both seem certain to play Premier League football again next season. Bragging rights and pride will be the order of the day in St James Park.

“Alas Smith & Jones” - Newcastle v Sunderland - Premier League - Sunday 1.30pm 
If either Alan Smith or Kenwyne Jones scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.

“Party Tyne!”  Newcastle V Sunderland - Sun 20th April KO 1:30pm - Live Sky Sports 1
If Newcastle beat Sunderland by 3 or more goals in this match, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on that match. Max refund per punter €300/£200

Sunday afternoon sees Benjani face his former employees as Man City welcome Portsmouth to the City of Manchester Stadium. Pompey players may be forgiven for having one eye on the Cup final whereas the pressure is on Sven Goran Eriksson for the first time this season as talk of his departure begins to build.

“Benny Happy Returns” - Man City v Portsmouth - Premier League - Sunday 4.00pm
If Benjani scores the last goal of the game, Boylesports will refund all losing single bets on this match. Max refund is €500 per customer or currency equivalent.