Fixed odds betting terminal gaming

Will Fobts get banned from the bookies?

2019-01-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

A recent Radio 5 live investigation, "
Banned from bookies" made the front page of BBC news online and was reported in the
Independentand theSun newspapers. A few days later, a group of banned gamblers handed in a Charter to the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) head office,
with a petitionsupported by over 3,000 signatories which called on the Chair of the ABB to initiate a public inquiry into bet acceptance.

Just imagine going to your local supermarket, going to the checkout counter with the loss-leader wine offer and being told you cannot buy it! The supermarket is banning you because you go for the best deals. Imagine the feelings of confusion, frustration and embarrassment. How insulted would you feel?

Whilst this may never happen in a supermarket, it is sadly becoming more frequent in betting shops and online. The remote bookies have perfect knowledge of the record of each gambler. If an account is not making them enough profit then it is closed or restricted to trivial bet amounts.

Over the counter betting is required to be the primary activity of the betting shop licence. FOBTs, the betting shop machines, have a maximum payoff of £500 per spin. There is no justification for bookmakers refusing anyone a bet on what should be their primary activity of betting, if the payoff will be up to £500 – the same as on their unrestricted FOBTs.

In contrast and rather stupidly, the bookmakers considered it wise to take bets on an event that had already taken place a number of months ago. Over 150 people had witnessed it and Ladbrokes in particular then questioned why so many people had backed the winner! As the BBC said of their popular Great British Bake Off program - “
It’s a mystery why bookies would take bets on a show recorded in advance. Doing so is ripe for abuse and seems very irresponsible. We’re pressing for information so we can get to the bottom of this.”

One of the licensing objectives in the 2005 Gambling Act is that gambling should be "fair and open”. Where is the easy-to-read notice in the betting shop that says: "If we don't like your bet, we won't take it" There isn't one. Regular gamblers continue losing in the hope they might one-day turn into winning gamblers without knowing it is impossible to be a winner, as if they do begin to win their account will be closed or restricted. How can this be "fair and open"?

Bookies say they only want to restrict "professional" gamblers. But even on betting exchanges, where gamblers set their own prices against each other, there are very few horse-race betting winners and they win mainly small amounts. Besides, if bookies suspect bets are from "professionals" then they have the ability to send the money back to the track to reduce the starting price odds. They are in control of the odds, not the punter.

Matthew Hillof the Gambling Commission has postulated that one day there may be no controls over stakes and prizes on gaming machines such as FOBTs. How can this absurd position ever be justified when bookies themselves apply limits on horse race gamblers?

As Greg Wood of the Guardian argued, the real scandal is the bet restriction of a £10 wager on a 6 to 4 favorite down to a £1 wager, to reduce the liability from £15 to £1.50 on a premium race!

The ABB, nor any of its members, did not want to respond to 5 Live’s investigation. Wanda Goldwag of the Senet Group instead made the "commercial decision" excuse for the bookies. She claimed that it was better to pay £2,000 to 1,000 customers than £2 million to one customer.

Where did Ms Goldwag get this misleading nonsense from? Paddy Power. But the bookies never have had anything close to a £2 million payout to an unknown shop gambler taking an early price on the day of a race. Ms Goldwag seems happy to espouse everything the bookmakers tell her – that’s what they call an independent regulator.

It appears to the Campaign that Ms Goldwag & the Senet Group maintain the sham pretense that the bookies are focused on minimising harm to vulnerable persons, rather than maximising their revenue. Even banned horse-race gamblers are invited back into shops to get deals to play on FOBTs.

Sensible "responsible" gambling involves limiting frequency, stakes and selections. That is what the banned and restricted gamblers do. FOBT roulette gambling is irrational as losses are far faster than casino roulette, and it is impossible to win in the long term. Ms Goldwag, despite claiming to be a "responsible" gambling advocate, defends FOBTs and also defends bookies banning sensible gamblers, two diametrically opposed and incompatible positions.

FOBT games online?

2019-01-22T08:11:00.001-08:00

You can now play FOBT online for different stakes, higher percentages and larger jackpots in many British online casinos.

There is no need to play FOBT games in bookies as many of your favourite slots and roulette games are available straight on your mobile, tablet or computer.

The most popular slots often start as online games first, then get down-graded to lower jackpots and lower percentages.

Games such as Rainbow Riches, Goddess of the Amazon and countless versions of roulette can all be played without having to deal with people watching over your shoulder if you don’t want them to.

At the moment, the large majority of FOBT slots and roulette games are available online, however there are a few differences, most of which are positive.

Playing FOBT Online Differences

This is the list of differences to playing FOBT online. Most are positive, although there are a few exceptions.

Larger Jackpot: Your jackpot wins are no longer confined to £500. Playing FOBT online has standard jackpot wins of often up to £100,000 with similar stakes to the bookies, and that’s not including the progressive jackpots.

Progressive Jackpots: High progressive values on Rainbow Riches are one thing, but online you can win a million pounds or more on slots such as Genie Jackpots. These values will truly change your life, and not just make your day.

Higher Percentages: Slot machine percentages online are always higher than in bookies, and are often between 95% and 98%. This makes a considerable difference in long term game play, and will result in more wins and more features.

The percentages also do not change according to the value of your stake, which they do on FOBT’s. For example, you can play 20p a spin, or £4 a spin online and the percentage will remain the same, but of course the value of the wins will increase considerably depending on your chosen stake.

In the bookies, if you play on a lower stake, you will have a lower percentages, usually 90%.

Different Stakes: FOBT slots and roulette in bookies have stakes from 20p up to £2, with roulette often having a minimum cost per spin of £5.

FOBT online have stakes from as low as 1p, both on slots and on roulette. You can play roulette for 1p per spin at Sky Vegas, which although the returns will not be very high, does offer a great chance to try out any systems of playing methods.

For those who prefer larger stakes, high limit roulette offers games up to £5000 straight up, and £100,000 per spin. Slot stakes also go up to several thousands of pounds per spin, which means if the lowest value winning spins could return £50,000 or more.

Gambling: This is where FOBT games have the advantage; it is very rare to find an online slot which offers the chance to gamble your win. Most players however don’t gamble their winnings anyway, so there is no real lose.

£2 FOBT maximum stake

2019-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

A cut in the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) will be brought forward to April 2019 after the government backed down in the face of a growing rebellion that made allies of MPs across the political spectrum.

The chancellor, Philip Hammond, said in the budget that a reduction in FOBT stakes from £100 to £2 would not take effect until October next year, a decision that handed bookmakers a £900m windfall and triggered the resignation of the sports minister, Tracey Crouch.

However, after days of speculation about a U-turn, the culture secretary, Jeremy Wright issued a written statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that the stake reduction would now take place six months earlier.

“The government has been clear that protecting vulnerable people is the prime concern, but that as a responsible government it is also right to take the needs of those employed by the gambling industry into account and provide time for an orderly transition,” the written statement said.

“Parliament has, however, been clear that they want this change to be made sooner. The government has listened and will now implement the reduction in April 2019.”

An increase in taxes on online casinos from 15% to 21%, designed to make up the tax shortfall from the restrictions on FOBTs, will come in at the same time.

The Labour deputy leader and shadow culture minister, Tom Watson, said: “This climbdown shows the disastrous political judgment of Jeremy Wright and Philip Hammond.

“It’s very sad that it took an honourable resignation of a good minister and a cross-party revolt to achieve the blindingly obvious and necessary reforms to FOBTs.

“Whilst this is a personal humiliation for Jeremy Wright, this is a very good day for the many thousands of people whose families and communities are blighted by gambling addiction.”

Crouch, who took plaudits for her resignation on principle over FOBTs, said she was “delighted”.

Theresa May signalled the climbdown during prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, in response to a question from the former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith.

The volte-face came less than 24 hours after Whitehall sources said the Treasury was holding firm, despite facing the prospect of being the first to suffer a defeat on its own budget bill since 1978.

More than 100 MPs – including senior Tory rebels such as Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg and David Davis – had put their names to an amendment designed to force the government to bring forward the stake reduction.

Labour said it would support the amendment, meaning the government was all but certain to lose a vote on the issue next week.

The final straw is thought to have been a letter sent to the chief whip, Julian Smith, on Tuesday night by 12 senior MPs, urging the government to change course.

“This may be the first step in curbing some of the worst excesses of the industry and the start of ending suicides caused by gambling,” said Charles Ritchie, who founded charity Gambling With Lives with wife Liz after their son Jack, 24, killed himself following a FOBT addiction.

Get A Bang From Football Betting Tips

2016-05-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hot football betting tips are practical advice to help bettors, newbies and pros alike, to consistently earn profits. But as in any game of chance, everybody has to follow rules or risk losses that empty the bankroll. One big tip is never to bet more than you can afford. Monday Night Fever Monday nights. Even before the opening teaser starts, you’re already ensconced on the couch with your potato chips and your beer. There’s a long night ahead and you’re thrilled to the bones, which maybe this time you are going to get a bang from your football betting tips. It’s a disappointment to anticipate a bang but get a whimper. That is what you should expect when you don’t have a clue about the real betting that goes on the football scene. Of course, you have to cheer on your favorite football squad. But when it comes to betting, you sing a different tune. You have to use your football betting tips smartly. Your money is on the line. So what about it? Like all other online tips for horse racing, poker strategies, and greyhound racing, you have to toe the line if you want to double your bankroll. Sounds easy, huh? It does. Following the rules may be a bit tough. But football betting tips are practical reminders – you’ve heard the same lines from your mom and dad. Bet Like It’s Your Last Money For all you know, a 12-year-old kid can do better than you. Why? With a limited stash, he has to be careful, so he thinks twice before placing a bet. That’s one of the many football betting tips you have to learn. You have to think about the health of your bankroll before you place a bet. You should know how much your bet would earn you. You might fall for placing a

2016-05-17T11:07:00.001-07:00

New software has been introduced to take advantage of the arbitrage opportunities in sports betting worldwide.An arbitrage is simply the purchase of securities from one market for immediate resale to another market in order to profit from the discrepancy . There are arbitrage opportunities in numerous markets.The one concentrated on here is the sports betting market worldwide. With the correct software this market can be exploited,giving guaranteed profits.If you know what to look for in this type of situation you can exploit the situation to give you a guaranteed profit.Coupled to the software is a FREE booklet detailing in specific detail how to exploit this market. If the instructions in the book are adhered to the user can look forward to a guaranteed profit.There are people operating at the moment making a full time living out of arbitrage investment..This book will show you everything you need to know ,to produce a very profitable and regular income from a loophole that has been brought about by the Internet and the masses of bookmakers that have sprung up and continue to do so. .This loophole can never be regulated or closed down and as the Internet grows the number of opportunities this loophole will make available will multiply. To make money with the system you need to take whatever amount you are going to invest, and divide it into five equal amounts Take a specific sport and concentrate on that particular one.Let us take tennis. Open your browser to six different betting sites and lok at what the odds are on each site for a particular match. Open a spreadsheet and note down all six bookies odds for that particular game.Now take the software and calculate what two bookies odds will give you the greatest return.When you have ascertained where your best profit is, wager your bet,but make sure to wager for a win with both bookies as you are profiting out of arbitrage,not out of gambling.This is the reason why your profit is guaranteed. Spread the remaining four bets over other sporting opportunities,operating in exactly the same way.The reason why I say you must spread your investment five ways is because you are placing wagers on fixed odds for events that are taking place over the next couple of days.If you wagered all of your capital on one event you would have no money to invest until that particular event paid out. By spreading your investment you are continually generating profit,and at the end of a 30 day cycle you will have more money in your pocket. . There are many reasons why bookmakers may offer wildly different odds on the same sporting event .For a start many bookmakers overstretch themselves when offering odds—they try and cover every possible market to get as many customers as possible. This is great news for us because in doing so they will sometimes offer odds on events that they have little or no expert knowledge in .For example a bookmaker in the USA may offer odds on English division football yet he knows very little about it. Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/72067/investing-your-money-in-sports-betting/

Stake £5 Get £20

2011-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

There’s a brand new Paddy Power Bingo promotion on offer to all new customers this May and it’s pretty straightforward. Open an account, deposit your cash, stake

Arsenal Match Odds

2011-07-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Arsenal F.C. was formed in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich south east London and originally known as Dial Square. To this day the club crest features a cannon and the teams nickname is “The Gunners.” The club was promoted to the First Division in 1904 but after suffering dire financial problems was relegated to the Second Division . In 1913 they moved to the new Arsenal Stadium at Highbury where they remained for 93 years.

Arsenal F.C. are one of the most successful clubs in English football holding the record for the longest uninterrupted period in the English top flight. They are the only team to have completed a Premier League season unbeaten. Their list of achievements include 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 F.A. Cups.

Arsene Wenger was appointed Arsenal’s manager in 1996 and is credited with introducing new training regimes and foreign players, all contributing to the clubs success. In 2006 they moved to the Emirates Stadium and in the same year they set a Champion’s League record going ten matches without conceding a goal. They became the first London club to reach the Final of the Champion’s League, in which the record ended and they were beaten by Barcelona.

Arsenal Ladies F.C., a semi professional team, are the most successful team in English womens football having won all three major trophies in 2008/9 and they are also the only English side to have won the UEFA Women’s Cup.

For all of the latest and best Arsenal odds check out below…

Tags: , Arsenal Odds, football odds, match oddsShare

Amazon Wild Slot Game

2011-07-12T05:04:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling adventurous? Then try Amazon Wild, from Paddy Power Games, and explore the jungle in this exciting on line slot machine. Venture into the jungle to find the gold and bring home a fortune. This 5 reel, 4 row game, is a 100 compulsory pay line slot with stakes starting at a mini 1p and rising to

BMW PGA Golf At Wentworth

2011-07-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

Championship golf returns to Wentworth on May 26th 2011. The competition, which is held on the West Course at the famous Surrey club, is the European Tour’s flagship event. Golfing history will be made when, for the first time, all four holders of the Major Championships will tee off. The quartet of champions Charles Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen and Martin Kaymer will all take part, much to the delight of Championship Director Jamie Birkmyre not to mention the fans.

Schwartzel became the third South African to claim a coveted Green Jacket at Augusta in April and said, ” Winning at Augusta was a dream come true and, without question, the highlight of my career, and I am really looking forward to coming to Wentworth next month as the Masters champion,

Britains Got Talent Superstar

2011-07-12T02:24:00.000-07:00

We’re very excited about Mecca Bingo‘s newest exclusive slot game, Britain’s Got Talent Superstar, which launched on their site on Friday 13th of May, so not so unlucky for some!!

With all the excitement and fun of the TV show plus the chance to win big cash prizes, this is a great game for everybody so don’t worry if you can’t sing like Susan Boyle or dance like George Sampson you can still be a winner with their brand new Britain’s Got Talent Superstar slot game.

If you’re a fan of the show then you’ll going to love playing the five reel, twenty line slot, featuring all the best-loved characters from the show, a progressive jackpot and exploding reels. Reveal a winning combination and they’ll explode to reveal more symbols and even more chances to win.

If that isn’t enough then you can also play our popular Britain’s Got Talent Bingo game and win up to six cash prizes!

Tags: , mecca bingo games, mecca bingo slots, new online slots, online slotsShare

Sajjhaa Targets Windsor Forest Stakes

2011-07-12T01:04:00.000-07:00

Godolphin’s Sajjhaa delighted connections with a fine run at York last week when finishing a highly creditable runner-up to the outstanding mare Midday in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes and could next be seen at Royal Ascot in June where she has a number of entries at the five-day showcase fixture, writes Elliot Slater.

Trained until the start of this term by the now retired Michael Jarvis, the daughter of King’s Best ran above most expectations on the Knavesmire, leading until the furlong pole under Frankie Dettori before Midday came by to score by two-lengths. Such an effort on her seasonal reappearance suggests that the Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly has done very well indeed from three to four and could be worth following this term, even if you usually just keep an eye on the Epsom Derby betting.

Bin Suroor has been fulsome in his praise of Sajjhaa who he expected to come on plenty for her York run and whose effort against a high-class international performer clearly exceeded expectations. She has a number of Royal Ascot entries, including in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, but it seems most likely that she will be kept to competing against her own sex and tackle the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes having returned from the Knavesmire in fine form and is understood to be very much pleasing connections. Those tracking the Royal Ascot betting should bear this in mind.

Last term Sajjhaa won in listed company at Bath in August before being beaten just a nose by Aspectoflove in a competitive listed handicap at Ascot’s QEII fixture a month later. She then excelled when putting in a much improved display to reverse the form with Aspectoflove in beating that rival a length-and-a-half in the Group 3 Premio Sergio Cumani at San Siro in October.

Tags: Godolphin Racing, Middleton Stakes, Sajjhaa horse, Windsor Forest StakesShare

Jacqueline Ready In Quest For Top Honours

2011-07-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Henry Cecil’s classy filly Jacqueline Quest looks set to make her seasonal return to action at Leicester next week as the four-year-old bids to gain some compensation this term for her controversial disqualification after ‘winning’ last season’s 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, writes Elliot Slater.

An unconsidered 66/1 shot when getting the better of a tremendous tussle with French filly Special Duty on the Rowley Mile last year, the daughter of Rock of Gibraltar was demoted from first place after the stewards determined that she had hung right and interfered with the runner-up who was denied by a nose. The stewards reversed the placings, denying Cecil another classic success and shattering the elation of the filly’s quadriplegic owner Noel Martin, who named Jacqueline Quest after his late wife.

Following the devastation of her disqualification at HQ, Cecil’s charge then headed to Royal Ascot where she ran a solid race to finish third to Lillie Langtry in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes before ending her season with a below-par effort in coming home just fifth of the seven runners in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Those following the horse race betting would have been disappointed.

Connections of Jacqueline Quest have been waiting for the much promised but rarely sighted rain that has been long absent from British racing this spring, but following a few showers in recent days hopes are being raised that the ground might be suitable for her to make her seasonal bow at Leicester next week, or later on at Haydock in the John ‘O Gaunt stakes.

Her main target in the first half of this term is the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot, but all plans will relate to prevailing ground conditions, Cecil being determined to be patient with Jacqueline Quest and not risk his talented filly and jar her up on a fast surface.

Tags: henry cecil trainer, Jacqueline Quest horse, NewmarketShare

Carlton House Injury Scare

2011-07-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

Derby horse betting favourite Carlton House will be forced to miss any heavy training in the build up to the Derby this weekend after a joint problem was discovered just four days before the big race.

The colt, owned by the Queen, had been placed as the clear favourite for the race after an impressive win at the Dante Stakes last month, but his odds lengthened considerably to 13-8 with some bookmakers when news of the injury filtered through.

The Queen’s racing manager John Warren played down the incident, claiming that the injury wouldn’t affect his ability to run in the classic.

Derby Hope Carlton House Back On Track

2011-07-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Carlton House, the red hot favourite for this weekend’s Investec Derby at Epsom, is reported to be over the worst of the injury scare that caused such a panic in the ante-post market yesterday when word leaked out that The Queen’s horse had suffered a setback, writes Elliot Slater.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt galloped six furlongs on Sunday with a stable companion and reportedly pleased connections with the way he went. The trouble began when Stoute checked the son of Street Cry at evening stables on Monday and the legendary trainer noticed a small amount of swelling on the horse’s near-fore joint. After having the horse X-rayed it was found that the Dante Stakes winner had a little filling in the joint the first sign of a potential injury and Stoute decided to immediately ease off the work for his charge and only allowed him to be trotted yesterday.

News of the slight setback soon filtered out to the Epsom Derby betting markets and resulted in Carlton House drifting from being a solid 6/4 market leader to as big as 2/1 in places. It is likely that the swelling was caused by nothing more than a slight strain, so if the it subsides as is anticipated there is no obvious reason why the big race favourite shouldn’t take his chance on Saturday afternoon and attempt to give The Queen a first winner of the world’s greatest horse race after 60 years of trying as an owner/breeder.

Concerns over the wellbeing of the favourite naturally resulted in most of his closest market rivals being trimmed in price. French challenger Pour Moi was the most notable mover in the market and is now as short as 7/2 second favourite following days of sustained support. Aidan O’Brien’s Recital is offered at 5/1, his stable companion Seville is 6/1, Native Khan is 9/1, and they go 14/1 bar.

Tags: Carlton house horse, Investec Derby at EpsomShare

Aston Villa Match Odds

2011-07-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Aston Villa was founded in 1874 by a group of cricketers who needed a game to occupy them during the winter. Aston Villa, nickname the Villans, soon became the Midlands dominant team and was one of the founder members of the Football League. In 1897 Villa won the League and Cup double and shortly after moved to Aston Lower Grounds which the fans named Villa Park.

In all they have won 7 First Division Championships and 7 FA Cups. Despite their early successes, by 1937 Villa were relegated and although the team was rebuilt after the Second World War their only achievement during this period was an F.A. Cup win in 1957.

The club struggled for many years and reached an all time low in 1971 when they were relegated to the Third Division. It would be 10 years before their fortunes changed and Ron Saunders would lead them to the League title. In 1982 under caretaker manager Tony Barton they won the European Cup beating Bayern Munich in the Final.

Villa suffered relegation again in 1987 swiftly followed by promotion in 1988. In 1993 with Ron Atkinson as manager they finished runners up to Manchester United in the newly formed Premier League and in 1994 and 1996 delighted the fans by winning the League Cup.

In 2006 Martin O’Neill was appointed as the new manager and during his second term in 2008, the team finished sixth in the League with the result that attendances at Villa Park soared. This was followed by two more sixth positions in 2009/10. In 2010 Villa lost in the League Cup Final and the FA Cup semi final and manager Martin O’Neill resigned.

Kevin MacDonald became the caretaker manager until the club appointed Gerard Houllier permanent manager in September 2010.

Tags: , Aston Villa Premier League Odds, Villa 2012 odds, Villa football oddsShare

Blackburn Rovers Match Odds

2011-07-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Established in 1875 Blackburn Rovers were one of the founder members of the Football League. They enjoyed considerable success in the early years and between 1884-1891 won the FA Cup five times. In 1890 Ewood Park became their permanent ground when it was bought for

Bolton Wanderers Match Odds

2011-07-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

, in 1877. One of the founder members of the Football League they moved to Burnden Park in 1895. In 1923 they won the FA Cup in the first Final to be held at Wembley Stadium and in 1935 they began a run of 29 consecutive years as members of the old First Division.

Bolton produced one of England’s greatest forwards in Nat Lofthouse, a record goalscorer for the club, an England player and later a coach and Manager at Burnden Park. The period between 1960-1980s was one of very mixed fortunes for Wanderers and it was 1995 before they entered the Premiership.

Relegated after one season, 1996/97 was a good year for the club and saw them winning the First Division championship with the trophy being presented at the final game ever to be played at Burnden Park.

Returning to the Premier League in 1997/8 and playing at the new Reebok Stadium the club was again relegated after just one season and spent three seasons in the First Division. Sam Allardyce was appointed manager in 1999 and the team returned to the Premiership in 2000/1.

In recent years Bolton have enjoyed some sporadic success but have suffered badly from inconsistent form. They have played in the EUFA cup twice, reaching the last sixteen and becoming the first British team to beat Red Star Belgrade, in Belgrade. Owen Coyle took over as manager at the club in January 2010 and in the same year Bolton completed their tenth successive season in the Premier League.

Tags: bolton 2012 odds, bolton match odds, bolton premier league, Share

Wimbledon 2011 Guide

2011-07-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Tennis fans attention will now be turning to the most famous tournament of all, Wimbledon. In just under a month the ground will be awash with some of the most talented players in the world. Although there are plenty of other Majors to be won, this is the one everyone seems to want. Considered by many as the ‘Home’ of tennis and steeped in history and tradition there could’nt be a better place to be a player or spectator than the green, green grass of the All England Club.

Wimbledon has been host to some of the most talented Champions of all time such as Fred Perry, Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg and Martina Navratilova. In more recent times, amongst many others, the names of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the Williams sisters have been added to the Roll of Honour.

Since 2003 the Mens Single’s has been won by either Federer or Nadal and not surprisingly they are the frontrunners and the men to beat this year. A possible contender is Novak Djokovic, the Serbian player is in great form this year and certainly one of the best players in the world.

Andy Murray will of course be a favourite with the home crowd and having lost to Nadal in the semi-final stage last year, will no doubt be hoping the fans can help spur him on to his first Wimbledon Final.

Over in the women’s camp, could it be time for a change ?. The Williams sister’s have dominated the tournament since Venus won in 2000. Venus, having won five titles and Serena just one behind her, have not had a great year. Illness, injury and a lack of games mean they are unlikely to be ranked in the World’s Top 10 when the tournament gets under way.

Although they are still favourites, there are plenty of others ready to take up the challenge if they should falter. World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki is in good form as is the experienced Kim Clijsters and with the likes of Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic nipping at their heels it looks set to be an exciting feast of tennis for the fans.

Wimbledon runs from 20th June to 3rd July 2011 and will be televised on the BBC. Improvements to the ground in recent years mean the competition is no longer at the mercy of the English weather, as used to be the case. The biggest stage in tennis is set to receive the biggest and best in the world, so sit back enjoy the strawberries and cream and enjoy everything Wimbledon 2011 has to offer.

Tags: andy murray wimbledon, wimbledon 2011, wimbledon odds, wimbledon odds 2011Share

Rebels Come Undone Against Brumbies

2011-07-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Melbourne Rebels look set to end their debut Super Rugby season at the foot of the table after losing 32-17 against the Brumbies on Friday.

The game marked Danny Cipriani’s return to action after a month on the sidelines following his suspension for off-the-field incidents, but the talented fly-half could do little about the outcome of the game as the Brumbies eased to a convincing win.

In fact it was Cipriani’s opposite number Matt Giteau who did most of the damage to the Rebels, putting in a consummate performance as he guided his side to maximum points.

In his last game for the Super Rugby side before departing for Europe to join p with Top 14 side Toulon, Giteau got the ball rolling with a delightful pass to send team-mate Christian Lealifano diving over the line after just three minutes.

The Brumbies stretched their lead before the half way point when Tyrone Smith skipped past Cooper Vuna to grab his side’s second try of the game, before Giteau was involved again as his quick thinking when the Brumbies were awarded a penalty resulted in the number ten touching down.

Cipriani’s penalty was all the Rebels had to show for their efforts as the half time whistle blew, and the visitors would have been fearful of a disastrous result with 40 minutes still to play.

While the Brumbies remained on top in the second period, the Rebels did at least give them something to think about, but as they looked to get a foothold in the game were knocked to their knees as Pat McCabe scored in the opening exchanges.

Jarrod Saffy and Afusipa Taumoepeau added a layer of respectability to the scoreline when he scored for the Rebels mid-way through the second half, but fittingly Giteau had the final word on the game, as the red adizero rugby boot wearer converted after Moore touched down for the second time in the game to secure a valuable bonus point.

Tags: boots, brumbies, rebels, RugbyShare

Meehans Lady Ruled Out Of Royal Ascot

2011-07-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Brian Meehan’s high-class sprinter Lady of the Desert will miss her intended engagements at Royal Ascot next week having met with a minor training setback, writes Elliot Slater.

The Jaber Abdullah-owned four-year-old, who finished a fine second to Gilt Edged Girl in last season’s Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in October, is reported “under a cloud” at present and Abdullah’s racing manager Bruce Raymond was categorical in confirming that the daughter of Rahy will not be seen in action this month. He suggested that if she recovers from her ailment then there is a chance she might well be back in time for the July Cup at Newmarket, but if not then connections will take their time with her and train the quality sprinter for an autumn campaign that could include the Haydock Sprint Cup and another crack at the big Longchamp sprint at the end of the term. Those who had placed a Royal Ascot free bet will still be very disappointed though.

Lady Of The Desert had been prominent in the ante-post markets for both the King’s Stand Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the back of a series of fine performances over the last couple of seasons. As well as her outstanding effort in Paris in October, Meehan’s charge won the Group 2 Diadem Stakes at Ascot last September having a month earlier chased home Markab in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock. Those following the Royal Ascot betting tips will now have to look elsewhere.

Australian speedster Star Witness remains the 5/1 ante-post favourite for the King’s Stand Stakes, with last season’s Nunthorpe Stakes winner and recent Temple Stakes victor Sole Power next in the list at 8/1. The rejuvenated Delegator, runner-up to the mighty Sea The Stars in the 2000 Guineas of 2009 heads the betting for the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the fixture, being generally on offer at 5/1 having returned to form with a vengeance when dropped back in trip to land the Duke of York Stakes in style on the Knavesmire last month for Godolphin.

Tags: Brian Meehan trainer, Lady of the Desert horse, Royal Ascot 2011, Royal Ascot bettingShare

Chelsea Premier League Odds

2011-07-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Chelsea F.C. was founded in 1905 and despite their name play at Stamford Bridge in Fulham, West London. Originally elected to the Second Division they have spent most of their time in the top flight of English football. Chelsea

Birthday Honours for Cricketers

2011-07-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Three cricketers involved in England’s historic and decisive Ashes victory in Australia last winter, were named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. All three were involved in the teams 3-1 win which secured their first victory down under for 24 years. Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower received an OBE whilst Alastair Cook was awarded an MBE. The England captain Andrew Strauss already the holder of an MBE credited the award to his team when he spoke of his pride and sense of achievement at a press conference. “It is a great honour to receive this accolade, it’s one of the better items of post you get through the letterbox – certainly better than a gas bill”.

Strauss who envisages a bright future for the England team said “It is wonderful to receive OBEs and MBEs. We have achieved something but are nowhere near the end of the road yet, and will continue to strive to improve”. The England captain had kept news of the award under his hat as requested but admitted to telling his wife of the forthcoming honour. The Middlesex player spoke of the England teams win saying “the most satisfying thing is the players we had and how they rose to the challenges and played so well, as they can. When you are fortunate enough to be in this position, you want to make the absolute most of every opportunity.”

Alastair Cook the 26 year old Essex player who silenced doubts about his place in the England team with his match saving, unbeaten double-hundred in the second innings of the first Test in Brisbane was honoured with an MBE. Cook the man of the match and series, fufilled his early promise and has gone from strength to strength since scoring 766 runs in 7 innings to assure England’s first series win in Australia, when he exceeded 5000 test runs becoming the second youngest batsman to do so.

The third member of the cricketing trio to be honoured was coach Andy Flower. The 43 year old native South African, who played for Zimbabwe in his successful international career as a batsman and wicketkeeper, commenting on the award said, “It is a lovely surprise to receive this honour, my family and I feel very thankful to have been welcomed into this country since moving here in 2003 and I feel a great privilege and responsibility to be involved in a leadership role in English sport.

Tags: andrew strauss OBE, cricket honours, queen's birthday honoursShare

Everton FC Match Odds

2011-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Everton FC , nicknames The Blues,The Toffee’s, was founded in 1878 in response to a need for a sport local people could play during the winter months. Barker and Dobson a local sweet maker named the now famous Everton Mints after them. After a long and bitter wrangle over the Anfield ground where they had played for some time, the team eventually moved to Goodison Park. Founder members of the Football League, they won the League Championship in 1890/91. In 1925 the club signed the legendary Dixie Dean and in 1927/28 he set a record which stands to this day, scoring 60 goals in 39 league games.

The 1930s were on the whole a succesful period for the club which saw them add a second FA Cup to their tally and a fifth League Championship title in 1938/9. When football resumed after the war the team struggled to regain their pre war form and spent some years in the Second Division returning to the top flight in 1953/4, where they have remained ever since. Harry Catterick became manager of Everton in 1961 and led the team to great success, winning both FA Cup, League Championship titles and they became the first English club to spend five consecutive years in European competitions.

Everton’s most successful era came in the 1980s, under manager Howard Kendall they won many domestic honours and in 1985 the European Cup Winners Cup. They are the only club to have played over 100 seasons in the top flight of English football. In 1992 Everton became founder members of the Premier League but struggled to find the right manager, the team suffered from inconsistent form and narrowly avoided relegation a number of times. David Moyes was appointed manager in 2002 and has since signed a number of players breaking the clubs transfer fee record on four occasions. Under Moyes management some cash was recouped when Wayne Rooney was sold to Manchester United for a record club fee of

Strong Suit Set To Step Up

2011-07-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Champion trainer Richard Hannon is seriously considering stepping up his impressive Jersey Stakes winner Strong Suit to a mile for the first time in his career and bidding for the prestigious Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on July 3, writes Elliot Slater.

Hannon famously won the race 12 months ago with the smart Dick Turpin, and having seen Strong Suit return to his best to win at Royal Ascot for the second year running (he landed the 2010 Coventry Stakes as a juvenile), the veteran handler is fairly confident that the son of Rahy is ready to try an extra furlong having come through a breathing operation with flying colours prior to his defeat of Codemaster in the Jersey Stakes. Those placing horse bets will have been pleased to see him back in action.

Hannon had been convinced that his three-year-old was on the way back after seeing him work in tremendous fashion following his operation, but experience told him that the acid test would be when the horse was actually placed under pressure in a full blown race, rather than at home on the gallops. Now that he knows all is well with the winner of three of his six career starts, Hannon feels that the time is right to press on and tackle the best of the French and European milers in the Chantilly showcase event and the horse racing betting suggests it should be an intriguing contest.

Strong Suit ran four fine races as a juvenile, following his debut defeat of Neebras with a brave nose defeat of Elzaam at Royal Ascot last year. A close third to Zoffany in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh was followed by finishing a distant second to the brilliant Dream Ahead in the Group1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket last October. On his seasonal reappearance however Strong Suit was clearly struggling when last of sixth behind Frankel in the Greenham Stakes, after which his breathing problem was detected, operated on, and from which he now appears fully recovered.

Tags: horse bet, horse racing odds, Strong Suit horseShare

Warwickshire Clinch Chanderpaul Coup

2011-07-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

Warwickshire have signed Shivnarine Chanderpaul as their overseas player for the remaineder of the 2011 season. The West Indies batsman will arrive with the county in mid-July to replace Mohammad Yousuf who had figured in the Jim Troughton-captained side earlier this year.

Chanderpaul has played county cricket in England before, having enjoyed spells with Durham and most notably Lancashire.

But the acquisition of the 36-year-old is viewed as major coup for the Edgbaston-based outfit.

“It is universally acknowledged that Shiv is a class act and has proved his worth time after time at the highest level,