Sportsbet Blog

Online betting has become massive since the last World Cup and with many more online bookies and exotic bets to choose from.

After looking at all the main Australian bookies Sportsbet has come out on top for range of betting markets and for the best odds.

They cover every World Cup match and include all the usual bets like half time/full time, number of goals and wining margin. They also have a full range of special bets for all of the Socceroos matches.

See our top 5 best World Cup free bet offers here

Here are my top 5 tips when betting on the 2010 World Cup

1. Remember the Draw. If you back a team to win remember if its a draw after 90 minutes you lose your bet even if the game goes to extra time during the finals.
2. Live betting. If your pre-game bet is looking bad it may be worth making an in-play bet to minimise your losses.
3. Most teams will start the group stage matches pretty conservatively so take a careful approach to half time/full time bets.
4. Multi bets. Group stages make for great multi bets. Stick with the favourites in a 3 or 4 leg multi and get some decent odds.
5. Bet on New Zealand to finish bottom of their group. I’m tipping this will happen and at $1.20 its as safe as houses!

The reason I like Sportsbet the most for this World Cup is for the unusual bets that can be placed. They make a match very exciting and keeps you on edge for the full 90 minutes.

Here are some of the more unusual betting options available at Sportsbet for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

First Socceroo to be shown a card

Tim Cahill 7.00

Lucas Neill 7.00

Craig Moore 8.00

Brett Emerton 9.00

More players here

I’ll be backing Lucas Neill here, he will be much more busy than any striker and more likely to be chasing the player with the ball.

Australian top goal scorer

Tim Cahill 3.75

Harry Kewell 4.50

Josh Kennedy 4.50

No Goals scored by an Australian 8.00

I think Timmy’s a safe choice here, Harry could easily miss a game or two with injury and the Socceroos will depend on him much more.

More players here

Australia’s stage of elimination.

Group Stage 1.33

Second Round 4.50

Quarter Finals 12.00

Semi Finals 23.00

Runner Up 81.00

You would be a game man to back anything past a 2nd round elimination. Remember top 2 to through so there’s some value in $4.50.

Double Chance

Germany and Draw 1.08

Germany and Australia 1.20

Australia and Draw 2.40

Australia will be very happy with a draw in this match and will most likely playing for one. The Aussie and draw could be a worthy option here.

Sportsbet have a World Cup promo running at the moment giving new customers up to a $200 free bet. Simply make an account with Sportsbet and make your first deposit. Sportsbet will then instantly match your first deposit up to $100.

The 2nd part of the bonus is given after 10 bets have been placed. Sportsbet work out the average amount waged and refund that amount up to $100.

See the Sportsbet site here for more info in this great soccer offer and to make an account.

Keep one eye on the telecast, and the other on Betfair, and make the most of Betfair’s dynamic markets. They’ll be open from when the referee blows his whistle until, well… he blows it again at the end. With opportunities every second, that’s over 54,000 seconds (plus injury time) of opportunities.

Betfair are accepting in-play bets on heaps of sports this summer including the Australian Open tennis, the Australian Summer of cricket and A-League soccer.

As well as having the largest market of in-play bets Betfair also have a summer promo giving you the chance to win Apple Ipods, XBox 360′s and Free Bets just for betting with Betfair!

Betting during a match is easy. Simply make an account at the Betfair website here, then call 1800 TELBET (that’s 1800 835 238) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak to one of their efficient betting staff and place your in-play bet.

For more info on how Betfair works and how to get your hands on a prize checkout their website here or see our Betfair Review.

Round 10 of the Hyundai A-League will be stretched over the next month with for games this weekend and the fifth round 10 game will be played at the start of November. Heading into this mid-season break, Sydney FC has taken top spot on the A-League ladder.

After Perth Glory and Gold Coast United both finished level with their opponents last weekend, Sydney FC has once again claimed top place and Melbourne Victory has jumped up in to second.

Adelaide United tied 1-1 with the Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh stadium on Monday.

Perth Glory V Adelaide United

7:00pm Friday Night at ME Bank Stadium

Perth Glory has showed their strength over the last few rounds and I would expect that they take the win in this round 10 game with ease. Adelaide United just does not have the strength this season to stay in this game.

My Prediction: Perth Glory – Odds of $2.10

Melbourne Victory V Sydney FC

8:00pm Friday Night at Etihad Stadium

With the current form of Melbourne Victory I would expect them to be able to step up and take the win. This will be a close game however as both teams will be competing for top spot on the A-league table. I like the score line of 2-1.

Tip: Melbourne Victory – Odds of $2.00

Central Coast Mariners V North Queensland Fury

3:00pm Sunday at Bluetongue Stadium

The Central Coast Mariners should easily take the win here. North Queensland has only taken 1 win this year and overall they have not played well. The Mariners on the other hand are a quality side and will not lose easily.

Tip: Central Coast Mariners – Odds of $1.70

Brisbane Roar V Gold Coast United

4:00pm Saturday Afternoon at Suncorp Stadium

The recent run of poor form that Gold Coast United has produced leads me to question how competitive they can be for the remainder of the season. Brisbane Roar has maintained steady form this season and they should at least challenge for the victory.

Tip: Draw – Odds of $3.15

Wellington Phoenix V Newcastle Jets

8:00pm Monday 4^th November at Westpac Stadium

With this match not being played until the start of November, I cannot give a fair opinion. Anything could happen over the mid-season break, but for now I would back the Newcastle Jets.

Tip: Newcastle Jets

Sunday afternoon will see Chelsea take the field at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool in a desperate bid to recover from last weekend’s loss. This will be excellent game with only 3 points separating the two teams. Chelsea is currently in 2^nd place and Liverpool 3^rd in the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season.

Chelsea

The Chelsea side is a very formidable opponent no matter where they play and have only taken the 1 loss so far in the 2009/10 Premier League season. Apart from a draw in a pre-season friendly, Chelsea had won every match so far this season until the surprise 3-1 loss to Wigan last weekend and they’ll be seeking to overcome this quickly. They also have a great chance to move 6 points clear of a major rival.

Along with Man U, Chelsea is the side to beat and have made an impressive start to their Premier League campaign.

Chelsea is developing a slight problem with injuries and has a few of players on the sidelines. Mikel, Ballack and Alex are all out for this weekend’s clash.

Liverpool

Liverpool has made an impressive return to form after their shaky start to the 2009/10 Premier League season despite losing to Fiorentina on Wednesday. Prior to this they had notched up 6 consecutive wins. The Liverpool side is shaping up a little differently this season with a more attacking mentality. They were able to score 6 times last weekend against Hull City.

Liverpool is quite clearly capable of winning this Sunday and will be keen to level on points with their title rivals.

The injury list at Liverpool shouldn’t affect their game too much with Aquilani on the sidelines with an ankle/foot injury and Mascherano looking doubtful with a virus.

My Opinion

This could quite possibly be the best Premier League match that we’ll see this season with both teams desperate to get the other out of the title race. Although it is still early in the season a loss here will hurt.

I would expect to see a draw, although it has been sometime since Chelsea last lost at Stamford Bridge. The new found attacking style of Liverpool could very well see this turn into a high scoring affair. As a Liverpool supporter I would like to see them win, but I would consider this to be an unlikely result.

My Tip – Draw (Odds of $3.45 at Betfair)

The Hyundai A-League results continue to surprise many sports fans with results that seem to be unpredictable. Round 8 is now upon us and it is bound to be interesting.

Gold Coast United took a surprise upset with a 3-0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners. Adelaide United has suffered yet another loss this time at the hands of Melbourne going down 2-0.

Wellington Phoenix and North Queensland have taken a draw while Sydney FC and Perth Glory were both able to take a win.

Newcastle Jets V Perth Glory

8:00pm Friday Night at EnergyAustralia Stadium

I really cannot see anything but a draw in this match-up. Both teams have been playing rather average over the last few weeks and if anyone is to take the win then I would expect it to be the Perth Glory. Overall they are the better side here and we’ll see who has what it takes on Friday night.

Tip: Draw – Odds of $3.50

Gold Coast United V Melbourne Victory

7:30pm Saturday at Skilled Park

Gold Coast United continue to maintain top spot in the A-league even after last week’s 3-0 thrashing. With their form other the last couple of weeks it is hard to pick them although I do have a belief that they are professional enough to move past it. Melbourne should provide a challenge but not enough to win

Tip: Gold Coast United – Odds of $2.24

Brisbane Roar V Sydney FC

3:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Suncorp Stadium

Both teams here are more than capable of taking the victory in round 8 of the A-league. Brisbane has the odds that would suggest they are going to win although you cannot look past Sydney FC who currently sit in second place only by goal difference. My prediction is nothing more than a draw.

Tip: Draw – Odds of $3

Wellington Phoenix V Central Coast Mariners

4:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Westpac Stadium

The Mariners played great last week and are really beginning to make a statement in the a-league. While the Wellington Phoenix sit comfortably in 9^th place I really wouldn’t be surprised if the Mariners win by 3+ goals.

Tip: Central Coast Mariners – Odds of $2.60

North Queensland Fury V Adelaide United

5:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Dairy Farmers Stadium

Adelaide United has now moved up to 7^th on the A-league ladder although they really can’t be praised for this. North Queensland on the other hand has held bottom spot for the entire season so far with only one win. This will more than likely be the toughest game this weekend with both teams desperately in need of a big, morale boosting win.

Tip: Draw – Odds of $2.94

It is now time for Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League and after last week Gold Coast United is a game clear on the top of the ladder. The games played last weekend turned out to be rather interesting with some surprising results.

North Queensland Fury was able to take their first win of the 2009/10 A-League season with an excellent 0-1 victory over Sydney FC. This was an upset for Sydney FC to say the least. Adelaide United also took 3 points with a 1-0 victory over the Mariners and Brisbane had an excellent game winning 3-0 against the Jets.

Melbourne had a 1-1 draw with the Phoenix while Perth Glory tied 2-2 with the league leaders, Gold Coast United.

Adelaide United V Melbourne Victory

7:30pm Friday Night at Hindmarsh Stadium

Adelaide gets a second home game in a row here and their win last week jumped them up to 5^th on the A-League table. Melbourne had a tie last week and I would expect much more out of them in Round 7. In my opinion, Adelaide United’s season is only just getting started and they should easily take the win.

Tip: Adelaide United – Odds of $2.26

Central Coast Mariners V Gold Coast United

7:30pm Saturday at Bluetongue Stadium

Gold Coast United is now 3 points clear at the top of the A-League and I cannot see the others catching them any time soon. Their presence on the pitch gobsmacking and their star striker Shane Smeltz has now scored 9 goals for the season. If the Mariners can leave the pitch with some dignity intact I would be surprised.

Tip: Gold Coast United – Odds of $1.54

Wellington Phoenix V North Queensland Fury

3:30pm Sunday Afternoon at Westpac Stadium

Neither team in this round 7 match-up has been performing all that well. However, after the Fury’s win over Sydney last week it is my belief that their confidence will be through the roof. Although this match is hard to pick, I am putting my money on North Queensland.

Tip: North Queensland – Odds of $2.10

Sydney FC V Newcastle Jets

3:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Sydney Football Stadium

Newcastle played horribly last week to lose 0-3. On the other hand, Sydney will be looking to make up for their surprise loss to the North Queensland Fury and will come out with only a win in mind. Newcastle has only won 2 of their 6 games this year.

Tip: Sydney FC – Odds of $1.39

Perth Glory V Brisbane Roar

5:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Suncorp Stadium

Both of these teams are in reasonable form. Brisbane is my pick here after their very tidy 3-0 win last weekend. There is a chance that the Perth Glory can take a top 2 position this week and I believe they will be fighting hard to achieve the victory.

Tip: Brisbane – Odds of $1.44

Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League is set to start and the competition is really coming alive. Gold Coast United has been handed its first defeat of the year by the Newcastle Jets after an impressive season start. Sydney FC has now claimed top spot on the A-League table after a fantastic 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.

North Queensland Fury has finally taken their first point after a gruelling 3-3 draw with Adelaide United. North Queensland has a desperate need to continue scoring goals and take a win or two in the coming rounds as their season quickly dwindles away.

Shane Smeltz of Gold Coast United has maintained his stunning form that has seen him lead the A-League goal scoring for the first 4 rounds so far. Scoring again last weekend, Smeltz now has a total of six goals from 4 games. The Gold Coast United star is also leading attempts on target with a total of 10.

Danny Vukovic from the Central Coast Mariners is so far the stand out goal keeper of the A-league. Vukovic leads the A-League in saves with a total of seven-teen and in clean sheets with a total of two.

Worst discipline so far his being held by five players. Ljubo Milicevic, Danny Tiatto, John Hutchinson and Steve Pantelidis have all been awarded 3 yellow cards while Tommy Oar has received 2 yellow cards and a red card.

When it comes to soccer betting, CentreBet is the place to go. CentreBet has a great market for soccer betting with a good range of betting options. Check out the site for all the latest odds on the A-League.

My tips for round 5 are as follows.

Thursday 3^rd September @ 7.30pm

Melbourne Victory FC vs. Newcastle Jets FC

Melbourne Victory shouldn’t have too much trouble winning this match. However, the Newcastle Jets will be looking for a win in order to maintain their league position. The match will be played on Thursday night at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, so be sure to get your bets in before the kick-off.

My Tip – Melbourne Victory FC with odds of $1.73 @ Centrebet.com.au

Friday 4^th September @ 7.30pm

Wellington Phoenix FC vs. Adelaide United FC

Both of these teams are not playing the best at the moment and I cannot see any outcome other than a draw. If either team can take the win, they will be looking at a top 5 position in the A-League. The game will be played in Wellington on Friday night at Westpac Stadium.

My Tip – Draw with odds of $3.20 @ CentreBet.com.au

Friday 4^th September @ 8pm

Central Coast Mariners FC vs. Perth Glory FC

Only a single point separates these two teams on the league table. My prediction is a draw with the more likely winner being the Central Coast Mariners. Kick-off has been scheduled for 8pm Friday night at Canberra Stadium.

My Tip – Draw with odds of $3.30 @ CentreBet.com.au

Saturday 5^th September @ 5pm

Gold Coast United vs. Sydney FC

This is the big match for round 5. Again, there is only one point separating the two teams and Sydney FC is undefeated so far this season. Meanwhile, Gold Coast United will be looking to strike back after last week’s upsetting loss. This incredible match will kick-off on Saturday evening at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

My Prediction – Gold Coast United with odds of $2.17 @ CentreBet.com.au

Saturday 5^th September @ 7pm

North Queensland Fury vs. Brisbane Roar FC

Although the Brisbane Roar has not had the best start to the season, they should easily take the points over the North Queensland Fury. The Fury has only scored 1 league point in their first 4 games this year and I simply can’t see their form improving any time soon.

My Tip – Brisbane Roar with odds of $2.10 @ CentreBet.com.au

So far this season, CentreBet is tipping Gold Coast United to take the 2009/10 honours with odds of $3.25.

The 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season is really beginning to heat up now as we move in to round 3. So far we have seen Gold Coast United and Sydney FC win both of their opening games and both teams are looking quite confident and playing some great football.

Personally, I am most interested in Friday nights’ soccer game between Adelaide United and Gold Coast United. Can the in-form Gold Coast United defeat the 2008/09 runners-up is the question that I would like to see answered.

So far, Perth Glory and North Queensland have not taken home any points from the first two games and will be looking to do so this round. The last thing that they want to do is fall behind so early in the season.

Shane Smeltz of Gold Coast United has been named as Player of the Week for round 2 after scoring 4 goals in the Gold Coast’s 5-0 thrashing of North Queensland. Smeltz is also leading the goal scoring by 3 goals with second place currently being held by four players with 2 goals.

Adama Traore is being touted as the player to watch as the left sided full back played stunningly in his debut for Gold Coast United last week. Electrifying is the term being used to describe the Ivorian full back.

Centrebet is the place to go for all your soccer bets. They have markets open for first goal scorer and on some markets how many red cards will be handed out in the game. Currently they have an offer going that doubles your first deposit up to a massive $200. Check their site out for more info and for the latest A-League odds.

My tips for round three are as follows.

Friday 21^st August @ 7.30pm

Adelaide United FC vs. Gold Coast United

Friday night will see Adelaide United FC host Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Set to be a close match between the in-form side and the 2008/09 aleague runners up. If this game sees a winner then I would pick Gold Coast, however with such closely matched sides I can only see a draw.

My Prediction – Draw with odds of $2.45 at CentreBet.com.au. Final Score 1-1

Saturday 22^nd August @ 3pm

Central Coast Mariners FC vs. Sydney FC

Saturday afternoon is bound to show us a close match between the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC. The match will kick off at 3pm local time at the Bluetongue Stadium on the Central Coast.

My Tip – Draw ($2.65 @ CentreBet.com.au). Final Score 2-2.

Saturday 22^nd August @ 5pm

North Queensland Fury vs. Melbourne Victory FC

The Melbourne Victory will be the more likely winner in this match-up, but even though they are the better side, I believe a draw is on the cards. The match will be played at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

My Tip – Draw ($1.83 @ CentreBet.com.au). Final Score 1-1.

Sunday 23^rd August @ 3pm

Brisbane Roar FC vs. Wellington Phoenix FC

Brisbane is the obvious pick for me here. They are a much higher quality outfit in comparison to Wellington Phoenix and should take an easy win at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

My Tip – Brisbane Roar ($1.73 @ CentreBet.com.au) by 3 goals. Score 4-1.

Sunday 23^rd August @ 3pm

Perth Glory FC vs. Newcastle Jets FC

The final match of round three will see Perth Glory take on the Newcastle Jets at the Members Equity Stadium in Perth. Starting at 3pm on Sunday, it is my belief that the Perth Glory will take the win.

My Tip – Perth Glory ($2.05 @ CentreBet.com.au) by 1 goal. Final Score 2-1.

With round 1 of the new 2009 Hyundai A-League season out of the way we can now begin to take a look into round 2.

As a surprise for the Hyundai ALeague season opener, defending champions Melbourne made a very poor and sluggish start and were surprisingly defeated 2-0 by the Central Coast.

Adelaide United was very happy with the start to the new season after a convincing 1-0 victory over Perth Glory. Adelaide was able to convert from a penalty in the 31^st minute and then hold off Perth Glory to take a win to start their 09/10 campaign.

Newcomers, North Queensland Fury, will be a little disappointed with their start to the season after being defeated 2-3 by Sydney FC on Saturday night.

The second newcomer, Gold Coast United, has made a dream start to their Hyundai A-League campaign with 3-1 victory over rivals, Brisbane Roar. Jason Culina also scored in his Hyundai A-League debut.

The final game of the opening round saw the Newcastle Jets take a gutsy win over Wellington Phoenix, 3-2.

My tips for round 2 are as follows.

Friday 14^th August @ 8pm

Central Coast Mariners FC vs. Newcastle Jets FC

After the excellent start made by the Central Coast in round 1, I would expect them to be able to dismantle Newcastle in much the same fashion. The match will be played at Bluetongue Stadium on the Central Coast.

My Tip – Central Coast Mariners with odds of $1.90 @ SportsAlive by 2 goals. Final Score 3-1.

Saturday 15^th August @ 5.30pm

Gold Coast United vs. North Queensland Fury

This match on Saturday afternoon looks like it could possibly be a good old football blowout. This is a battle between the two new sides in the Hyundai A-League and will be played at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. My bet is on a second Gold Coast United Victory.

My Tip – Gold Coast United ($1.50 @ SportsAlive) by 3 goals. Final Score 4-1.

Saturday 15^th August @ 7.30pm

Melbourne Victory FC vs. Brisbane Roar FC

After a poor start to their 09/10 campaign, Melbourne will be looking to regain lost ground and it is because of this that I am predicting a reverse of last weeks’ match. This is bound to be a great game on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

My Tip – Melbourne Victory ($2 @ SportsAlive) by 2 goals. Final Score 2-0.

Sunday 16^th August @ 5pm

Wellington Phoenix FC vs. Perth Glory FC

After both teams suffered a loss in the first round and with neither of them looking really threatening, my tip for this match to be played at Westpac Stadium, Wellington is a draw.

My Tip – Draw ($3.25 @ SportsAlive). Final Score 1-1.

Sunday 16^th August @ 5pm

Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United FC

Both teams were able to obtain victory last weekend and this made it a hard choice for picking the winner in this round two clash. For this match at the Sydney Football Stadium I had to go with my gut instinct and put my money on Sydney FC to win.

I’m Tipping – Sydney FC ($2 @ SportsAlive) by 1 goal. Final Score 2-1.

With round 1 of the new 2009 season about to kick off, things are really beginning to heat up for all involved in the A-League. According to Ben Buckley, the Football Federation Australia CEO, “The Hyundai A-League is bigger and better than ever.”

The start of the new season also sees an expansion in the A-League with the inclusion of 2 new teams, Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury. With the inclusion of these 2 new teams the A-League has grown to become a 10 team competition in only its fifth year.

The Hyundai A-League round one kicks off with the 2009 Grand Final winners, Melbourne Victory taking on the Central Coast Mariners at Eithiad Stadium on Thursday. Then on Friday, last year’s second place finishers, Adelaide United will face a revamped Perth Glory side.

This great opening to the season will be backed up by soccer matches on Saturday between new side North Queensland Fury and Sydney FC and then later that night we have Brisbane Roar up against the second new team Gold Coast United. Sunday will see the final match of the first round played between the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix.

Compared to last season, there will be six more rounds of football in the home and away season. This comes to a total of 142 matches including a Top 6 Finals Series.

The season will end on the 14^th of February 2010 and will be topped off with the Hyundai A-League Grand Final on Saturday the 20^th March 2010.

My thoughts and tips for the first round are as follows.

Thursday 6^th August @ 8pm

Melbourne Victory FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC

This is set to be a possible blowout with reigning premiers Melbourne Victory taking on the Central Coast Mariners at Eithiad Stadium, Melbourne. The Melbourne Victory are $1.58 favourites and I would not bet against them in this opening round. A draw is paying $3.60 @ IASBet.com.au.

My Tip – Melbourne Victory ($1.58 @ IASBet) by 3 goals. Final Score 4-1.

Friday 7^th August @ 7.30pm

Adelaide United FC vs. Perth Glory FC

The match up here between 2009 runner-ups Adelaide United and Perth Glory could turn into a thriller at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Adelaide United are the favourites to win, but not by much paying $2.15 @ IASBet. Meanwhile, Perth Glory are paying the same as a draw. $3.25 @ IASBet.

My Tip – Adelaide United by 1 goal. Final Score 1-0.

Saturday 8^th August @ 5.30pm

North Queensland Fury vs. Sydney FC

This could possibly be another close game as newcomers North Queensland ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au) take on Sydney FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium. Sydney FC are the clear favourites with odds of $2.15 @ IASBet.com.au. However, the newcomers may very well have what it takes to win and they will be pushing to get there A-League season off to a good start.

My Tip – Draw ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au). Final Score 2-2.

Saturday 8^th August @ 7.30pm

Brisbane Roar FC vs. Gold Coast United

The second football game to be played on Saturday night is Brisbane Roar ($2.50 @ IASBet.com.au) vs. Gold Coast United ($2.60 @ IASBet.com.au) at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Looking at being a very close game, newcomers Gold Coast United will be striving to get on the board early and produce win.

My Tip – Draw ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au). Final Score 1-1.

Sunday 9^th August @ 3pm

Newcastle Jets FC vs. Wellington Phoenix FC

The final game for the round to be played Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle. My prediction here, I cannot see anything here but a win for the Newcastle Jets ($1.90 @ IASBet.com.au). Wellington Phoenix ($3.80 @ IASBet.com.au) will be lucky if they even have a chance of winning after half time.

My Tip – Newcastle Jets by 3 goals. Final Score 3-0.