Online Gambling

American Idol Betting Odds: when will you American Idol fans start listening?
- by Bob Acton

Everyone snickered a month ago when there were still 8 singers in contention for the coveted American Idol crown and at 18-1, I must have been the only person in the world that suggested you plunk down so hard earned cash on Elliot Yamin. Yesterday highly touted publications were predicting the demise of my main man.

I mean even one of my own employer’s followed up my so called perceived ridiculous statement, with a rebuttal from another writer. Hey, to each his own and it’s like I am bang on with every one of my predictions.

Let’s turn the clock back to April 14, 2006:

AT 18-1 ELLIOT YANIN WILL SHOCK THE WORLD!

Okay I admit I have hit rock bottom as I am about to write an article on American Idol, but on the flip side, you have to admit, this show has power! I have in this competition sat on my couch with my wife who loves the show and in this particular competition have seen the contestants twice. The first time I saw Elliot Yamin sing he was doing a Stevie Wonder tune called ‘If You Really Love Me” and I said then and there that the competition was over.

This guy blew the competition out of the water and even Simon had to admit the guy has the chops. This past week I watched the competition and it was the show with the “Queen “theme and this is not an easy group to imitate. I was stunned they did the voting and he was placed in the bottom three which meant there was a chance he would get eliminated. BS I cried out to my wife, but then it call hit me like a ton of bricks, the guy is short and ugly and the superficial callers, could not get past this issue.

I can’t be the only one to notice that Elliott Yamin has the worst teeth on American Idol. But could his dental dilemma be due to diabetes and not poor hygiene?

But Elliott’s teeth aren’t the only unusual feature on the 27 year-old contestant from Richmond, Virginia. His Abe Lincoln-style sideburns make him look like a cross between an Amish farmer and street gangster. And sometimes he even looks like a leprechaun cautiously coveting his pot of gold. But seriously, Elliott can use his weirdo/outsider/creepy look to his advantage. Think about it - if his confidence continues to grow (and it should if Simon keeps stroking Elliott’s ego), he could be the unlikely long-shot that is the next American Idol.

American Idol sells the sizzle that anyone can win this competition and what better way then to select a Diabetes sufferer from a poverty stricken family to be the next winner. Believe me folks American Idol will by the show Extreme Makeover and send Yamin there and he will come out looking by Brad Pitt.

I gave you the White Sox, I gave you Mickleson and now you have an 18-1 longshot!

Now I don’t want to come across as some pompous you know what, but this whole American Idol is no different them betting on pro sports. The Phoenix Suns were buried by the public after game 5 of their series against Lakers and everyone was talking about the great Kobe and Phil Jackson for coach of the year.

After game 7 it was all Steve Nash and his posse. The Suns then took apart the Clippers in game one and everyone was talking about all the unsung heroes on the Phoenix team. I warned you that the spread of Suns -4 ½ was too low, but the guys with all the money in Vegas, knew that betting is 90% public perception. The Clippers mauled the Suns last night!

American Idol attracts millions of viewers and wants to continue that trend. They sell the American Dream that anything is possible, plus they want controversy at the water cooler the next day!

Elliott Yamin is the Steve Nash of American Idol that suggests that it is alright to “Dare to Dream”!

Online Sports Betting

About author

Bob Acton is an experienced sports writer and handicapper, who has written for the sports industry for over 10 years. His years of writing for Sports Scene, sports consulting on 33 Made for Television and Major Motion Pictures and his work as an instructor at Pro Teach Baseball Academy, have made Bob a trusted and respected source in the sports world.

Using a Poker Calculator to Win Sit and Go Tournaments
- by Marty Smith

You may know already that sit and go action is where a good, solid poker bankroll can be built. You get to choose your maximum risk, and play against a variety of talent giving you plenty of value for your buy-in, unfortunately, most poker calculators are not designed for sit and go poker. They calculate odds based on pot size, position, draws, and betting - but only for cash games. If you’re like me and play mostly sit and go poker, you have to make moves counter to your poker calculator recommendations to be in the money consistently. These situations will occur when you are short stacked, when you are playing against a maniac, when you are chip leader, when you are heads up, and when you are 3rd place of 3 left.

Hopefully you don’t end up short stacked too often (were you really playing correctly) and someone outdrew you on a bad call or two, but when you find yourself short, you MUST be strategizing to double up. The best way to double up is to get heads up with just one other player with a decent hand. Even if you are behind with KQos and get called with A9, you are in the right spot to double up, but not against more than one player. Your poker calculator will always say to fold KQos against a raise, but that’s when you go your own way and isolate the raiser. You are mostly trying to avoid being dominated here so I look at QJ, or pocket 8’s etc. and feel I am not a huge underdog and may even be slightly favored.

Sometimes you will be up against a maniac, or at least a very loose player and know you are probably ahead. Your strategy here is to re-raise, isolate and not let him draw out. That means over-betting the pot against maniacs. Again, your poker calculator is just not going to agree with this strategy here. Surviving against such players means you have to create certain aggressive opportunities or they will just simply take you down hand by hand.

Another important time to exercise your own judgment over your poker calculator is when you have a huge lead or big chip stack in comparison to your opponents. In such a scenario when you have someone out chipped like 5 or 6 to 1, it is imperative you make underdog calls that normally are a fold situation. With rising blinds, short stacks will be going in with a wide variety of hands so except for dominated Ace-X hole cards, you should be looking to get them all in. You won’t win them all, but if you win one of three situations you are still the table captain.

When I get down to heads up and 1st and 2nd place is on the line, I am quite aggressive with pre-flop raises with a wide variety of hands. I want to train my opponent into frustration. I will lay down to a re-raise but I want to set him up for an all-in where I am favored. In this, you must consistently raise, in particular from the button, holding MOST hole card combinations. If your odds calculator could scream at you, it would be doing so at this stage. Really, this is a time to turn it off, and play an aggressive mental game here. You have to go for the win here, and aim to be the favorite. Blinds are huge so take them when you can.

Ok, you’ve made it to the money but find yourself in 3rd place. Yes, it’s a profit, but turning this spot into win money is a crucial skill for making your overall profit rate of sit and gos really take off. In saying that, aggression is the key. I look for any cards with chemistry, Ace -X suited, two face cards, 97s, etc., any pp for example, and I am all-in forcing the others to make a tough decision. Your poker odds calculator simply won’t understand this strategy so just turn the thing off, otherwise you will be blinded out 19 of 20 times while following its recommendations. You see the difference between 2nd and 3rd is minimal, so don’t be concerned about that. What you want to be able to accomplish with this aggression is to get into 1st place at least one out of every three times you are in this scenario. That will ensure a profitable overall sit and go strategy for you while using your online poker odds calculator to get you into that position.

About author

Martin Smith is webmaster of http://www.PokerCalculatorReport.com where all the online poker calculators are tested and reviewed, including Sit and Go Shark, Calculatem Pro, and Poker Spy. He is also editor of http://www.PokerBookReport.com You can contact Martin Smith at support@PokerCalculatorReport.com

Online Baseball Betting: the numbers don’t lie!
- by Bob Acton

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hot on the heels of the Colorado Rockies these days and several players are making major contributions. Defense has been a major player, as the Diamondbacks have turned a major league-leading 39 double plays and were tied with the Padres for the best fielding percentage (.989) in the National League.

Third baseman Chad Tracy has now homered in three straight games, hitting a solo shot (his sixth of the season) off Cubs starter Rich Hill in the third inning. The Diamondbacks record for hitting homers in consecutive games is four, which has been set six times, the last by Troy Glaus in 2005.

RHP Jose Valverde, whose eight saves were tied for third in the National League, had pitched in three consecutive games and manager Bob Melvin said in advance he had planned to give his closer the night off Thursday, regardless of the situation.

The Atlanta Braves are not putting the ball in play enough as in evidence by the 173 strikeouts their hitters have compiled. You know the hitters are struggling when pitcher John Thomson entered May with an ERA of 1.32 and did not have a single win to show for it.

The Cubs Carlos Zambrano was thought to be a CY Young candidate this year but he has been miserable and his record sits at 0-2. He has started 7 games and pitched 40 innings which is less then six per game. He does have 48 strikeouts during this span, but has walked an alarming 28 batters with a skyrocketing WHIP 1.60.

The Cubs have been swept by Arizona and San Diego on this nine-game road trip, and have lost seven in a row. Chicago has scored only 12 runs in its last 10 games.

The Mets visit Philadelphia and that means Billy Wagner will return to his former nest. After two seasons with the Phillies (17-14) in which he totaled 59 saves in 66 opportunities, Wagner bolted via free agency to the Mets (21-10), whose four-year, $43 million contract contained a no-trade clause throughout the life of the deal as opposed to Philadelphia’s three-year, $30 million offer, which had a no-trade clause for the first two seasons.

Wagner, who has converted seven saves in 10 opportunities, hopes to get an opportunity to close for staff ace Pedro Martinez (5-0, 2.72 ERA). Martinez, who has never pitched at Citizens Bank Park, is 7-4 with a 2.85 ERA lifetime against the Phillies, including a 2-1 record while pitching for the Mets.

The right-hander, though, saw his first attempt for a sixth win in 2006 go by the wayside Wednesday, when Wagner allowed two ninth-inning runs before the Mets rallied for a 4-3, 12-inning victory.

The Phillies are enjoying their longest winning streak since a 13-game run from July 30-Aug. 12, 1991, and have won eight of their last 10 at home to even their record at Citizens Bank Park to 10-10.

Sports Betting

About author

Bob Acton is an experienced sports writer and handicapper, who has written for the sports industry for over 10 years. His years of writing for Sports Scene, sports consulting on 33 Made for Television and Major Motion Pictures and his work as an instructor at Pro Teach Baseball Academy, have made Bob a trusted and respected source in the sports world.

Wealth Creating Texas Holdem Strategies
- by Peter Evans

Playing Texas Holdem Online

For the beginner there is no finer place to start playing Texas Holdem than online. There are numerous suitable online casinos that cater for the novice. For example:-

http://www.Williamhill.com

http://www.PartyPoker.com

At these online casinos you can play Texas Holdem making fictitious bets so that you don’t win or lose any money until you feel sufficiently confident to play for “real”. Perhaps a truly sensible way to start.

There are numerous other advantages to starting out on your winning Texas Holdem career online. For example, online many small limit games, such as 50cents - $1, can be played in a very short period of time. Believe me, you’ll find this is an absolutely fantastic way to gain experience fast with minimum financial risk.

However, it is important to increase your stake money as your ability to play Texas Holdem improves i.e. moving on to limits of 2 - 4, 4 - 8, 6 - 12 etc. By doing this it keeps your play progressive as your skills develop. Increasing financial risk improves focus and concentration. Essential abilities if you are to play at offline casinos and continue to be a winning player.

Mental Attitudes Required to be a Winning Texas Holdem Player

Emotional control is the foundation of your Texas Holdem winning strategy. Without it there is no hope. You’d do better playing tiddly winks!

To be a winner it is essential to be always astute, mentally alert and focused during play. Any distraction can cost you money. Conversely, you must be able to recognise when you’re not playing at your peak and have the courage to refrain at such times. If you don’t you are letting your emotions take control instead of you in control of them which can only lead to a downward losing spiral.

Obviously it’s impossible to constantly win every Texas Holdem hand. It’s suggested that top winning players win just 8% - 10% of their hands over the long term. Therefore consistently evaluate your game over the longer term. Don’t think of winning and losing when you’re playing, just think of your poker career as one long poker game. This way your confidence will continue to grow and not be dented by short term setbacks. It’s where you are at the end of a year that matters not just the ups and downs of each individual session.

Bear in mind that over a reasonable period of time, e.g. two months, good, committed Texas Holdem players will win, bad players will lose.

If you are frequently losing then perhaps you’re playing at too high a level so choose a lower stake game until you become more experienced. Also, even if you are winning on a particular occasion, but you know instinctively you are up against better players - move on. Remember there are times when good players will deliberately play less experienced plays just to make a few quick bucks for themselves. Don’t allow yourself to be their prey. Plan to win. There’s no point in throwing your money away.

Never play Texas Holdem to get even. Always play your best then getting even will take care of itself over time.

Set yourself a time frame in which to play, e.g. 8.00pm to 2.00am. Leave at the appointed time whether or not you’re winning. However, if during the period you become tired or for some other reason you’re playing below par, quit, cash in your chips, go home and have an early night. Whatever you do stay away from blackjack, baccarat, roulette or slot machines as an alternative to Texas Holdem on the way out. They are deliberately placed to tempt you BUT I assure you, over time, you cannot win at these games so don’t even bother to try.

I can’t emphasise it enough, to be a winner at Texas Holdem you must be at the peak of your performance whenever you’re playing otherwise more experienced players will recognise your weaknesses and subtly take you to the cleaners!

Money Management.

Keep your Texas Holdem poker money in a separate bankroll from any other money. If you spend a lot of money from that bankroll on other things it’s never going to grow. Consequently you will never get to afford to play in the higher limit or no limit games where the big money is for the taking.

So what amount of money should you have in your Texas Holdem bankroll? (By the way I’m not talking here about the amount of money you take to the table in chips, that’s another issue.) The general rule is you should have about 300 times the big bet in it. So if you are playing 2 - 4 the big bet is $4. Your bankroll should be 300 times that i.e. $1,200.

This means, for example, if you are playing 2 - 4 as a consequence of a $1,200 bankroll and start losing you should move down to playing 1 - 2 until you increase your bankroll up to the $1,200 again. Conversely if you are winning and thereby increasing your bankroll you can start playing 4 - 8 when your bank roll reaches $2,400 i.e. 300 times $8.

Texas Hold’em is a game of both luck and skill. You cannot do a lot about your luck but you can improve your skill to become a winning player to the extent of being able to change your life style if that is your wish.

Peter Evans makes it easy for you to learn from today’s top winning Texas Holdem poker players. Turn your poker playing into a money machine. For details visit: Texas Holdem Strategies

About author

Peter Evans, an experienced lecturer and personal coach, makes it easy for you to learn from today’s top winning Texas Holdem poker players. Turn your poker playing into a wealth creating machine. For details visit Texas Holdem Strategies

Baseball Betting: number’s don’t lie!
- by Bob Acton

When betting major league baseball it is very wise to pay attention to the numbers, as teams and players seem to own certain pitchers or clubs, but also struggled mightily against others. We warned you at the start of the year about Johnson for the Yankees.

Randy Johnson is 5-2 through seven starts. But that’s not as good as it looks.

Facing a Tampa lineup missing Jorge Cantu, Aubrey Huff and Julio Lugo, Johnson gave up five runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings Thursday night, letting the Devil Rays stay in the game until the Yankees finally broke it open for a 10-5 victory.

Such games have become routine. In his previous start, against Toronto on Saturday, Johnson allowed six runs on six hits in five innings. The Yankees bailed him out by scoring 17 runs.

That method may work now. It won’t in October.

“Right now he’s not as good as he’s going to be,” manager Joe Torre said of Johnson, 42. “Let’s put it this way: We don’t have any concerns. … This is just normal pitching stuff.”

Johnson has allowed 19 earned runs in his last 23 innings, bumping his ERA to 5.02. But he is 5-2 because the Yankees have averaged just over nine runs over his seven starts.

The divorce of long time mates Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and former pitching coach Lee Mazzone, has made life miserable for both of their teams. The Braves avoided dropping to 10 games behind in the National League East when they broke a four-game losing streak Sunday by beating the New York Mets 13-3. Still, the nine-game deficit beginning the day was the Braves’ largest since Aug. 11, 1993.

That was the third year of their unprecedented string of 14 division crowns (there was no champion in the strike-shortened 1994 season). The streak remains alive but appears in jeopardy with the Mets’ emergence.

Baltimore starter Bruce Chen gave homers to Kevin Mench and Mark Teixeira in his last start against Texas and Chen was battered for 11 hits and eight runs (seven earned) in four innings as he fell to 0-4. RHP Jim Brower, who ended the week ahead of all relievers with the most earned runs allowed at 14, the most walks with 11 and most hits allowed with 17. Their new pitching coach is Mazzone.

The Boston Red Sox team slugging percentage of .409 entering April 28, is ranked 22nd in baseball. The Red Sox finished in the top two in slugging each of the past three seasons. Few teams succeed while digging themselves holes, and the 2006 Red Sox have proved no exception to that trend. For that reason, the fact that Boston had been outscored by its opponents by a 25-13 margin in first innings prior to Wednesday raised something of a red flag.

The Sox own just a 5-9 mark when their opponents score first, something that has now happened in exactly half of the team’s games. It is a pattern that the team is eager to reverse.

With Thursday’s 7-4 win, the Sox now have an 11-3 record when they score first. If the recent awakening of the Boston bats (20 runs during the first three games of a homestand) points to more such nights, then the team might be able to breathe a bit easier.

RHP Bobby Jenks of the Chicago White Sox continued silencing the critics who jumped on him in spring training, saving his ninth game in nine opportunities Thursday. His velocity on his fastball is still on the rise, but the impressive thing with Jenks has been his other pitches, especially his curveball. The Sox swept the two-game series against the Mariners and in doing so won their 10th consecutive home game, tying a franchise record. They have won 19 of 23 overall, becoming the first team in the majors to reach 20 wins.

Since getting swept in the 2000 American League Division Series against the Mariners, the Sox are now 8-17 at Safeco Field.

The Indians’ inconsistent pitching staff cost the team another game Thursday, as Cleveland lost 12-4 at Oakland. Starter Jason Johnson (2-2) lasted just two innings and gave up seven runs.

Johnson had a 1.83 ERA after his first three starts, but his ERA in the last three starts is 9.64. That’s the kind of inconsistency that has plagued the Indians in the first five weeks of the season.

Equally distressing to the Indians is that Johnson has averaged less than five innings per start in his last three starts. Not pitching deep into games has been a problem for Indians starting pitchers since the beginning of the season, and the two innings Johnson pitched Thursday was a reminder of that shortcoming. Because of the starters’ inability to consistently pitch six or seven innings, the bullpen has been overworked. The result has been that the pitching overall has been wildly inconsistent.

That lack of consistency has sabotaged a terrific start to the season offensively. The Indians are at or near the top of the league in most offensive categories, but yet they are just one game over .500 (15-14).

The Indians failed to hit a double Thursday, snapping a streak in which they had at least one double in 43 consecutive games, dating to last year.

RHP Jason Johnson’s career record against Oakland fell to 1-8 after he was roughed up Thursday.

RHP Jake Westbrook, who will start Friday night in Seattle, has a 9.17 career ERA in eight appearances, six starts, against the Mariners. C Victor Martinez has reached base in 43 consecutive games, dating to last year. That’s the longest such streak in the majors since Jim Edmonds reached in 47 straight games from June to August 2004.

DH Travis Hafner has homered in his last four games. In his last four games, Hafner is hitting .389 (7-for-18) with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

When RHP Carlos Silva surrendered a two-out, fourth-inning walk to former teammate 1B Doug Mientkiewicz on Thursday night, it snapped a streak by Twins pitchers of more than 3 1/2 games without allowing a walk. The first walk of the homestand (four games in) ended a 33-inning streak that spanned 133 plate appearances.

The Twins’ 1-0 loss to the Royals on Thursday night was their first 1-0 loss since the same team handed them one at Kansas City last Aug. 31 — beating the Twins with a run in the bottom of the ninth inning after the Twins failed to score despite 13 hits and a walk.

The Twins have been shut out four times already this season, including three times in their past seven games. This after they thought they improved the lowest-scoring lineup in the AL in 2005 — which didn’t get shut out until May 9 last year and was shut out only four times until Aug. 26. The 2005 Twins were shut out 10 times all season.

CF Tori Hunter’s infield single in the fifth inning Thursday was the 34th of the season for the Twins, who entered the day tied with Baltimore for the major league lead.

Bob Acton

Sports Betting - Casino Online - Free Bingo

Finding a Poker Room to Suit You
- by Claire Bullerwell

What is especially great in online poker games is the fact that you get to choose the card room that you will be participating in. Although in live poker games, you also have the same privilege, poker rooms online are vastly different.

Perhaps one advice that professional poker players can give novices is that once you have found the perfect poker room for you, you have already won half of the battle. Believe it or not, there are poker rooms online that are more profitable than others. Every poker room offers something different to a player. A player must know then which of the poker rooms suit him best.

Look into the games

There are so many kinds of online poker that it is hard to keep track of all of them. Before getting started, narrow down your search for the poker rooms by considering those that offer the games that you would like to play. Most sites would indicate the kinds of games that are being played in the room before you enter.

Look into the numbers

Poker is a card game but in choosing a poker room, you need to think numbers first before symbols and suits. Determine the number of players in the room before joining. Chances are, the bigger the population, the harder will it be for you to win.

Look into the players

If you can watch a game, go ahead and observe. This will help you determine the kind of players each room has. Of course, if you are just a novice player, you would not want to join a room with experienced players unless you want to end up as minced meat. Often, sites will have rooms for amateurs and another room for professionals.

You should also take note of additional features of the rooms that will help you with your game. For instance, some online poker rooms allow players to talk to each other and communicate.

Look for bonuses

Choose rooms that offer special packages and bonuses to players. This is especially advantageous to players who play deep and bet large amounts of money. There also sites that offer sign-up bonuses that players can take advantage of. Be careful though because some bogus operations use these sign-up packages to lure customers in.

Look into the reviews

Before joining a room, look at poker reviews posted on the site. For novices or those who are just starting to learn, it is a good idea to join rooms that are highly-rated for novices. You should also look into the reputation of the room. Do players win in the room? How many games do they offer? What kind of payment schemes do they go for?

Look into the payment and collecting scheme

You are gambling not only for leisure but also to win money. Before you go about betting your money, make sure that you know clearly how the payment scheme works. Most use credit cards or debit cards in placing their bets online. The same is also used to deposit winnings.

Another way to deposit and withdraw money for online poker games is through the Neteller, which works like an ATM. You can actually withdraw your winnings in cash within 24 hours. Also, some poker rooms and gambling sites offer special bonuses when a player uses the Neteller.

About author

Claire Bullerwell is a successful freelance writer who likes to provide informative articles on everyday living. Learn futher information at Poker Advice & Tips here.

Online Gambling
- by Joe Boggs

Online casinos

There are a large number of online casinos, in which people can play casino games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, and many others. These games are played against the “house”, which makes money due to the fact that the odds are slightly in its favour. Some unscrupulous sites have been proven to offer rigged games, which are less mathematically fair than they appear.

Online poker

There are a large number of online poker rooms which offer various games of Poker, most commonly Texas hold ‘em, but also Omaha, Seven-card stud, and other game types. Players play against each other, with the “house” making its money through the “rake”.

Online sports betting

Several major bookmakers offer fixed-odds gambling over the internet, with gamblers typically betting on the results of sporting events.

A relatively new internet innovation is the bet exchange, which allows individuals to place bets with each other (with the “house” taking a small commission).

Funds Transfers

Typically, gamblers upload funds to the online gambling company, make bets or play the games that it offers, and then cash out any winnings. European gamblers can often fund gambling accounts by credit card or debit card, and cash out winnings directly back to the card.

Because of the questionable legality of online gambling in the United States, however, U.S. credit cards frequently fail to be accepted. However, a number of intermediary companies - such as Firepay, Neteller, and Moneybookers - offer accounts with which (among other things) online gambling can be funded. Casino operators and online poker rooms often offer incentives for using these ‘alternative payment methods’.

Payment by cheque and wire transfer is also common.

General legal issues

Online gambling is legal and regulated in many countries including the United Kingdom and several nations in and around the Caribbean Sea.

The United States Federal Appeals Courts has ruled that the Federal Wire Act prohibits electronic transmission of information for sports betting across state lines. There is no law prohibiting gambling of any other kind.

Some states have specific laws against online gambling of any kind. Also, owning an online gaming operation without proper licensing would be illegal, and no states are currently granting online gaming licenses.

The government of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, which licenses Internet gambling entities, made a complaint to the World Trade Organization about the U.S. government’s actions to impede online gaming. The Caribbean country won the preliminary ruling but WTO’s appeals body has partially reversed that favorable ruling in April, 2005. The appeals decision effectively allowed state laws prohibiting gambling in Louisiana, Massachusetts, South Dakota and Utah. However, the appeals panel also ruled that the United States may be violating global trade rules because its laws regulating horse-racing bets were not applied equitably to foreign and domestic online betting companies. The panel also held that certain online gambling restrictions imposed under US federal laws were inconsistent with the trade body’s GATS services agreement.

In March 2003, Deputy Assistant Attorney General John G. Malcolm testified before the Senate Banking Committee regarding the special problems presented by online gambling. A major concern of the United States Department of Justice is online money laundering. The anonymous nature of the Internet and the use of encryption make it especially difficult to trace online money laundering transactions.

In April 2004 Google and Yahoo!, the internet’s two largest search engines, announced that they were removing online gambling advertising from their sites. The move followed a United States Department of Justice announcement that, in what some say is a contradiction of the Appeals Court ruling, the Wire Act relating to telephone betting applies to all forms of Internet gambling, and that any advertising of such gambling “may” be deemed as aiding and abetting. Critics of the Justice Department’s move say that it has no legal basis for pressuring companies to remove advertisements and that the advertisements are protected by the First Amendment. As of April 2005, Yahoo! has provided advertising for “play money” online gaming.

In February 2005 the North Dakota House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize and regulate online poker and online poker cardroom operators in the State. Testifying before the State Senate, the CEO of one online cardroom, Paradise Poker, pledged to relocate to the state if the bill became law. However, the measure was defeated by the State Senate in March 2005. Jim Kasper, the Representative who sponsored the bill, plans a 2006 ballot initiative on the topic.

Problem gambling

Because the internet brings gambling right into a player’s home, there is concern that online gambling increases the level of problem gambling. In the United States, the link between availability and problem gambling was investigated in 1999 by the National Gambling Impact Study, which found that “the presence of a gambling facility within 50 miles roughly doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers”. If this finding is correct, it is reasonable to expect that easy access to gambling online would also increase problem gambling.

That same report noted the possibility that “the high-speed instant gratification of Internet games and the high level of privacy they offer may exacerbate problem and pathological gambling”. Bernie Horn, of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, testified before Congress that the availability of online gambling “magnifies the potential destructiveness of the addiction”.

About author

Joe Boggs, a seasoned Online Gambler and active contributor to Bet Easy website, where the Best Gambling Recommendations are covered more in-depth.

The Ranking Of Poker Hands
- by Steve Hill

Poker is becoming increasingly popular with more and more people not only playing the game but also watching television programs like the world series of poker. In this article, I describe the order in which poker hands are ranked, starting with the highest and also the probability that players have of being dealt that particular hand.

A straight flush

This is the best hand you can obtain and is the dream cards for any poker player. That is not to say that you always win a lot of chips with this hand and most players will tend to slow play this type of hand in an attempt to trap their opponent.

A straight flush is five cards of the same suit in a sequence. The higher the top card, the higher the ranking of that hand. Therefore ten, jack, queen, king, ace, which is often known as a royal flush is the best hand in poker.

The probability of this hand is around one in sixty five thousand.

Four of a kind

This is where you have four cards of the same rank or number which are the same. As with the above the higher the rank of the four cards, the higher the value. Therefore four aces are the highest rank of all of the possible four of a kinds.

The probability of this hand is around one in four thousand, one hundred and sixty five.

Full house

A full house is where you have three cards of one rank or number and two cards of another rank. As with the above, the higher the rank of these two sets, the higher the value. Therefore if you have three aces and two kings you will have the highest rank of flush. To explain it in even more simpler terms, the one with the highest ranking set of three cards, wins.

The probability of this hand is around one in six hundred and ninety four.

Flush

This is where you have five cards of the same suit but not in a sequence. A flush which includes an ace has the highest value. If there are two hands on the table which both have a flush with an ace, it then goes to the second highest card to see who wins etc.

The probability of this hand is around one in five hundred and nine.

Straight

This is where you have five cards in sequence which are in different suites. The highest straight is again the one which has the highest card at the top.

The probability of this hand is around one in two hundred and fifty five.

Three of a kind

This is the same as the four of the kind explanation apart from the fact that this is where you have three cards of the same rank or number.

The probability of this hand is around one in forty seven.

Two pairs

This is where you have two cards of one rank and two cards of another. There is also an odd card which can sometimes come into play.

If there are two players on the table with two pairs the highest ranking pair wins. If both players have the same highest ranking pair, the highest second ranking pair wins. If both players have the same set of two pairs, it is the one with the highest odd card that wins.

The probability of this hand is around one in 21.

One pair

This is where you only have two cards of the same rank. When two players on the table have the same pair, the other three cards come into play, with the highest card winning etc.

The probability of this hand is around one in 2.4.

High card

This is where you basically have nothing but a high card. When two players on the same table have just a high card, the one with the highest card wins etc.

The probability of this hand is around one in two.

I hope this has explained the rankings of the different poker hands to you and made it a bit more easier to understand.

Poker is a great game to play, be careful however only to bet what you can afford to lose.

I personally prefer to play on the internet rather than in the casino. I basically play for fun, and merely hope to make some extra money for myself.

I am quite a patient player who is willing to wait for a good hand to come. I think this is an important skill to have in poker and it has helped me to do quite well over the last twelve months.

One small tip is to avoid playing poker when you are drunk. Maybe it is just me but I always seem to play with a lot more aggression and less patience, when I am quite drunk. This may work for some people but always seems to end up with me losing quite a lot of money.

About author

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

stuttering

ranking of poker hands

stop smoking tips

Walker’s Word - Premier League Betting Preview 14/16 April 2006
- by David Walker

The bookies will anticipate a deluge of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal trebles as all three play arguably “easy” matches although there is better value to be found at Craven Cottage and Upton Park. There could also be more Midlands derby misery in store for Aston Villa on Sunday at tempting odds.

Friday 14 April

Manchester United vs Sunderland United’s rousing 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday was their ninth in a row and they could not have better opponents to make it a perfect 10. Sunderland are out of their depth at this level and will be relegated on Saturday if they lose. Kevin Ball’s side took just nine minutes to concede against a Fulham side without an away win all season last weekend and are in danger of being on the receiving end of a thrashing. United’s recent league record against the Black Cats at Old Trafford reads 2-1, 4-1, 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0. Bar the close encounter in 2002/03 season, United could well hit the three goals necessary to cover a two goal handicap but at odds-on it’s no value is backing them outright at 1/10 (Bet365). If you want a run for your money, Wayne Rooney, who was magnificent against the Gunners, could be a good bet to score the first goal. Walker’s Word: Wayne Rooney to score the first goal @ 3/1.

Saturday 15 April

Bolton Wanderers vs Chelsea Chelsea showed great commitment to come back from both a goal and player down to crush West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and know they can’t suffer any slip ups with Manchester United hot on their heels. Bolton have lost their last four Premiership matches in a row, although three of them were away with the home reverse coming against a resurgent United they have their work cut out to stop the rot against Jose Mourinho’s side. Chelsea have won their last two visits to the Reebok Stadium 2-0 and a similar result is expected this weekend. Walker’s Word: Five defeats in a row - back Chelsea @ 8/13.

Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion After losing to Manchester United on Sunday, Arsenal cannot afford to lose any more ground on fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur and maximum points are required against the relegation-threatened Baggies. There is no value in an Arsenal win at 2/9 especially since Brian Robson’s side earned a 1-1 draw at Highbury last season while Thierry Henry may be rested with the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal the following week in mind. Another goal scorer bet could be best investment here and prior to Sunday’s defeat, Emmanuel Adebayor has scored twice in his last two matches against Charlton and Aston Villa and is value at odds-against to score at any time during the match. Walker’s Word: Emmanuel Adebayor to score at any time @ 5/4.

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur Everton are undefeated at Goodison Park this year and are on course for a top 10 finish while Tottenham have won just once in their last six away matches as they strive to claim fourth spot and a potentially lucrative Champions League place. Four of the last six meetings between have pair have been draws, although Spurs won last season 1-0 while season before Everton hammered them 3-1. Walker’s Word: Another stalemate looks the likely result here @ 9/4.

Fulham vs Charlton Athletic Fulham may be cannon fodder on their travels but at Craven Cottage they are a force to be reckoned with, winning 10 out of 16 matches on home soil and accumulating 32 of the 36 points gained this season in front of their own fans. Charlton have not won at Fulham since 1983 and have not won away in the Premiership since beating Portsmouth at Fratton Park 2-1 in October. Walker’s Word: Another home win for Fulham @ 6/5.

Newcastle United vs Wigan Athletic This is the first time the pair have met in the league at St James Park but Wigan have beaten the Magpies 1-0 on two separate occasions this season in both the Premiership and Carling Cup. While Newcastle look to have turned around a sticky patch with two successive victories, including the derby win at Middlesbrough on Sunday, Wigan look like a side running out of steam. They have won just twice in their last 10 games, although both were away from home at Manchester City and Sunderland, two sides arguably on a downtrend. Walker’s Word: Newcastle to make it three wins in succession @ 5/6.

Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough If Portsmouth are to avoid relegation then they need to make their home matches count. Pompey have won the last two fixtures between the pair at Fratton Park, including a 5-1 drubbing two seasons ago which saw now-Boro striker Yakubu score four times. Middlesbrough have also played through a congested fixture list recently which has seen long runs in both the FA and UEFA Cup and may be susceptible to defeat a long way from home. Walker’s Word: Not attractive at odds-on, but Portsmouth @ 5/6.

West Ham United vs Manchester City After a stunning collapse against 10-man Chelsea on Sunday, West Ham should be backed to return to winning ways against flagging Manchester City. Stuart Pearce’s side has lost five matches home and away in succession and have not won at Upton Park since 1991/92 in the old Division One. The Hammers are without a win in three Premiership matches at Upton Park to give them an added incentive. Walker’s Word: Stuart Pearce to go psycho - West Ham @ Evens.

Sunday 16 April

Aston Villa vs Birmingham City Villa host their second Midlands derby in a week and again may not give their supporters much to cheer about. An improving Birmingham side have enjoyed the better of the results in recent derbies, winning twice and drawing once at Villa Park in the last three seasons. Villa have kept three successive clean sheets on home soil, including two goalless draws, so another low scoring encounter is anticipated. Birmingham are unbeaten in their last three but have not won away since their 1-0 victory at Sunderland in November. The Villains are without a home win since crushing Everton 4-0 on Boxing Day and the odds on Steve Bruce’s side inflicting even more misery are too tempting to be ignored. Walker’s Word: Birmingham’s run to continue @ 9/4.

Blackburn Rovers vs Liverpool With Liverpool comfortably in third place, the onus will be on Blackburn Rovers to try and win to keep up the pressure on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. It will be a tall order as the Reds have won their last five in succession and are unbeaten at Ewood Park in the last six meetings between the pair. Four matches have ended all square with Liverpool winning 3-1 in both the 2003/04 and 1998/99 seasons. However, Rovers are unbeaten in their last five league matches and Craig Bellamy is the Premiership’s form player with six goals in as many games. Walker’s Word: A fifth draw in seven meetings @ 9/4.

About author

David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker’s Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.

An Alternative Way To Bet On The Grand National, And Horse Racing In General
- by Jim Buccini

Congratulations if you picked the winner of the Grand National this year, but if you’re serious about making regular profits from horse racing all year round then you can do this through trading. This is done through betting exchanges such as Betfair, who offer person-to-person betting, allowing you to back selections to win, and lay selections if you think they will lose.

This is potentially very lucrative, particularly during the morning of a race, because whereas bookmakers prices remain fairly static during this time, exchange prices are a lot more volatile. As a result there are occasions when the exchange prices differ significantly from the bookmakers prices in general. This is how exchange traders make their profits, by backing a high price and laying it back at a lower price, or laying low and backing higher. Often traders will leave guaranteed profits whatever the outcome if they get on the right side of a trade:

For example, let’s say you backed Horse A for £100 at 3 (equivalent to 2-1 using conventional odds). If the horse won you would earn £200 profit. Let’s say for argument’s sake that this horse was then backed right into 2 (or evens). You could then lay this bet back at this price for £150 guaranteeing yourself a profit of £50 whatever the outcome:

If Horse A won, you would win (£100 @ 3 = £200 profit) - (£150 @ 2 = £150) = £50

If Horse A lost, you would win (-£100) + (£150) = £50

Now prices don’t usually move this much and most of the time I only look for small movements, therefore the profits are not as great, but over time these small profits can build up very nicely.

Now let me illustrate a couple of real-life examples from Saturday’s Grand National meeting.

Firstly in the 3.25 race there was a horse called Liberman that looked an excellent trading opportunity. Using Oddschecker, I noticed that it’s price with the bookies was mainly between 8 and 11, yet at one point it was trading at a massive price of 17.5 with Betfair. Now you would expect it to be trading slightly higher at Betfair at possibly 12 or 13 (prices on the exchanges are on average upto 20% higher than bookmakers’ prices), but 17.5 was simply far too generous.

As it turned out, Liberman’s price did indeed drift inwards shortly afterwards, and was soon trading at a more realistic price, and was available to lay at 14. Therefore this could have been a profitable trade if you had backed at 17.5 and later layed at 14.

Onto the actual Grand National itself, and there was just one horse that represented a decent trading opportunity, Ross Comm. It’s price with the bookies ranged from 15 to 17, so at 17.5 on the exchanges this looked slightly too short. Remember the exchanges prices are generally upto 20% higher than traditional bookmakers’ prices, and even more so with higher-priced horses.

Therefore you would expect the price of 17.5 to be slightly higher, and therefore drift outwards slightly, and as it happened, it’s price did drift out, not as much as expected, but was still available to back at 19. Therefore this would have been another profitable trade if you had layed at 17.5 and backed at 19.

These are just two examples taken from the Grand National meeting, but there were others. Trading opportunities like these are not confined to just the big race meetings either. There will often be a fair few potentially profitable opportunities every day, however big the race meeting. The best thing of all is you don’t need to have a vast knowledge of horse racing either. I know next to nothing about horse racing, but have still managed to make consistent profits over the years just from trading.

About author

Jim Buccini is a former full-time Betfair trader who has produced a website detailing proven profit-generating tips and strategies. For more information click here:

Betfair Trading Strategies

Sports Bettors Invited To Create Their Own Community
- by Will Catlett

With the surge in attention that online communities and social networks have been receiving of late it’s no small wonder that those communities growing by the hundreds daily should start clamoring for their own space. Such is the case with the online sports-betting community. Sportsbook Review site SportsIntensity.com’s Steve Warrington knows a hole when he sees one. I hear from bettors almost daily looking for a forum or discussion board where they can share their gripes and excitement with others.” Says Warrington. “The problem is that there really are very few quality sites out there offering the kind of space sports bettors are looking for.”

What sports bettors are looking for, it turns out, is a space where all are welcome and where the exchange of ideas happens frequently and articulately. “The problem with a lot of sports betting forums” says Warrington, is that they’re filled with spam posts from scam sportsbooks, they’re dominated by a few obnoxious personalities, or they’re severely restricted by the site that runs the board.” Avoiding those pitfalls is a tall order to fill apparently as a quick web search will produce several sports betting forums but none like that avoid such problems.

A unique opportunity exists then for sports bettors who would like to create their own space. The brand new sports betting forum at SportsIntensitty.com has yet to be molded to any one particular form. “We’re inviting any sports bettors who wants to make a space for ranting, handicapping, sports talk, sportsbook gripes, scam alerts, feedback or any other sports betting related topics to register for free. From there the sky’s the limit.” In addition, SportsIntensity.com is offering apparel and a Vegas Vacation as rewards for most monthly and annual posts. “We want to make this forum great,” Says Warrington, “But we need sports bettors to help us.”

You can register for the free sports betting forum and start posting immediately at: http://www.sportsintensity.com/forumAbout author

Will Catlett is the owner of SportsBettingScams.org, and online sportsbook watchdog site.

How to Play Omaha hi Lo
- by Anton Fisher

Omaha High/Low / Low is played in exactly the same manner as a regular game of Omaha High/Low. However, in Omaha High/Low / Low, the pot is split 50-50 between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand, consisting of 5 cards of different values ranked 8 or lower.

Straights and flushes are not counted against you when evaluating a low hand. However, they still apply for evaluating the high hand. Aces can be used both for high and low hands. Therefore, the best possible low hand is A, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which is also a straight for the high hand. It is possible for a player to scoop the entire pot with both the highest and lowest hands. THE BUY-IN You must buy-in a minimum amount of chips when sitting down at your chosen table. The minimum limit is equal to ten times the lower bet limit of the game. For example, on a $3/$6 table the minimum buy-in is $30, on a $10/$20 table the minimum buy-in is $100. THE GAME Omaha High/Low uses a disc called a dealer button to indicate where the cards are to be dealt. Prior to the deal, the two players to the left of the button place live bets called the small and big blinds. It is called a blind because players must pay this amount before seeing their cards. It’s called live because it counts as part of any further bets in the first betting round.

The play begins with four cards dealt facedown to each player. Action starts with a betting round beginning with the player to the left of the blind bets and continuing clockwise around the table. Players may bet, check, raise or fold in turn. The big blind has the privilege of last action and may check or raise the bet.

Three community cards called “The Flop” are then dealt up in the center of the table and another betting round takes place beginning with the player to the left of the dealer button. Another card is dealt face up (called “The Turn”) followed by a round of betting.

The fifth and last card called “The River” is dealt face up and a final round of betting takes place. Players remaining in the hand will then show their cards and the winning poker hand will be awarded the pot. Players must form their best five-card poker hand from only two of their four pocket cards and any three of five community cards. SIT DOWN 6 to 10 players plus a dealer are seated around a table. DEALER BUTTON In front of one of the players is a round disc or button. This disc determines the order of betting (posting the blinds) and moves to the left one player at a time, after each hand. POST BLINDS Before the cards are dealt at the beginning of each hand, the two players directly to the left of the dealer button must post “blinds”. To post a blind is to place a bet before getting cards. The player to the immediate left of the dealer button posts the “small blind,” equal to half of the minimum bet (Example: $5 for a $10/$20 game). The player to the left of the small blind posts the “big blind,” equal to the amount of the minimum bet (Example: $10 for a $10/$20 game). POCKET CARDS Once the blinds have been posted, the first round of cards is dealt. These consist of two cards face down to each player and are called the “pocket cards”. Each player can see his or her own pocket cards.

Then the first round of betting takes place, beginning with the player immediately to the left of the big blind and continuing in a clockwise direction around the table. BETTING Bet amounts are fixed by the table stakes. For example, in a $3/$6 table, bets are $3 in the first two rounds and $6 in the last two. The bet amount can climb a maximum of 3 times in each round of betting. In other words, there can be one bet and three raises in each round. THE FLOP CARDS Next, three cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. These cards are called the “Flop”. All three cards are “community” cards and can be used by all the players at the table to make up their best possible hand.

After the flop is dealt, a second round of betting takes place, again beginning with the player immediately to the left of the dealer button. All subsequent rounds of betting begin with the player to left of the dealer button. THE TURN CARD Following the flop, a fourth “community” card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. This card is called the “Turn” card and can also be used by all players. It is followed by a third round of betting. THE RIVER CARD Finally, a fifth and final “community” card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. It is called the “River” card and is followed by a fourth and final round of betting. SHOWDOWN Once all betting is complete, players determine the best five-card hand that they can make from two of their four pocket cards and three of the five community cards. Four of these cards will be in their own possession and dealt as down cards, and five will be face up as community cards to be shared by all players. Therefore, if a player is dealt four kings down, only two of the kings count toward the final hand. The remaining three cards must come from the community cards. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot. Should multiple hands tie, the pot is split with any odd amount going to the player immediately to the left of the dealer. As in Texas Hold’ Em a button is used to indicate the dealer’s position. The “button” is moved clockwise around the table so that every player can benefit from the advantage of being last to act once per round. Like Hold’ Em, position is an important advantage with the player on the button being in the best position possible. START AGAIN After a hand is completed and the pot taken by the winner, the dealer button is moved one player to the left and the next hand begins.

About author

Would you like to play some limit Omaha now. If so theres a great place to play at Sun Poker™

How To Play Texas Hold Em
- by Anton Fisher

THE BUY-IN You must buy-in a minimum amount of chips when sitting down at your chosen table. The minimum limit is equal to ten times the lower bet limit of the game. For example on a $3/$6 table the minimum buy-in is $30, on a $10/$20 table the minimum buy-in is $100. THE GAME Texas Hold ‘Em uses a disc called a dealer button to indicate where the cards are to be dealt. Prior to the deal, the two players to the left of the button place live bets called the small and big blinds. It is called a blind because players must pay this amount before seeing their cards. It’s called live because it counts as part of any further bets in the first betting round.

The play begins with two cards dealt facedown to each player. Action starts with a betting round beginning with the player to the left of the blind bets and continuing clockwise around the table. Players may bet, check, raise or fold in turn. The big blind has the privilege of last action and may check or raise the bet.

Three community cards called “The Flop” are then dealt up in the center of the table and another betting round takes place beginning with the player to the left of the dealer button. Another card is dealt face up (called “The Turn”) followed by a round of betting.

The fifth and last card called “The River” is dealt face up and a final round of betting takes place. Players remaining in the hand will then show their cards and the winning poker hand will be awarded the pot. Any combination of pocket cards and community cards may be used to make the best five-card poker hand. SIT DOWN Up to 10 players plus a dealer are seated around a table. DEALER BUTTON In front of one of the players is a round disc or button. This disc determines the order of betting (posting the blinds) and moves to the left one player at a time, after each hand. POST BLINDS Before the cards are dealt at the beginning of each hand, the two players directly to the left of the dealer button must post “blinds”. To post a blind is to place a bet before getting cards. The player to the immediate left of the dealer button posts the “small blind,” equal to half of the minimum bet (Example: $5 for a $10 / $20 game). The player to the left of the small blind posts the “big blind,” equal to the amount of the minimum bet (Example: $10 for a $10 / $20 game). POCKET CARDS Once the blinds have been posted, the first round of cards is dealt. These consist of two cards face down to each player and are called the “pocket cards”. Each player can see his or her own pocket cards.

Then the first round of betting takes place, beginning with the player immediately to the left of the big blind and continuing in a clockwise direction around the table. BETTING Bet amounts are fixed by the table stakes. For example, in a $3 / $6 table, bets are $3 in the first two rounds and $6 in the last two. The bet amount can climb a maximum of 3 times in each round of betting. In other words, there can be one bet and three raises in each round. THE FLOP CARDS Next, three cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. These cards are called the “Flop”. All three cards are “community” cards and can be used by all the players at the table to make up their best possible hand.

After the flop is dealt, a second round of betting takes place, again beginning with the player immediately to the left of the dealer button. All subsequent rounds of betting begin with the player to left of the dealer button. THE TURN CARD Following the flop, a fourth “community” card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. This card is called the “Turn” card and can also be used by all players. It is followed by a third round of betting. THE RIVER CARD Finally, a fifth and final “community” card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. It is called the “River” card and is followed by a fourth and final round of betting. SHOWDOWN Once all betting is complete, players determine the best five-card hand that they can make. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot. Should multiple hands tie, the pot is split with any odd amount going to the player immediately to the left of the dealer. START AGAIN AAfter a hand is completed and the pot taken by the winner, the dealer button is moved one player to the left and the next hand begins. The Betting Rules:

Minimum eligible raise: Bet amounts are fixed by the table stakes. For example, in a 3/6 table, bets are $3 in the first two rounds and $6 in the last two. Maximum eligible raise: Bet amounts are fixed by the table stakes. For example, in a 3/6 table, bets are $3 in the first two rounds and $6 in the last two. The bet amount can climb a maximum of 3 times in each round of betting. In other words, there can be one bet and three raises in each round.

The bet button - You can click the bet button, which will display the minimum amount you can bet or raise The bet box - A text box that allows you to type in the exact amount you want to bet or raise. Once you have entered the amount to bet or raise, the bet button will reflect this amount. Then click the bet button and your bet will be placed. The slider bar - The slider bar is a device that you can use with your mouse to increase or decrease the amount of your bet or raise. Simply drag the bar on the slider to the amount of money you want to bet or raise. As you slide, the bet amount will be reflected on the bet button. When you find the amount you want to bet or raise, simply click the bet button and your bet will be made. The slider bar will start with the minimum raise and will move in increments equivalent to the minimum raise.

About author

For more Great poker information visit us at Recent Poker

Premiership Betting Review - 9 April 2006
- by David Walker

Manchester United look set to push Chelsea all the way for the Premiership title following a convincing 2-0 win over Arsenal. Wayne Rooney struck confidently after 53 minutes while Ji Sung Park’s first league goal on 77 earned three precious points at 11/10.

Chelsea brushed aside West Ham United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge despite falling a goal behind and being reduced to 10 men early on. Defender James Collins gave the 12/1 Hammers a dream start after nine minutes and Maniche saw a straight red for a lunging tackle on Lionel Scaloni shortly after.

But two goals in as many minutes from Didier Drogba on 28 and Hernan Crespo on 30 put Chelsea back in control. Further strikes from John Terry on 53 and William Gallas on 68 ensured the 3/10 on a home win was never in doubt.

Liverpool recorded a fifth straight win as Bolton Wanderers suffered a fourth consecutive defeat as they succumbed 1-0 at Anfield. Robbie Fowler celebrated his 31sy birthday by netting the decisive goal for the 8/15 Reds on the stroke of half-time.

Tottenham Hotspur maintained their credentials for a Champions League place next season with a 2-1 win against Manchester City. Paul Stalteri gave 8/13 Spurs the lead a minute before the break while Michael Carrick added a second on 49. Georgios Samaras hit back three minutes later but Martin Jol’s side eased to victory.

Birmingham City’s good run of form continued as they picked up a useful point at Wigan Athletic. Paul Jewell’s side, without a home win this year, took the lead through Andreas Johansson three minutes after the break but David Dunn earned a 13/5 draw on 76.

Portsmouth salvaged a point against Blackburn Rovers. Craig Bellamy gave Rovers the lead after 32 minutes but Lomano LuaLua levelled four minutes before the break. Bellamy put the visitors in front again on 62 but substitute Svetoslav Todorov earned Pompey a share of the points at odds of 9/4 with 12 minutes left.

West Bromwich Albion saw two precious points slip from their grasp as they drew 0-0 with rivals Aston Villa in the Midlands derby. The draw, available before kick-off at 23/10 before, mean Brian Robson’s side remain two points adrift of safety.

Sunderland’s crunch-game against Fulham was abandoned after 21 minutes because of bad weather conditions at the Stadium of Light. Referee Mike Riley abandoned proceeding after 21 minutes after heavy snow made the pitch unplayable. Brian McBride gave the 5/4 Cottagers the lead but the result will not stand.

About author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

Championship Betting Review - 9 April 2006
- by David Walker

Reading closed in on Sunderland’s Championship points record of 105 by thrashing Cardiff 5-2 at Ninian Park. James Harper after 10 minutes and Dave Kitson on 39 gave the Royals a deserved half-time lead before an own goal by Glenn Loovens on 52 increased their advantage further. The Bluebirds hit back through Cameron Jerome on 67 and Paul Parry on 80 but Reading had two more of their own in Kevin Doyle on 87 and James Harper’s second in injury time to seal a confident 6/4 win.

Sheffield United grabbed a late winner against Hull to all but seal automatic promotion. Neil Shipperley after 36 minutes and Paul Ifill on 52 gave the 1/2 Blades the lead before Hull hit back through Stuart Elliott on 65 and Daryl Duffy five minutes later. Veteran defender David Unsworth smashed in the decisive goal at the death.

Watford could only manage a 1-1 draw with Luton, handing the advantage to Sheffield United. Marlon King struck his twentieth goal of the season to give the Hornets the lead after 36 minutes but Ahmet Brkovic equalised on 73 for a 12/5 draw.

Leeds are also unlikely to catch the Blades after a goalless draw with Plymouth. Without a win in six matches, shrewd punters will have snapped up the draw at generous 13/5 odds.

Preston moved up a place to fifth and are almost assured a play-off place after Norwich scored two own goals at Deepdale. Jason Shackell after 20 minutes and Gary Doherty on 38 did the hard work for 5/6 North End before half-time.

Despite losing 2-0 at Leicester on Friday night, Crystal Palace also look set for a play-off place. On-loan Andy Welsh broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time and Stephen Hughes on 87 sealed a 9/5 home win.

Wolves squandered a two goal lead against Coventry. Veteran Paul Ince broke the deadlock after two minutes while Colin Cameron added a second 20 minutes later. Stern John gave the Sky Blues hope after 25 minutes and Gary McSheffrey equalised on the hour for a 9/4 draw. Wolves are 10 points adrift in seventh place of both Crystal Palace and Preston.

Crewe dragged Sheffield Wednesday back into the relegation dogfight and are within a mathematical chance of survival themselves following a 2-0 win at Gresty Road. Gareth Taylor’s double strike on 31 and 45 completed step one of the great escape at 11/8.

Southampton effectively assured their survival in the division but sent opponents Brighton to the foot of the table with a 2-0 win at the Withdean Stadium. Ricardo Fuller netted first after 37 minutes and Richard Chaplow sealed a 7/4 away victory.

Derby also took a step closer to safety but pushed Millwall deeper into the relegation mire with a 1-0 win at Pride Park. Tommy Smith scored his sixth goal of the campaign to earn the Rams three points at 10/11.

About author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

League One Betting Review - 9 April 2006
- by David Walker

Southend came from a goal behind to stretch their lead at the top of League One to eight points with a 2-1 win over struggling Blackpool. Gareth Williams gave the Tangerines the lead after 32 minutes but Fredy Eastwood equalised on the hour. Luke Guttridge struck the winner for the 8/15 Shrimpers four minutes from the end.

Brentford remain second despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Bradford and have won just once in their last six. Michael Symes gave the Bantams the lead on 36 but Lloyd Owusu drew the Bees level two minutes before the break to set up a 13/5 draw.

Huddersfield wasted the chance to enter the automatic promotion places after slipping 2-0 at Gillingham. Gary Mulligan put the 13/8 Gills in front after four minutes and Matt Jarvis sealed victory in stoppage time.

Nottingham Forest continued their march toward a play-off place with a fortunate 1-0 win over Colchester. James Perch scored the decisive goal on 72 which saw even money Forest gain 20 points from the last 24 available to them.

Swansea lost further ground on the automatic promotion places after slumping to a 3-2 defeat at Port Vale. Sam Togwell gave the 13/8 Valliants the lead two minutes before the break but Adebayo Akinfenwa equalised on 47. Michael Cummins on 58 and Leon Constantine after 63 minutes secured a vital home win before Rory Fallon netted a consolation two minutes from full-time.

Basement club Milton Keyes Dons have a slim hope of survival after beating play-off hopefuls Oldham at Boundary Park. Luke Beckett gave the Latics an expected lead after 28 minutes but Izale McLeod struck twice in as many minutes on 40 and 41 to seal an unlikely 11/2 away win.

Two goals in five minutes sealed a precious victory for Rotherham against Tranmere to move them out of the relegation zone. Martin Butler on 73 and Paul Shaw on 78 was enough to earn a 7/5 win at Millmoor.

Two sides in grave danger - Swindon and Hartlepool drew 1-1 at the County Ground - a result both sides could have done without. Ritchie Humphreys gave the Monkey Hangers the lead after 31 minutes but Lee Peacock nine minutes after the break earned the Robins a share of the points at 9/4.

Bristol City cruised to a 3-0 victory at Walsall which sent the Saddlers into deeper relegation trouble. David Cotterill gave the Robins the lead a minute before the break before an Alex Russell penalty on 51 and Richard Keogh in stoppage time ensured a comfortable 8/5 victory.

About author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

League Two Betting Review - 9 April 2006
- by David Walker

Carlisle are overwhelming 1/7 favourites to win League Two outright after their 1-0 victory over second-placed Grimsby sent them six points clear. Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges struck the decisive goal for the even money Cumbrians four minutes after the break.

Northampton threw away a two-goal lead against Rochdale and missed the chance to go second. Josh Low after five minutes and Scott McGleish on 35 put the 8/15 Cobblers in control at the break. However, Rickie Lamberts pulled one back six minutes into the second half and levelled with a stoppage time penalty.

Leyton Orient are breathing down Northampton’s necks after a 2-0 victory over Boston United saw them level on points. An Adam Lockwood penalty on 51 and Paul Connor goal a minute before the end ensured victory for the 6/10 O’s who kept a sixth successive clean sheet.

Wycombe suffered their fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of Macclesfield. Paul Harsley netted a penalty six minutes before the break and Danny Whittaker struck on 53 for the 6/4 Silkmen. Substitute Russell Martin score a consolation four minutes from full time.

Play-off chasing Cheltenham were denied all three points by Stockport. Kayode Odejayi drew first blood for the Robins but County went ahead through a Mark Robinson penalty and Keith Briggs. Brian Wilson levelled for the hosts and a Grant McCann penalty two minutes from time looked set to secure a 7/10 home win. However, Liam Dickinson tied the game at 3-3 with an equaliser in injury time.

Peterborough sent Bury deeper into relegation trouble with an emphatic 3-1 win at Gigg Lane. Posh striker Danny Crow broke the deadlock on 45 and Adam Newton doubled the lead after 62 minutes. Tom Kennedy scored from the penalty spot four minutes later to give the Shakers hope but Crow struck again in stoppage time to seal a convincing 9/5 away win.

Darlington boosted their play-off hopes but left Torquay’s League status hanging by a thread with a 2-1 win at Plainmoor. The relegation-threatened Seagulls took the lead through Keith Hill on 37 but Akpo Sodge levelled for the Quakers on 66. Neil Wainwright netted a late winner for 9/5 Darlo a minute from time.

Rushden & Diamonds fightback continued with a 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers, levelling them on points with fellow strugglers Stockport. Drewe Broughton sealed another three points for the 4/1 outsiders with 11 minutes remaining.

Chester climbed away from the drop zone with their third successive win, this time at Oxford. Derek Asamoah netted his sixth goal in three games after 19 minutes to secure the 9/4 Blues victory.

About author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

League Two Betting Review - 9 April 2006
- by David Walker

Carlisle are overwhelming 1/7 favourites to win League Two outright after their 1-0 victory over second-placed Grimsby sent them six points clear. Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges struck the decisive goal for the even money Cumbrians four minutes after the break.

Northampton threw away a two-goal lead against Rochdale and missed the chance to go second. Josh Low after five minutes and Scott McGleish on 35 put the 8/15 Cobblers in control at the break. However, Rickie Lamberts pulled one back six minutes into the second half and levelled with a stoppage time penalty.

Leyton Orient are breathing down Northampton’s necks after a 2-0 victory over Boston United saw them level on points. An Adam Lockwood penalty on 51 and Paul Connor goal a minute before the end ensured victory for the 6/10 O’s who kept a sixth successive clean sheet.

Wycombe suffered their fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of Macclesfield. Paul Harsley netted a penalty six minutes before the break and Danny Whittaker struck on 53 for the 6/4 Silkmen. Substitute Russell Martin score a consolation four minutes from full time.

Play-off chasing Cheltenham were denied all three points by Stockport. Kayode Odejayi drew first blood for the Robins but County went ahead through a Mark Robinson penalty and Keith Briggs. Brian Wilson levelled for the hosts and a Grant McCann penalty two minutes from time looked set to secure a 7/10 home win. However, Liam Dickinson tied the game at 3-3 with an equaliser in injury time.

Peterborough sent Bury deeper into relegation trouble with an emphatic 3-1 win at Gigg Lane. Posh striker Danny Crow broke the deadlock on 45 and Adam Newton doubled the lead after 62 minutes. Tom Kennedy scored from the penalty spot four minutes later to give the Shakers hope but Crow struck again in stoppage time to seal a convincing 9/5 away win.

Darlington boosted their play-off hopes but left Torquay’s League status hanging by a thread with a 2-1 win at Plainmoor. The relegation-threatened Seagulls took the lead through Keith Hill on 37 but Akpo Sodge levelled for the Quakers on 66. Neil Wainwright netted a late winner for 9/5 Darlo a minute from time.

Rushden & Diamonds fightback continued with a 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers, levelling them on points with fellow strugglers Stockport. Drewe Broughton sealed another three points for the 4/1 outsiders with 11 minutes remaining.

Chester climbed away from the drop zone with their third successive win, this time at Oxford. Derek Asamoah netted his sixth goal in three games after 19 minutes to secure the 9/4 Blues victory.

About author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

Online Poker - Texas Holdem for beginners
- by Morgan Collins in association with IPN Poker Network

Texas Hold’em has quickly become the standard poker game played.

If you are a beginner to poker, Texas Hold’em is the perfect game to learn to play. It is a simple game to learn and understand and it offers the perfect balance of luck and skill. Online poker practice tables offer the perfect way for new players to play and learn, and there are always experienced poker games support staff observing the tables ready to help with any questions about the game you may have. Most sites offer chat support and all you need to do is click live chat on the poker site at the table, and a member of the poker support staff will be called to assist you.

Texas Hold’em rules

The object of Hold’em is to create the best five-card hand using seven cards. A list of poker hand rankings can be found on the IPNPoker International Poker Network site. IPNPoker also has an interactive poker tutorial which is great for learning the poker games.

Once the game starts a dealer is assigned. At the end of each hand the dealer changes to the next player to the current dealers left. Knowing who is the dealer is important, as it indicates who posts the compulsory bets (known as blinds) before each hand, it also indicates who is first to act in each betting round.

In Texas Hold’em there are two compulsory bets that are made before the start of each hand. These are known as the small blind and the big blind. These are important as it means that there are chips to be won in every hand. The player to the immediate left of the dealer pays the small blind and the player to the left of the small blind posts the big blind.

In limit games the small blind is equal to half the size of the small bet, and the big blind is equal to the small bet. So at a $1/$2 table the small blind is 0.50c and the big blind is $1.

In limit games the size of the bet that a player can make in the first and second betting rounds is equal to the amount of the small bet of the table (for example in a $3/$6 limit game, the bet players can make in rounds 1 and 2 is $3). In the third and forth betting rounds, players can bet the value of the big bet (for example in a $3/$6 limit game, players can bet $6 in the third and forth rounds).

There is a maximum of one bet and three raises allowed in each betting round. (For example, in the first betting round of a $1/$2 limit table, a player will pay a maximum of $4 - a bet of $1 and three raises of $1). The exception to this rule is if there are only two players left in the pot, in which case there is no limit to the number of raises that can be made.

Hole cards and the first betting round

Once the blinds have been posted, two cards are dealt face down to each player at the table (known as “hole cards”). At this point the first betting round begins, players must make a decision on how to act based on the strength of their hole cards only.

The player to the left of the large blind is always the first to act in the first betting round. This player has the option of folding, calling, or raising the amount of the large blind. The play continues clockwise around the table until all players who started in the hand have called, checked or folded, and the amount put in the pot by each player still in the hand is equal.

The Flop and the second betting round

After the first betting round has finished, the dealer places 3 cards face up in the middle of the table - this is known as the flop. These 3 cards are shared by all the players towards make their final hands. Players now have 5 cards out of the 7 available and have a good idea how their hand is developing. At this point the second betting round begins.

In this and all subsequent betting rounds, the action starts with the first player still in the hand to the left of the dealer. This player can either check or bet (he can not raise as no bet has been made in the round, and he shouldn’t fold because it costs him nothing at that point to stay in the hand). As in the previous betting round, the play continues clockwise around the table until all players have called, checked or folded and the amount placed in the pot by each player still in the hand is equal.

The Turn and the third betting round

After the second betting round, the dealer places a fourth card face up on the table - this is called the turn card. Like the flop, this is a community card that may be used by all the players to make up part of their hand.

The players should now know the majority of their hand, as there is only one more card to come. The betting round here is the same as the third betting round, with the player to the left of the dealer acting first.

In limit games the size of the bet that a player can make in the third betting round and final betting round is equal the size of the big bet (for example in a $3/$6 limit game, the bet players can make in this round is $6).

The River and the final betting round

After the third betting round, the dealer places a final card face up on the table - this is called the river card. There is a final betting round, which is the same as the third betting round.

After this, each player makes the best possible 5 card poker hand out of the 7 available cards. Each player can use any combination of the 2 cards in their hands and the five cards on the table. The player with the highest ranked hand wins the pot. If two or more players have the same value hand, then the pot is split between them.

And the poker game goes on…

Once the hand has finished, and the pot has been awarded, the dealer button moves to the next player on his left. The cards are shuffled, the blinds are posted by the next two players, and the cards are dealt. The game continues as long as there are at least two players at the table.

About author

Morgan Collins lives and works in the South of Spain. Has been writing articles for gaming sites for some time and also provides seo services to a number of online gaming organisations.

The truth about online casinos
- by Jon Hingston

Online casinos are losing thousands of customers every day

The online casinos have one holy grail: To make the player experience as realistic, easy and enjoyable as possible. After all, the more the player enjoys the experience the more often they will play. The more often they play, the more chance of engendering some loyalty and - to be completely blunt - the more likelihood that the casino will make more money. “But the industry is failing to deliver this”, says Jon Hingston, of independent review site Casino Genie, “losing them thousands of customers everyday.”.

It has only been in the last 2 years, with the huge advance of gaming graphics and sound cards that players are starting to feeling differently about the gaming experience. However, online casino review site Casino Genie released some figures recently suggesting that online casinos are failing in too many areas of their player relations process which is negating the advances in graphics. So now once formerly loyal customers are disengaging and looking elsewhere for fun. And those that do engage are creating a portfolio of sites where they will play dependent on bonuses and size of the prize. Casino Genie asked 1000 online gamblers to review eight online casinos using 14 different ranked criteria. The results are startling.

Hingston says, “The choice of online casinos available to gamblers is seemingly immense. There are hundreds of new entrants with multiple sites and numerous new games. We thought that this might make the larger players more focused and up their game. In fact, what our survey revealed was that the larger players are starting to lose their way in a number of areas. The message is loud and clear from players about what they expect from their online casino. ‘Listen to my requirements. Always make me feel special. And entertain me or I will leave you forever as there are many other places I can spend my money.’

Customer service was, across the board, scored low for the larger players, with the exception of two UK online casinos. Simple things like human contact is ranked highly, with 78% of players rating it highest in the customer service problem handling section. Most online casinos find this too expensive to facilitate so don’t promote it.

More worryingly players felt that casinos did not offer enough advice on what types of games would suit them best; instead they felt casinos were only interested in driving losses, much in the same way credit card companies used to be accused of loaning debt to those who could not afford it. Now credit card companies have been reined in by regulations. Of those surveyed 84% want online casinos to be held more accountable and to be more transparent about statistical chances of each game.

Beginners were turned off by overly complicated terminology and overly complicated gaming rules. Free games areas written in a more each manner encouraged 51% of beginners to sign up within 3 visits to a site.

Player endorsements or reviews were seen by 63% of all beginners and intermediate players as a very positive component of a casino site. And increased ‘trust’ levels ’significantly’.

UK online casinos fared little better than their international casino cousins.

Whilst seen by 82% as less pushy, even the best UK online casinos ranked little more than 62% for over all player gaming experience, compared to 54% for international casinos.

So in summary, service is a key differentiator in what is becoming a fragmented marketplace. If the big boys like 888 and InterCasino focus on the customer rather than the product it will be game over for new entrants. But like many other sectors big equals bland experience and players will vote with their fingers and search for a better experience.

About author

Jon Hingston is the Customer Satisfaction Manager for Casino Genie ( http://www.casinogenie.co.uk ), an independent online casino review site. Genie has reviewed over 600 online casinos. In addition, over 5,000 online gamblers have reviewed and ranked those casinos by 7 criteria to provide the world’s largest independent online casino review service.