Sportsbet Blog

Betfair is the brain child of Andrew Black and Edward Wray. Together the two helped develop unique betting technology and in August 1999 Betfair was born. Since then the company has expanded from the UK and now has liscences in Malta, Italy, Austria, Germany and now here in Australia.

Betfair have built themselves up to be one of the market leaders in internet betting due innovations that simply can’t be found on any other site.

Back or Lay

The “back” or “lay” system allows you to bet on two outcomes winning or losing. When you “back” a selection (be it an individual, a team, horse or dog) you are betting that it will win. This is called traditional betting.

When you ”lay” a selection you are betting against it winning. For example, if you’re betting on which team is going to win the Premiership and you ”lay” Man Utd, if they end up winning the league you pay out. This is something that is usually only done between bookmakers, but Betfair gives you the opportunity to do it with other punters.

Choose you own odds

One of the great things about the “back” or “lay” system is that it allows you to choose your own odds. If a horse you fancy is showing odds of $3.00, you can put an order in for $4.00, and if someone is willing to “lay” off against that bet then those are the odds you get. The thing with this is to not be greedy. Choose realistic odds or you are likely to miss out all together.

In play betting

Another of Betfair’s great initiatives is its in play betting service. This allows you to bet on a number of out things within most sports as they are taking place. This includes sports like baseball, darts (yes you can even bet on the fat guys chucking things at a small circle while drinking their weight in beer) and cycling. Lance Armstrong is at $8.00 to win his eighth Tour De France by the way.

The Betfair website also offers a comprehensive guide and results system. Showing stats on trainers, jockeys and horses as well as the Betfair TV guide so that you will never miss your favourite sporting event ever again. They have even introduced a hotline. So if there is no way of making it to the internet you can give them a call and still get your bet in.

Betfair is easily one of the best betting websites around as it offers unrivaled features, and if you sign you up right now you are entitled to a free $50 bet. Just go to the site to claim it, but make sure you stick it all on the Aussies winning the Twenty20 World Cup, at $4.50 you can’t go wrong.

The Indian Premier League is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean that the world’s best cricketers can put their protective boxes back in the cupboard and take a few weeks off to recuperate.  Because June 5th will see the focus of the cricketing world change from South Africa to England for the second Twenty20 World Cup. India won the inaugural tournament just two years ago beating favourites Australia and Pakistan along the way to cause something of an upset. But can the team ranked third in the world defend their crown or will Pakistan get their revenge. We take a look at the top contenders and tell you were you should place your free bet from www.sportsbet.com.au

Pakistan $9.00

At $9.00 Pakistan start this Twenty20 World Cup as something of an outside bet. While there is no doubt that Pakistan have talent on the pitch with the likes of all rounder Shahid Afridi and captain Younis Khan, off field problems have knocked the confidence out of the side. The Pakistan backroom staff feel that the squad needs to work on their mental toughness have hired a psychologist to help with their preparations. But I feel that their total lack of cricket this year will mean they go in to this one totally under prepared, so if I am being honest I wouldn’t waste my money on this one.

India $4.00

India start this year’s Twenty20 World Cup as the hot favourites to retain their title and it is no wonder. Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Zaheer Khan are all in great form, and the truth is that if they all click they are going to very hard to beat. At $4.00 to win the tournament they are definitely worth a punt, but remember this is Twenty20 cricket and anything is possible.

Australia $4.50

Australia love to win, they love to dominate and in the past they have done just that. They were really disappointed not to make it to the Twenty20 World Cup final in 2007 and will definitely be up for this one. The problem is that some of their big hitters like Matthew Hayden and Shane Warne have retired, Brett Lee is only just coming back from injury and Andrew Symonds has totally lost the plot. So do they have enough to win? Hey this is Australia can you ever count them out. Well worth a free bet.

South Africa $5.00

South Africa recently spent a brief time as the number one ranked test team in the world. They beat Australia in Australia to gain the number one spot only to lose it when Australia beat them 2-1 in the return test series in South Africa. They do have a better Twenty20 record than any other nation but their inconsistency, which also showed itself in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup, could very well be their undoing. But at $5.00 the Proteas are a decent outside bet.

England $9.00

England have just named Paul Collingwood as their Captain for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held on their home soil. But with Andrew Flintoff dropping out of the IPL with an injury and Kevin Pieterson continuously cracking the shits when things don’t go his way it would take a brave man to bet on them. Then again if Flintoff does get fit in time and Pieterson pulls his head in they might just surprise everybody. Get your free $50 bet at www.betfair.com.au

Theres only one real standout game in round eight worth tuning in for with arch rivals Collingwood and Carlton going head to head. This should be a great game, both teams are looking to cement a spot into a top four and both play a great brand of attacking football. The Essendon V St Kilda may also be worth a look but I suspect that a poor Essendon side to turn up on the day and will be crushed by the Saints pressure game style.

Sports Bet of the Round

This week I recommend a multi bet with the following teams. Brisbane, Sydney, Collingwood and St Kilda. All teams are destine to have a win and should pay around $8 . I also recommend Sportsbet for all your footy bets. I’ve found they have the best odds around for all the games and they also double your first deposit when joining with them. Find out more info on this here.

Fremantle V Hawthorn, Friday Night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Hawthorn

This is a hard one to pick. On one hand I think that playing in Perth, Freo should have a win against a undermanned and out of form Hawks side. But on the other I can see the Hawks get their act together and start playing the footy they are known for. I’ve gone with the latter and think the Hawks should get the points. It was also interesting to see that the bookies have still set the Hawks as third favourite for the flag even after their rocky start to the season.

Melbourne V Western Bulldogs, Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

This ones a no brainer, the Doggies will have a nice win this weekend that should see them cement a top four position on the ladder. Melbourne have done everything except wave the white flag as they look towards the future playing youth and trying new game plans. Watch for Adam Cooney and Nathan Eagleton to both have big possession games, Melbourne will struggle to hold down any of fast paced midfielders from Bulldogs.

Geelong V North Melbourne, Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Another Skilled Stadium game = another win for the Cats. Steve Johnson has taken the injured Gary Ablett’s position nicely with a definite 3 Brownlow vote performance with four goals and eleven marks last weekend. They have a huge presence all over the ground that would leave any coach scratching his head when trying to match up the classy unit. Geelong by 45+

Brisbane V Adelaide, Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

On paper Adelaide may be having their worst year on record with the team notching up a never seen before four straight losses at AAMI stadium. Brisbane on the other hand have only dropped one at home and had a nice win last week at the MCG. Brisbane seem to be playing as a team and are all in a good zone together which makes for some fast precise footy. Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw continue to be a handy forward duo providing easy targets for the Lions midfielders.

Sydney V West Coast, Saturday Night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Sydney

This should be a close scoring game with both teams needing a win to keep in touch of the pack. Darren Jolly had a poor game against the Cats last weekend where he was considerably beaten in the hitout count so expect a big game from him against big man Dean Cox. With Daniel Kerr our for a couple of months West Coast will have a few problems in the middle that will play into Sydney’s hands especially Jude Bolton will his high tackling pressure. This is where the game will be won and I think the Swans will get over the line.

Port Adelaide V Richmond, Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Although Port lost last weekend they played pretty well in Melbourne and should take it step further at AAMI stadium. Even with Ben Cousins back playing half a game and decent games from both Joel Bowden and Nathan Foley they cant kick a winning score so I have trouble finding any light at the end of the tunnel for the Tigers. Port are showing good form and currently sit fourth on the ladder and a hapless Richmond sit fifteenth with only one win on the board. Warren Tredrea continues to prove his critics wrong with a handy three goals and seven marks on his last outing.

Collingwood V Carlton, Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

An interesting stat for this game is over the last seven rounds whoever St Kilda has beaten the week before has had a win the following round. I was at the game on Monday night against St Kilda and if the Pies play anything like they did then this stat will be blown out of the water. Suspect knee injuries to both Fraser and Swan will make it even harder for the Pies. Both teams are at level pegging on the ladder at seventh and eighth spots so this result will be very important come the end of the season. Carlton by a comfortable 24 points.

Essendon V St Kilda, Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

As mentioned in the first paragraph I think Essendon will come to the game in a poor mind set and fall to the Saints pressure from all over the ground. St Kilda are going nicely at the moment and I can’t see an inconsistent team in the Bombers stopping them. Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna both had exceptional games on Monday with 38 possessions so expect a similar proformance from them this weekend.

The 27th of May sees Anthony Mundine step back in to the ring against IBO Middle Weight champion Daniel Geale, with many people predicting that this bout could finally be Mundine’s undoing.

Although Mundine has won all three of his fights since stepping down to Middle Weight his performances have lacked the spark and killer instinct that he showed earlier in his career. There is no doubt that he still has the skills, but the question is does the 33 year old still have the hunger?

Sportsbet have an offer giving a $50 free bet on the fight just for signing up, with no deposit needed. Check out the latest odds here

Mundine is still boasting that he his the best in the business and that he will one day rule the world, but right now he really needs to prove it. Mundine has failed to get the big names to come down under and has failed to get the challenges that motivate him and bring out his lethal best.

The Man himself knows he is going to have to step up a class and has his eyes firmly set on the likes of Kelly Pavlik or Felix Sturm and the bright lights of Las Vegas. The feeling in the Mundine camp is that a win against Daniel Geale will be the spring board they need to launch the Mundine name in America, and with that comes the money and recognition that Mundine and most of Australia feel his skills deserve. But in Tasmanian Daniel Geale they have picked an opponent that with enough talent to cause Mundine problems if he is not on top of his game. Geale has a Commonwealth gold medal under his belt and looked slick when he outclassed fellow Australian, Daniel Dawson, to win his IBO Middle Weight title by unanimous decision. Although Geale’s record of 21 wins from 21 fights with 13 Kos suggests he is not a concussive puncher, his most recent victory was a 1st round stoppage of Canadian Ian MacKillop. In 2006 MacKillop enjoyed a KO victory over Shannan Taylor who took Anthony Mundine to 12 rounds earlier this year. Geale has also employed the services of Australia’s forgotten World Champion Sakio Bika as a sparring partner. Bika recently made the claim that Mundine stepped down a weight to avoid fighting him, and is now hoping that his experience will rub off on Geale to help him produce a stunning upset.

There is no doubt that Mundine has the superior skills and that he thrives on the big stage. With the promise of the glitz and glamour of America to come if he beats Geale, I feel we will see the Mundine that destroys opponents with fast hands and cleverly picked punches that rain in from all angles.

Good luck Daniel Geale.

Anthony Mundine $1.25

Daniel Geale $3.65

The second tennis grand slam of the of the year is only a few short weeks away with just one question on everybody’s lips, can anyone stop Rafael Nadal? The world number one has totally dominated the clay courts of Roland Garros over the last few years winning the last four consecutive French opens to equal the amazing record set by super cool Swede Bjorn Borg. There is no doubt that the clay court is where the powerful Spaniard is most at home, he has won all 22 of his matches in Paris and 18 of his 23 career titles have been on clay. This year looks like being more of the same from the 23 year old. He has started the season in blistering fashion winning the Australian Open after an epic five set final against Roger Federer , and smashing his way to victories in the Monte Carlo and Rome masters. With this in mind it is no wonder Nadal is the hot favourite to take his fifth straight French Open title at $1.30 and $3.50 not to lose a set. Can anyone really beat the guy?

Roger Federer $9.00

It was only a couple of years ago that Federer himself looked to be unbeatable, stepping around shots to unleash a wicked forehand with unbelievable accuracy. This is still the case against the majority of his opponents, but when he steps on court against Rafael Nadal Federer becomes indecisive and overly cautious. Nadal destroyed Federer in straight sets at last year’s French Open final and after beating the Swiss master on his favourite grass surface at Wimbledon last year there is no doubt that young Rafael has the mental edge.

Novak Djokovic $9.00

Novak Djokovic really hit the world stage when he won his first Grand Slam, the 2008 Australian Open. He looked classy as he cruised to victory with an array of dangerous shots, but since then he has only shown flashes of his true potential. His year so far has been somewhat disappointing after failing to defend his Australian Open title and losing in three Masters Finals two of them on clay against Rafael Nadal. He did win in Dubai earlier in the year, but he will really have to up his game if he is to take out his second career Grand Slam title.

Andy Murray $13.00

Andy Murray started the year off in fantastic form winning the Capitala World Tennis Championship and the Qatar Open beating both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal along the way. He went in to the Australian Open as the favourite but failed to show any of his early season form and blamed fatigue for his exit against Fernando Verdasco. Murray has spent the year working hard on his fitness with some success; he beat Rafael Nadal in Rotterdam in early February and Novak Djokovic at the Miami Masters. There is no doubt that Murray has the skills to beat anyone on his day making him a great outside bet, but consistency over the two weeks of a Grand Slam tournament is still going to be a major problem.

The English Premier league is drawing to a close with Manchester Utd favourites to claim an amazing third title on the run. They are three points clear of their nearest rivals Liverpool who have also played one game more. While most people around the world would put their houses on Utd clinching a record equaling 18th league title, the run in suggests that it might not be so clear cut.

Liverpool are in red hot form taking 22 points from a possible 24 in their last 8 league games, while racking up a whopping 23 goals along the way.

On paper Liverpool should take a maximum 9 points from their last three games against West Ham Utd, West Brom and Tottenham Hotspur, which will put the pressure right back on the Red Devils.

It has been slip ups against the so called lesser teams that has cost Liverpool dearly so far this season. The defeats at Middlesbrough and Tottenham, as well as draws against the likes of Wigan, Stoke and Hull were all seen as major low points. But with Fernando Torres set to return to the fray after missing the 3-0 victory at Newcastle, and the new PFA Fans Player of the year Steven Gerrard in the best form of his career I really can’t see any slip ups.

Manchester Utd on the other hand have a couple of tricky home ties, against Arsenal and Manchester City. Utd recently eliminated Arsenal from the semi finals of the European Champions league meaning that the Gunners will be out to put a dent in their title challenge. The Manchester Derby is always unpredictable, but Manchester City’s manager Mark Hughes and his big money signings will also be looking to put in a good performance in hope that a derby victory will be enough to secure their massive pay packets for at least another year. Manchester Utd’s other two games are both away, one to Wigan Athletic and the other to Hull City. Wigan are languishing in mid table with nothing left to play for while Hull are just one place and three points above the relegation zone. Hull have already proved they are no pushovers after giving Utd a scare earlier in the season only to lose 4-3. They have also held Liverpool to two well deserved scoreless draws. It would take a very brave man to bet against Manchester Utd, but that is the beauty of soccer, you just never know what to expect.

Premier League Winners

Manchester Utd $ 1.07

Liverpool $ 7.05

Chelsea $ 80.00

At the other end of the table it looks as though West Brom are certain of relegation. They are six points away from the safety zone with just three games remaining. The last two relegation spots are currently occupied by Newcastle Utd and Middlesbrough, but Portsmouth, Blackburn, Sunderland and Hull are by no means out of trouble yet. It is going to be an exciting last few weeks.

Premier League Relegation

Blackburn $ 26.00

Sunderland $ 4.25

Hull City $ 2.65

Newcastle $ 1.45

Middlesbrough $1.22

You can get a $200 free bet on all these markets when you join Sportsbet today.

If anyone needed reminding just why AFL is the greatest sport on earth all they have to do is watch the round 6 tie between Hawthorn and Carlton. The sides seemed inseparable and went in to the final quarter with just one point between them. It was here that Hawthorn seemed to have the game wrapped when Buddy Franklin and Stuart Dew scored five majors between them to give the Hawks a 25 point advantage. But Carlton never gave in and Judd, Murphy, Gibbs and co replied with three unanswered goals to get themselves within five points. In the dying seconds Brendon Fevola, who had missed an easy chance early in the first quarter, found himself thirty yards from goal with an opportunity to claim and amazing victory. At this point he had kicked an impressive 8 goals 3, but it just wasn’t to be. Fev left punters all around the country kicking whatever was closest to them as his shot dipped and swerved only to hit the post, giving Hawthorn a 106 to 102 victory.

Round 6 also saw St Kilda continue their 100% start to the season and cemented their status as Geelong’s main rivals for the 2009 flag. The Saints were extremely wasteful in the first quarter kicking 3 goals 7, but they soon clicked in to gear with Nick Dal Santo playing a vital role in what was his 150th game. Nick Riewoldt continued his amazing season by scoring another 4 goals as he terrorised the Doggies defence all afternoon and proved that he could be a good outside bet for the Brownlow. The 104 to 76 defeat is the Bulldogs third in a row, but they definitely showed enough in this game to not be counted out just yet.

Garry Ablett went in to Geelong’s match against the Demons as the hottest Brownlow favourite since betting was allowed on the medal. So punters all over the country were left crying in to their meat pies when the star limped from the field with a suspected groin injury. Ablett will miss at least three weeks of action confirming many people’s fears and lengthening his Brownlow odds ever so slightly. The injury to Ablett was the only downside to another dominant Cats display. Paul Chapman, Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood all racked up over 30 possessions in the 111 to 68 win at the MCG. The win continues Geelong’s 100% start to the season. But they can only slot in to second place behind St Kilda, while another loss sees the Demons in a world of trouble at the bottom of the ladder.

Elsewhere in Round 6. Collingwood bounced back from last week’s disappointing defeat against Essendon, defeating North Melbourne 127 to 75. The Pies are looking good and could be a good bet to hand St Kilda their first defeat of the season in round 7.

Dustin Fletcher’s 300th game for the Bombers will definitely be one he would rather forget. After limping off with a hair line fracture in his leg, he then had to watch Brisbane Lions Captain Jonathan Brown lead his side to a 43 point win. After round 6 both sides have a patchy 3 and 3 record with the Lions sitting 9th and Essendon 10th.

The Tigers tried to back up their round 5 win over North Melbourne with a good performance against Sydney. They showed a lot of spirit coming back from 27 points down at half time to get within 6 points in the final quarter, only to fall away losing by just 15 points.

West Coast Vs Freemantle was the first of two derbies in round 6. West coast led at half time, but wasteful kicking saw them finish on 9.20.74 while Freemantle and Captain Matthew Pavlich playing his 200th game got over the line scoring 13.9.87.

Port Adelaide totally dominated their local rivals in the other round 6 derby. Warren Tredrea, Daniel Motlop and Robbie Gray all scored three goals a piece to seal a 105 to 79 victory over the Crows.

Round seven brings up two games of interest with Essendon V Hawks on Friday night and Collingwood V St Kilda on Monday night. The Hawks are looking like they are returning to their 2008 form with a very close win against a classy Blues outfit but the Bombers can show brilliance in big games and Friday night footy doesn’t get much bigger. A odd Monday night game will be played out against two of the leagues toughest teams in the Saints and Pies that will be well worth a look. The Pies know they are a half a chance to knock off the league leaders and will play a high pressure game.

Essendon V Hawthorn, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Hawthorn

This should be a interesting game. I think Essendon will play a very defensive game and will send alot of numbers back to fill the open areas in the Hawks attack stopping Buddy and Roughhead in the process. But as we have seen in the last 12 months it is easier said than done, and if the Hawthorn forward line can take only a few of the contested marks they will kick a winning score. Jobe Watson will be out to have another great game for the Dons after great 36 possessions last week.

Geelong V Sydney, Saturday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

The Cats will eat the Swans alive at Skilled Stadium. Geelong match up Sydney all over the ground with an exception to Michael O’Loughlin who may cause some headaches for the Cats. I can see another 35 point plus win here.

Richmond V Brisbane, Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Richmond

Richmond are running out of opportunities to turn their disappointing start to the season around and I think this will be the game to make or break the Tigers. They have a decent list and the $2.05 odds Sportsbet are offering is a pretty good price. The Tigers play well at the MCG and if Jack Riewoldt can get into the game early they should be able to have a win even without the injured Matthew Richardson. Ben Cousins horror return to the game may continue with a sore looking Ben during his VFL game with Coburg. As pictured here Ben’s knees and calf were heavily iced up which Richmond officials said was for a precautionary measure only, but who knows.

North Melbourne V Port Adelaide, Saturday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

Port have the ability to play decent footy when it counts and these away games against middle grade teams are important for a top 4 finish this year. Both Kane and Chad Cornes are the keys to Port winning this weekend and I can’t see North having the answers to stop the skilled brothers.

Carlton V Fremantle, Saturday Night at the Gold Coast Stadium

Tip: Carlton

Fremantle will have to contend with both a strong Blues team and one of the longest flights for an AFL team when they play at the Gold Coast on Saturday night. This will be one of the deciding factors when they line up against Carton. Depending on how they have recovered during the week I think they will run out of legs towards the end of the game which should see Carton run over the top for a good win. Carton will also be out to make up for last weeks very disappointing loss to one of the best games so far this year after big Fev hit the post right on the siren handing the Hawks the victory. Watch out for a big bag of goals from Fevola (im sure he will be practicing his set shots this week!)

Adelaide V Western Bulldogs, Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Anyone who plays at AAMI stadium against the Crows will take a good part of a quarter to get started and I think this is where the Crows will set the play on their terms for the remainder of the game. The Crows will have learnt from the disappointing loss to Port last week in the “show down” and I predict they will bounce back with a win at home. Nathan Bock has not let recent assault charges effect his game since returning after a weeks ban. He has had a handy 26 possessions in both games giving them the depth they need in the half back line.

West Coast V Melbourne, Sunday at Subiaco Stadium

Tip: West Coast

West Coast at Subiaco are near unstoppable even when they arn’t playing well and once again Melbourne will continue to have trouble holding down the opposition. Dean Cox will dominate as the Deamons struggle to find a decent full time ruckman. Arron Davey continues to put good games together for Melbourne and will be one to watch as he weaves his magic in the middle.

Collingwood V St Kilda, Monday Night at Edihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

St Kilda have been near perfect which wont give Colloingwood enough chances around the ground to cause turnovers. Saints will again be very hard at the ball and will try to get the winning margin early in the game as they have done on all occasions this season. Brendon Goddard is having his best year at the saints including a match high 33 possessions last week and should once again rule the defencive 50 mtr arc. Goddard maybe worth a small wager for the Brownlow Medal now that Ablett will miss a few weeks with injury, at the moment he is paying $17 at IASbet. IASbet also give a $100 free bet with a deposit of $50 or more which would be pefect for this Brownlow bet.