Author Archives: Peter Willis

Why You Shouldn’t Bet In-Play

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On Saturday I was part of a record breaking 42,586 crowd at York Racecourse for their Sky Bet meeting. At 4.20pm took myself into the grandstand to watch the King George at Ascot. I attempted to get some money on Harbinger, who at this point had drifted out to 4/1, but the queues meant this was impossible. However I stood and watched with interest regardless.

My selected viewing position was in front of a Totesport betting outlet showing SIS, and another TV showing coverage on the BBC via what appeared to be a digital feed (presumably Sky). I was alarmed at just how much difference there was in the delay of the coverage on the channels. SIS appeared to be a comfortable 2 seconds ahead. I wasn’t satisfied with just guessing, though, so I took out my phone and moved onto stop watch mode ahead of the start of the race. I timed the difference between the two channels at 2.8 seconds.

2 minutes later – by the time Harbinger had destroyed the field on SIS, he was just coming out of his canter on the BBC.

Today I watched a re-run of the coverage to calculate just what time delay means to in-play punters… and why you should avoid it.

As Harbinger turns the corner for the straight, coming past the 3 pole, he begins to pick up and is a full length behind.

Just 2.8 seconds later Harbinger has stepped up a few gears and has moved into a lead.

Remember, at this point if you are watching on the BBC, you have only just seen him come off the corner a length behind. Admittedly some of you will say this entire piece is flawed by the fact Harbinger always looked like the winner and was travelling far better than any of the other runners. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if this were a jumps race.

In 2.8 seconds Harbinger went from 4th to 1st. In that same time in a jumps race a horse could have clattered into a fence and lost it’s jockey. SIS/TurfTV punters could have swept up all of the money long before BBC, Channel 4, ATR or Racing UK viewers have even seen the incident.

We know for a fact that ATR at least could technically speed up their coverage. In the past their footage has indeed been a split second FASTER than SIS. But this is no longer the case. Why? I’ll leave that one to the speculators.

The bottom line is if you do continue to bet in-play via non-SIS/TurfTV coverage, remember that you are doing so against others who have a clear advantage.

Bingo777 and BingoFantasy.com set to close

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Two online bingo sites are set to close this week following poor performance in a highly saturated market place.

The sites are owned and operated by Unimaster Limited, responsible for CityClubCasino and Crown Europe, have found it tough to gain a foot-hold in a bingo market which now sees hundreds of different operators vying for a market share.

No statement has been issued by Unimaster, however GambleSelect would suggest all players withdraw funds from their accounts as soon as possible… as it is currently unclear what Unimaster plan to do with the existing members/accounts.

If you have any further information on this story, please contact us.

Juan Sebastian Veron joins Poker Stars

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Argentinian footballer Juan Sebastian Veron has teamed up with online poker brand PokerStars. The former Manchester United star, who joined the club for almost £30 million in 2001, will be associated with Poker Stars’ Latin America Poker Tour (LAPT).

“It is truly a pleasure for us to have Verón as an Ambassador for PokerStars Latin America team”, said Sarne Lightman, PokerStars Marketing Director Latin America. “His sporting and competitive spirit embodies the values of our brand and we feel very proud that this great soccer player decided to represent the number one poker site in the world.”

Juan Sebastian Veron will be utilised by PokerStars to promote their LAPT events. It’s expected Veron will make an appearance during at least one of the Latin America Poker Tour events which kick off in September.

Who will win Wimbledon 2010?

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As Wimbledon 2010 approaches the excitement is building and the predictions as to who will be crowned the winner are already flying. Many people are finding the battle between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal a little monotonous therefore will a new king take to the thrown? Winning the title of Wimbledon champion is very important to the careers of tennis players as it helps to decide the number one ranking in the world.

Wimbledon fever hits on the 21st June 2010 and it is sure to be an exciting time. With a hundred and twenty competitors taking to the spotlight in a bid to beat champions such as Federer and Nadal the game is on to go for gold. Now that Pete Sampras has retired there has only been three players other than six time winner Federer to win Wimbledon including Goran Ivanisevic, Lleyton Hewitt and of course Nadal. Ivanisevic was always thought to be a wild card in Wimbledon therefore many people are wondering if the same will happen again.

Of course many English people have their fingers crossed for Andy Murray to succeed where Tim Henman could not. There has not been an English tennis player to win Wimbledon since 1936 when Fred Perry took top prize. Andy Murray should not be ruled out, he did after all become a quarter finalist in 2008 and a semi finalist in 2009 which is not something to be sniffed at. Many people feel that with Federer thought to be under performing it could be a goal that is not completely unreachable however it will require a lot of work and drive.

Andy Roddick was a strong competitor for the crown in 2009, with Federer suffering a loss in form many people thought it would be he who took the title therefore are bets on Roddick this year? With age against him it is looking unlikely that Roddick will win unless Federer or Nadal are too play badly or are not able to reach the grand finale.

Wimbledon 2010 is guaranteed to be a battle of the best and who will be the winner is anyone’s guess. With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battling for the title the nemeses must be at their best however the pressure may take its toll allowing dark horses such Murray and Roddick to up their game.

SALFORD +6 to beat Castleford

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Two struggling teams here but Castleford are in dissary. Threw away a commanding lead to lose at home to Championship side Barrow and have looked like a team with no direction. Salford are a team struggling for any form of their own but a 6 point start against a Castleford team in this state is worth a punt

BRADFORD BULLS -8 to beat Hull KR

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Bradford look to be hitting some form whilst Hull KR still look disjointed. The Bulls, at home, should cover the eight points here. The only concern is that they had an easy hit-out last week but they should overcome that.

CASEY STONER to win Qatar Moto GP

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Casey Stoner has won the last three at this venue with ease. Back him for a 4th straight win.

Hull FC -10 v Salford

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Wakefield +16 vs Warrington

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WIGAN WARRIORS (-8) to beat Leeds Rhinos

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Leeds Rhinos’ poor start to the campaign will continue on Friday night when League leaders Wigan romp to victory by more than 8 points. Take the 10/11 at Bet365 while the handicap remains so generous.