Sportsbet Blog

World number 3 Andy Murray has laughed off claims that he is a cheat and that he lack the bottle to win Wimbledon. Murray’s second round opponent Latvian, Ernests Gulbis, accused Murray of faining an injury at last years Queens Club tournament to try and break the Latvians rhythm. ‘In the third set he took a medical time-out when it was 4-4,’ the fact that Murray pulled out of the tournament the very next day doesn’t seem to bother Gulbis and he is convinced that he was duped. ‘Actually he didn’t have nothing, he just broke my rhythm and I wasn’t an experienced enough player to deal with that at the time.’

Murray answered him back by beating giving Gulbis a bit of a tennis lesson winning their  second round tie in straight sets 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. Murray is in great form and goes in to his round three tie against little known Serbian Viktor Troicki expecting an easy win. Despite Murray’s good form most people aren’t looking past Federer to take out his 15th open title especially with Rafael Nadal’s absence (Which the sportsbetblog team predicted weeks before it happened), but we must remember that Murray has beaten Federer six times out of eight and looks to have the measure of him. And as for the question marks over his stamina and his bottle, well we will have to wait and see.  My bet is looking good though so go to sportsbet now to back Murray at $3.75.

One of the great stories of this years Wimbledon has been the apparent return to form of our very own Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt loves the grass courts of Wimbledon and it looks as though he has chosen the 2009 tournament to play some of his best tennis in years. He brushed aside USA’s Robby Ginepri in round one and also destroyed fifth seed Jaun Martin Del Potro 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in round two. Hewitt is now hot favourite in his third round tie against Philipp Petzschner, but the bookies still don’t see him having much of a chance at lifting his 2nd Wimbledon title. Sportsbet are paying out $21.00 so if you are feeling patriotic why not have a punt.

In the women’s side of the game Venus Williams is looking great in her quest to claim her third straight Wimbledon title, and she is my tip to do so. Sportsbet are paying out $3.00 and I feel that this is a great price. Venus is just too strong on the grass and even though her sister Serena is the favourite I feel that Venus will win.

Go to sportsbet now and sign up to recieve your free bet.

It has been an unforgettable year for Australian Formula 1 driver Mark Webber. For years he has been carrying the tag of ‘the unluckiest man in racing’ driving cars that simply weren’t up to scratch. But in 2009 his luck seems to have changed as his team, Red Bull Racing, and new comers Braun have over taken the likes of Mclaren and Ferrari to become the top teams in the competition.

Braun are the surprise leaders and are storming away with the constructors championships, but with Red Bull taking first and second in Britain there is no doubt that are catching. Mark Webber made his fourth podium finish behind team mate Sebastian Vettel and will go into the next race in Germany full of confidence and fully expecting to take out his first F1 victory. But can the Australian really pull it off? God Knows the guy deserves it and with the Red Bull car absolutely flying at the moment there is no reason why he can’t.

The only downfall for him may be that his team mate Sebastian Vettel is ahead of him in the drivers standing and the Red Bull team may go with a stratergy that suits him rather than Webber. But if Webber can make pole and then just keep his cool in to the first turn it will be his race to lose. Go to Sportsbet now for your free bet on Red Bull pulling in Braun in the Constructors Championships it is well worth a little punt.

While we are all hoping that Webber can produce some magic in Germany we also hoping that he can keep it up in to next years championships in Melbourne, which is now back on after some doubt over the F1 season for 2010. It was looking as though there could be two seperate factions when eight of the top teams including Mark Webbers Red Bull team decided that they would pull out of F1 in 2010.

The decision to quit had come after F1 bosses decidied to cut team spending to just $40 million for next season, but with the likes of Ferrari and Mclaren regularly spending three times that the decision had caused alot of unreast. But after last-ditch talks between FIA president Max Mosley, FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, an agreement was reached that commits the teams to the sport until 2012. It is great news for racing fans and great news for Webber who can now take his competetive team to Melbourne and put on a show for his home crowd.

Go to Sportsbet now to recieve your free $50 bet just for signing up.

Forget Wimbledon and The Ashes, the 2009 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is coming up on July 4 and this year it will be more fierce than ever!

The contest was started way back on July 4th 1916 on Coney Island in New York. Four immigrants had a hot dog eating contest to see who was the most patriotic, ten minuets later Neer Sehgal had eaten thirteen hot dogs and was crowned the victor. I bet they didn’t realise what they had just started!

The contest has been held just about every year since and 92 years on in 2008 Joey Chestnut was awarded the mustard belt for winning the annual event. He downed a massive 59 hot dogs in 10 minuets! The contest went into overtime when long time rival Takeru Kobayashi from Japan equaled his effort of 59 and a 5 hot dog eat off was announced. The first one to finish their plate won the contest. Chestnut finished his plate in 50 seconds, seven seconds before Kobayashi. Checkout the video below

This year they are set to go head to head again (along with about 18 others) with both competitors confident on winning the competition and taking the $10,000 prize money.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest is very big in the US and there is expected to be over 50,000 people to watch the contest this year and millions on TV. They not only watch it for the two main competitors going head to head and attractive girls but the struggle of the remaining 18 people and the eventual reversal (competitive speaking for spewing) of many of the people after the event is done and won.

The IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating) has been quoted in saying that they don’t approve of any home training or training methods for the event.

The eating contest will be shown live into Australia on Foxtel’s ESPN with full coverage of days events. Check your guide for the time closer to the date.

Sportsbet have opened the betting market to this great contest with plenty of value to be had.

How many Hot Dogs will the winner eat?

Over 60.5 Hot Dogs $1.77

Under 60.5 Hot Dogs $2.02

Who will be the winner?

Joey Chestnut $1.65

Takeru Kobayashi $2.20

Both Chestnut and Kobayashi need to compete for bets to be valid and overtime is not included.

I’ve looked into this further and found that the under 60.5 hot dogs is a great bet at $2.02. As stated earlier last years effort was 59 which was a new world record, I predict that they will either match the 59 or go one better but can’t see them going over the 60.5 hot dogs.

My tip is Joey Chestnut to win with under 60.5 hot dogs. Get your bets on at Sportsbet here.

If you havent already got a Sportsbet account they will now give you a free $50 bet on the hot dog contest just for joining. They will also match your first deposit dollar for dollar up to $100. For more info and the latest odds on the contest check the site out here.

Heres the video from the 2008 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Round thirteens games have some great matchups but none more than the game of the round on Friday night against Essendon and Carlton. It should be a great match with both teams on six wins and six losses and the possibility for the winner to be in the top four. Another interesting game this week is the West Coast V Hawthorn game. The Eagles played well last time at Subiaco and if the Hawks can’t get a win here their season will be officially over.

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Sports Bet of the Round

This weeks bet of the round is  in a Carlton, Hawthorn, Collingwood and the Bulldogs in a multi bet. It will pay around $3 at Sportsbet who will also give you a $50 free bet on this weeks tip just for signing up with them here.

Essendon V Carlton Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Carlton

Carlton on paper should have a win here, they have many more experienced players with the likes of Chris Judd and Brendan Fevola that should get them over the line. But Essendon have had the wood over the Blues in recent times which will make for a great match. Watch out for Aaron Joseph who is this weeks NAB rising star. He has kept some big names quiet in the last few weeks and should line up on Alwyn Davey on Friday which will be another big test for him.

Collingwood V Fremantle Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Freo showed that they have the skills to match it with the big boys with a gallant effort against Geelong last week in a match they could well have won. Unfortunately I don’t think they will be able to reproduce the effort this week at the MCG against the Pies. Collingwood showed that they are a true top four side last week finishing well in a close game with the Swans and should be able to overcome any attack the Dockers bring to the game. Alan Didak is the key to the Pies winning after a great 34 possessions and two goals last weekend.

Adelaide V Sydney Saturday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Adelaide

Adelaide are a underestimated team and I have a prediction that they will have a strong finish to the season and will shake thinks up come the finals. They should get a pretty easy win at their home AAMI stadium. Simon Goodwin has given himself a 50/50 chance of playing this weekend and if the Crows captain does it will cause massive headaches for Sydney coach Paul Roos as he is very difficult to shut down when in form. The Crows by 30+

West Coast V Hawthorn Saturday night at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Hawthorn

This game could be D-Day for the Hawks if they can’t get a win here. We are all waiting for them to return to last years form but every week they fail to fully impress. Luckily for Hawthorn key ruckman Dean Cox is suffering a groin injury  and is unlikely to line up for the Eagles. If West Coast can reproduce the good form when they played Geelong a couple of weeks ago in Perth it may make for a very close game. If your looking to put a bet on this game Sportsbet have the Hawks to win  between 1-39 points paying $2.25 which might be worth a look at. Sportsbet will also give you a $50 free bet on this when making a new account here.

Brisbane V Melbourne Saturday night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

Melbourne will struggle to get a winning score in Brisbane. They have shown some signs of light but they are still a few years away from stringing consecutive wins together. James Frawley (the nephew of former St Kilda captain Danny Frawley) has stepped up this year and looks to be a great pickup for Melbourne with some great efforts down back in the last couple of weeks. He will have his work cut out for him this weekend against the Brisbane forward line.

Geelong V Port Adelaide Sunday at Skilled Stadium

Tip: Geelong

Geelong can chalk up another win before they walk out on the ground on Sunday. They play Skilled Stadium very well and I suspect the game over by half time. Sportsbet agree and have set Geelong at a short $1.60 to win by over 40+. Cameron Mooney will be hoping to get his mojo back in time for the massive game against the Saints next week after only managing two points last week in a dismal performance.

North Melbourne V Western Bulldogs Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Western Bulldogs

The Doggies are looking good and will have another decent win over an “off the track” North Melbourne on Sunday. Caretaker coach Darren Crocker may have Brent “Boomer” Harvey back for the game which will add some much needed depth but it wont be enough to stop the speed of the Dogs running forward. Bulldog’s Will Minson will be out to have another great game after 23 possessions and three goals against Port last week. I think the Bulldogs here to win by 40+ points is the best bet for the game, Sportsbet have it paying $2.05.

St Kilda V Richmond Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

The Saints wont let the Tigers ruin what will be a great game next week against Geelong, with hopefully both teams going into the the big game undefeated. Nick Riewoldt will be out to show his cousin Jack Riewoldt how its done after his five goal haul last week in a man of the match performance. The St Kilda backline will need to keep a close eye on Tiger Mitch Morton after also kicking five in last weeks game.The Saints had their first true scare against Carlton but showed that they had the professional mindset to keep it together and eventually scrape a win together. They would have learnt alot from the game and will know how to get themselves out of trouble when a close game comes up again.

2009 first round draft pick Jack Watts bagged his first and second AFL goals for Melbourne against Essendon in round 12, but looked out of his depth for the rest of the game leaving many people to suggest that he is still too young and not ready for the big time. His former school coach, Robert Shaw, agrees and feels that he shouldn’t have been unvieled until next season. “You’ve got a full-time schoolboy footballer (who’s) just turned 18 trying to do a full-time job as an AFL player, playing on Dustin Fletcher.” In fact Watts was out played by debutant Liam Jurrah who scored a fantastically instinctive goal and showed some good touches throughout. But even his outstanding performance wasn’t enough to save The Demons from their eighth straight defeat. They did show some spirit in the second quarter and got to with in 16 points at half time. In the third quarter the Melbourne youngsters seemed to lose their heads and Essendon took full advantage scoring 7 goals 6 to Melbourns one goal. The final margin was 48 points and Essendon are looking good for a finals berth. Sportsbet are paying $2.75 for Essendon to make the top eight and I feel that this is a dead cert. Go to sportsbet now and sign up to receive your free bet.

How quickly football can change. It was only a few weeks ago that the Collingwood faithful were calling for the head of coach Mick Malthouse to be served up on a silver plater. But now, after an impressive 89 to 66 win over the Sydney Swans, The Magpies are looking for a top four spot. The victory was Collingwoods seventh straight victory over the Swans, but it nearly didn’t happen. At three quarter time The Swans had pulled within three points and it took a last quarter blast from Leon Davis and Alan Didak to see The Pies get over the line. They are in the top four right now but can they keep it up. YES. Go to sportsbet now to get your free bet on Collingwood claiming their top four spot.

Geelong are still un beaten this season, but they almost came un stuck in round 12 thanks to a spirited Fremantle side and some wayward kicking. There is talk that some of the Geelong players are becoming bored and complacent, thinking that just stepping out on to the field is enough to win. Even the bald headed master Gary Ablett was a little off his game failing to get on the score sheet, although he did come in to it in the fourth by creating two valuable goals. But in the end they were pushed all the way by The Dockers and will have to pickup their game for the big clash with top of the table St Kilda in round 14.

Game two of the 2009 State of Origin series is nearly upon us with history set to be made. Queensland will become the first side to ever win four straight series if they can back up their terrific 28 – 18 victory in game one. The people at sportsbet have made them hot favourites and are paying out $1.62 for the Marroons to do just that and in my opinion rightly so.

The series was billed as the young Vs the old, as the NSW Blues picked a talented young squad while Queensland opted for a lot more experience.

The young Blues outfit looked like they had got off to the perfect start in game one when Jarryd Hayne side stepped Israel Folau to place the ball in the corner only to have the video ref say that his foot touched the line and ruled a no try. Blues Coach Craig Bellamy was furious with the decision saying “I think Harrigan (the video ref) had a look at that (replay) seven or eight times. I don’t know whether he’s seen the boot touch the sideline on the eighth go or the seventh go, when he couldn’t see it in the first, second, third or fourth. To me that’s benefit of the doubt. I don’t know how he could come up with that decision to be quite honest.”

Queensland took full advantage of their little bit of luck and scored three tries in 8 minutes to open up and 18-2 lead. After seeing the lead stretch to 24-6 the blues did stage something of a comeback, but in the end it was the experience of players such as Greg Inglis, with his two tries, and Captain Jonahon Thurston that made all the difference. Bellamy is now trying all sorts of tactics to unsettle the Queensland side ahead of game two and has even labeled his former Melbourne Storm player Israel Folau a diver, but the Marrons are far to experienced to fall for such games and it is this  experience that I feel will carry them through to an historic victory. So go to sportsbet bet now and recieve your free bet on the game.

Betting on the outright winner is not the only way you can use up your free bet from sportsbet.

Why not have a punt on whether the first scoring play will be a try or a penalty goal. Sportsbet are paying out $7.00 that the first points will be from a penalty and I think that this is a fntastic bet.

You can also have go at the spread betting. Sportsbet are pay $6.00 that the Marroons winning margin will be between 7 and 12 points, which is a nother fantastic way to use up your free bet.

Game 2  is going to be a great game and expect lots of fireworks with a Queensland win so go get your money on them now.

The 2008 Wimbledon final between the Swiss master Roger Federer and Spanish star Rafael Nadal was considered by many as the greatest game of tennis ever played. A five set thriller that saw the the powerful Spaniard knock Federer off the top of world tennis and start a new era in the mens game. But the hope for a 2009 rematch under the new retractable roof on center court has been dealt a blow, with Rafael Nadal reportedly under going intensive treatment on a knee injury that could threaten his defense of the title. Roger Federer will go in to the tournament has hot favourite after winning the French Open for the first time, and if Nadal does miss out it will be hard to look past Federer breaking the Pete Samprass record by winning his 15th open title. So is there anyone out there who can stop the Fed Express in its tracks.

Andy Murray $3.75

Andy Murray was my pick for the French Open but once again his stamina let him down and he was dumped out in the second week by Fernando Gonzalez. Murray is ranked at number 3 in the world after he won at the Queens club tournament last week, which was his third title of the year. He is widely considered to be the most likely to break the top twos strangle hold on mens tennis, but that is only if he can take his form in to the second week at the major tournaments. Fred Perry was the last Brit to win Wimbledon, with this the year of his 100th birthday and Nadal’s injury maybe, just maybe the omens are on Andy’s side. He is my pick again so go to Canbet now to get your free bet on Murray making history.

Robin Soderling $26.00

The Swede will be on a massive high going in to this years Wmbledon championships after shocking the world by beating the clay Court master Rafael Nadal on his way to the French Open final. But if you take in to account that Nadal was carrying an injury and that Federer easily disposed of him in the final the effort suddenly doesn’t look so great. There is no doubt that Soderling played well above himself at Roland Garros, but can he do it again on the faster grass courts of Wimbledon? I seriously doubt it. If you think I am wrong and that Soderling has something else up his sleeve go to canbet now and receive your free bet.

Lleyton Hewitt $151.00

There is no doubt that grass is Hewitt’s favourite surface to play on. He won Wimbledon in 2002 don’t forget and always performs pretty well in the grass court season. There is also no doubt that he always plays with all of his heart and soul, thats why we all love him of course. But is heart enough for Lleyton to climb back to the top of world tennis? As much as I would love to say it is, it probably isn’t. I do predict Hewitt getting in to the second week but anything else is probably beyond him.  So if you want to get behind an Aussie I think that Samantha Stosur would be a better bet, canbet are paying $26.00 for Stosur to cause what would be a massive upset

So lets all hope and pray that Andy Murray stops making me look like a total idiot and finally wins me some money.

Tabcorp have decided to back down on copyright claims directed at Sportsbet in an embarrassing end to what could have been a massive change to the betting industry.

Back in February Sportsbet Blog wrote of the legal action being taken out on Sportsbet which can be found here. Tabcorp claimed that Sportsbet had been using their tote dividends on its website which was in breach of the copyright act costing them $58 million every year.

Recently in a similar case Ice TV was being sued by the Nine Network for use of their TV guide information. A High Court judge threw out the case which weakened Tabcorps case.

A TAB spokesman said “In our view, the decision has a significant impact on copyright law as it relates to particular issues in Tabcorp’s case. As a consequence, Tabcorp has decided not to pursue its copyright case against Sportsbet at this time.”

This is a great win for the little guy and great for the betting public. Sportsbet always pays the top price from all the totes giving Australian the best payout possible. Check the Sportsbet site for yourself and see the difference.

Tabcorp has now had talks with Productivity Commission wanting Australia wide regulations to tote betting odds.

Good luck to them…

A second victory in three games  has not only seen Richmond move up a spot on the ladder but it has also instilled a new sense of confidence at Punt Road. The fact that the side is sitting two spots off the bottom with three victories is pretty amazing considering the side was written of f as a circus act after they were smashed by Carlton in the first round. New Coach Jade Rawlings has to take a lot of credit for planning their round 12 victory over the West Coast Eagles, but the players should also stand up and take a bow for putting up with the criticism and pressure that has been piled upon them so far this year.

Star signing Ben Cousins was once again an inspiration for his new team. A couple of injuries have hampered his year a little but against his former club he used all of his class and experience coming out of the game with 28 possessions. Another former Eagle also shined in this tie, Mitch Morton scored 5 goals and showed guts and determination all afternoon. For the Eagles star draft pick Nic Naitanui made a quiet debut but Josh Kennedy once again showed that he is a star in the making with 4 goals. despite a late come back from the Eagles Richmond held on for an impressive victory.

Can Jade Rawlings keep it and make the impossible happen. Sportsbet.com have Richmond at $101.00 to make the top eight while Rawlings is at $10.00 to be Tigers coach next year.

Top of the table St Kilda continued their amazing start to the season beating Carlton 104 to 95. The Saints didn’t have it all their own way though and only have a Chris Judd broken nose to thank for the win. Judd went off the field after he clashed heads with one of his own players and the Saints used this period to pull away from a brave Blues outfit. Carlton will feel hard done by in this one but you have to say that the signs are looking good for a bright blue future in the AFL. Carlton are $16.00 to win the flag.

Last years premiers Hawthorn had another afternoon to forget and now sit in eighth spot on the ladder. The Hawks led at half time but only scored 1 goal 7 in the second compared to  Brisbane’s 10 goals 6. Jonathon Brown was once again inspirational for his side scoring 5 goals  and being a constant menace all game. Where now for the Hawks? Get your free bet on them to claim the flag at sportsbet.com.au.

Elsewhere in the first week of a split round 12 Adelaide got on top of a low scoring affair against North Melbourne. The Crows are now fifth on the ladder while Melbourne’s dismal 24 point effort has seen them slide to 12th.

The Western Bulldogs continued their good season by giving the Port Adelaide Power a footballing lesson. The Doggies shared their goal scoring between 13 different players, which was just to much for Port who now sit just outside the eight in ninth spot.

Get your free bet on the Bulldogs making the Grand Final at sportsbet

This weekends round 12 football has three games remaining from the split round including the the much anticipated match against Sydney and Collingwood on Saturday night. Checkout the first week of round twelves tips here.

I’m not much of a fan of the split round, there isn’t any games in Melbourne on both Saturday and Sunday which will leave hundreds of thousands of people wondering what to do with them selves. There isn’t any good reason to have the break other than for the players (who’s job it is to kick the ball around) to have the weekend off. I say, let them play! They have three or four months off at the end of the season to kick back and relax!

Now to the tips…

Essendon V Melbourne, Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Essendon

The Bombers should have a comfortable win on Friday night. They play Etihad stadium well and the return of Dustin Fletcher to spice up the Essendon back line should see them home. The much needed Paddy Ryder will line up in the ruck after beating a two match ban at the AFL tribunal last week for rough conduct.

Sydney V Collingwood, Saturday at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Collingwood

This should be a great game with both teams level on form and looking for a position in the top 8 after this game. Sydney’s odds have widened a little from $1.82 last week to $1.87 with Sportsbet. My tip is Collingwood, there’s great value for them at the moment at $1.95 with forward duo Anthony Rocca and Paul Medhurst likely to be named to play after coming back from injuries in the VFL last week. Even though the game is in Sydney, I predict that the Pies should have a fairly easy win here, they can be inconsistent at times but after the weeks break they should be ready to go.

Sportsbet will give you a $50 free bet to place on any AFL game (including my Collingwood tip!) just for making a new account, with no deposit necessary! Check them out here.

Fremantle V Geelong, Sunday at Suibiaco Oval

Tip: Geelong

This ones pretty self explanatory. Freo can’t beat a down and out Richmond at home so how could they possibly beat the class of the Cats? Geelong by a large margin. With the St Kilda V Geelong blockbuster match now only a couple of weeks away, injuries will become very important to their chances of winning. Taking that into account there may not be as much head first to the ball kind of things we are used to from the Cats this weekend if the game is a blow out.