European Poker Tour - Day 1 Recap - Hellmuth, Ivey, Hachem - Who Will Advance?

706 of the world’s best poker players have gathered in Monte Carlo to take place in the European Poker Tour’s Grand Finale. At stake is a prize pool which tops more than 8.8 million dollars, with the champ and the runner-up both walking away as millionaires (and 62 other players finishing in the money).

The second part of Day One saw a who’s who of the poker world belly up to the poker tables. Names like Gus Hansen, Phil Ivey, and Phil Hellmuth were all present (with Hellmuth showing up fashionably late, as usual). Other players included Erica Schoenberg, Vanessa Rousso, Shane Schleger, Andy Black, and defending champ Jeff Williams, along with many others. At the end of the day, only 340 players would be left standing.

Chad Brown was the overall chip leader at the end of Day 1, with a stack worth over 150K. The field was generally reserved and even perhaps a little tentative. Many experts attribute this to players not wanting to suffer the humiliation of busting out on the first day.

Noteworthy eliminations on Day 1 included:

• Joe Hachem
  


• Phil Ivey
  


• Jeff Williams (the defending champ)
  


• Vanessa Rousso
  


• Marcel Luske
  

Noteworthy players advancing to Day 2 include:

• Chad Brown
  


• Andy Black
  


• Greg Raymer
  


• Erika Schoenberg
  


• Carlos Mortensen
  


• Phil Hellmuth
  

At the completion of Day 1, the top 10 chip leaders were:

1. Chad Brown (USA) $150,425
   


2. Christopher Ulsrud (Norway) $133,875
   


3. Hans Vimmo Eskilsson (Sweden) $110,600
   


4. Jani Vilmunen (Finland) $95,925
   


5. Steve Jelinek (UK) $95,375
   


6. Dario Alioto (Italy) $87,850
   


7. Thomas Wahlroos (Finland) $87,625
   


8. Andy Black (Ireland) $86,925
   


9. Peter Christiaan Dalhuijsen (Holland) $82,600
   


10. Maurice Kenter III (USA) $76,500
    

Check back for updates in Day 2!

European Poker Tour - Day 1 Recap - Hellmuth, Ivey, Hachem - Who Will Advance?

UK Super Casino Voted Down by the House of Lords

Plans for a Vegas-style super casino in Manchester were voted down in the House of Lords this week, even though they had earlier passed in the House of Commons.

The vote was 123-120, and the plan which many viewed as an economic savior for the city of Manchester was defeated by the slimmest of margins. The plan had also called for 16 smaller casinos scattered across Britain.

With this defeat, plans for the super casino will now have to be redrafted. A few years ago, both houses of the Parliament passed the 2005 Gambling Act into law, which called for more casinos to be built into areas with high unemployment. As it stands now, Britain has around 140 small and medium-sized casinos mostly located in major towns and cities.

The selection of Manchester as the site for the proposed super casino has caused some controversy, as many felt that the economically depressed town of Blackpool could better benefit from the economic growth that the facility would create.

Also keep in mind that upcoming May elections may see government officials voted in who are not in favor of casino expansion. The UK’s Finance Minister has already recently proposed large tax increases which seem aimed at discouraging companies from bidding on the super casino license. He also proposed tax increases which would hurt brick and mortar casinos in the U.K. and discourage online gambling companies from becoming licensed there. I don‘t what this guy‘s problem is, but it‘s probably nothing that a few hookers and a bottle of gin couldn‘t fix.

For more info on the vote, click HERE.

UK Super Casino Voted Down by the House of Lords

American Idol Betting - AmericanIdol Odds

American Idol 2007 is down to the final nine contestants and Bodog is taking bets on who this year's winner will be. Here are the Bodog odds:

Melinda Doolittle - 4/5
Jordan Sparks - 5/2
Blake Lewis - 4/1
Lakisha Jones - 5/1
Chris Richardson - 25/1
Sanjaya Malakar - 25/1
Gina Glockson - 30/1
Phil Stacey - 35/1
Haley Scarnato - 50/1

Everyone's wondering why Sanjaya Malakar is still in the competition. There are several reasons this is the case. First of all, at this stage of the competition, standing out in a crowd is the most important thing. If there's something about you that people can cling onto and remember about you, that's good.

Say what you will about Sanjaya, but he stands out. Like Simon said, Sanjaya singing is like a child half-heartedly singing tunes for the gathering at a family reunion. He channels a little bit of that effeminate Michael Jackson thing. I mean, he's a real train wreck to watch.

And after the ponytail mohawk schtick, Sanjaya looks to be having fun with it. Up until that point, you kind of felt sorry laughing at the guy. Now he's a sensation.

Besides, there are whole websites these days dedicated to organizing votes for the worst contestant. Howard Stern has urged his fans to do the same. Maybe one of these years, the perfect storm will happen and all the malcontents will vote a Sanjaya into the finals. With no overwhelming favorite, this could be the year.

At better than even-money odds, Melinda Doolittle is installed as the overwhelming favorite. She's clearly the best singer and should have a nice recording career. I just don't know if America is going to vote her to be the American Idol.

There's a surprise or two every year in the voting. Melinda seems nice and talented, which should take her far in the competition. But once you get into the top four or five, the dynamics change a little bit. You have to ask yourself, "All those people who voted for so-and-so that got voted off last week; who are they voting for this week?"

Once you start figuring out who they are more likely to shift their votes to, American Idol voting makes a little more sense. That's why, in the last few weeks, votes can swing wildly from one to another. I'm betting Doolittle doesn't win the contest.

Jordan Sparks is my pick to win it. Jordan's got the second best odds. She can sing. She's young and has a little more energy surrounding her than Melinda. That spark might be the difference maker.

Blake Lewis gets love as the only guy most people think has a real chance. He's got his own style and he usually delivers a professional level performance. Despite being labelled as a beatboxer, Blake's songs tend to be among the most original scores on the show.

That being said, I think he gets the whammy around the four spot. This is the old Constantine thing at work. Constantine seemed to have a devoted following. But as other contestants left the show, their constituents shifted their votes to someone more mainstream. I think the mainstream voters won't vote for a beatboxer, because they think "that's just crazy". In Blake's case, that's a little unfair, because I'm no beatbox fan and I'm consistently entertained by the guy.

Lakisha Jones is another top favorite. Simon clearly likes Lakisha, which is always a help. She's also a top singer, though she tends to get outshined by Melinda Doolittle most weeks. That's probably going to turn into a problem for Lakisha around the round of five. I don't see her making it through.

Chris Richardson seems to have a following and he seems like a nice guy. Being a former college football player, you think he could play up that manly thing and get the girl vote. I'm certain that's why he's still in the competition. But that whiny style of singing I think turns a lot of people off. Great with the teenie boppers, but not enough to win.

Gina Glockson is my dark horse to win this year. She'll either get voted off in the next week or two or she become a major threat. The longer she stays in, the more dangerous Gina becomes. She's the Taylor Hicks of this year.

Last year, I would have bet a lot of money that Taylor wouldn't have won. He was just a little different, and I didn't think that was such a good thing in his case. But he had his own style that wasn't too offensive at the same time. That's what I'm seeing with Gina. She has the red stripe in her hair and is a little more contemporary than some of her competitors. Whether she means to or not, she gives off a working class vibe that innoculates her from any perceived "edgy" backlash.

If you want a long shot, take this bet. Just don't be surprised if you're cashing it in in the next week or two. That's why they call them long shots.

I was convinced Phil Stacey would have been voted off weeks ago. He had the aura of someone ready to get voted off. Phil just didn't stand out in the crowd.

Since that time, I've decided I like the guy. I found out he was a navy man, so I want to support our troops. Also, he's a little better singer than I gave him credit for. I don't think Phil has a snowball's chance in Hell, but I hope he keeps moving on.

And then there's Haley Scarnato. I'm very ambivalent about Haley.

On the one side, she's just not a very good singer. On the other side, she's the best looking woman left on the show. I like having at least one hottie to look at when I watch American Idol. It kind of loses its glamour when they're gone.

So I don't want to see Haley leave, though it's gotta be coming soon. Besides, her song every week makes me uncomfortable, anticipating whether it's going to be passable or just plain bad.

That's the picture from here. Hope everyone enjoys watching the final eight weeks of American Idol.

American Idol Betting - AmericanIdol Odds

Gary Kaplan, Founder of BetonSports.com, Arrested by U.S. Agents

Gary Kaplan, the founder of BetonSports was arrested Wednesday in the Dominican Republic. He was then sent to Puerto Rico where he made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

This is the latest in a series of arrests which came down after Kaplan and 10 others were indicted in June of 2006 by a federal jury in Missouri. Kaplan’s brother, Neil, was arrested in Florida, while David Carruthers, the Chief Executive of BetonSports was taken into custody during a layover at a Texas airport. William Luis Lenis, Manny Gustavo Lenis, and Tim Brown have also all been taken into custody.

The United States is asking that Kaplan be brought back to St. Louis and held without bond pending a hearing.

Kaplan, 47, was charged in June with 20 felony violations including tax evasion, the Wire Act, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy, and interstate transportation of gambling paraphernalia.

In 1993, Kaplan was arrested on New York state gambling charges and then moved his operations to Florida. He eventually moved his business offshore to Costa Rica after trying Aruba and Antigua.

BetonSports, which was once traded on the London Stock Exchange, closed down its U.S. business in August of 2006. This business accounted for 95% of their profits.

Kaplan is widely regarded as the man who revolutionized online sports betting through creative marketing strategies. BetonSports would accept everything from bets on cricket matches to which celebrity would be the next to beat their wife.

Kaplan would introduce himself as Greg Champion, believing that he had powerful enemies out to get him (looks like he was right). And not only was he surrounded by bodyguards at all times, but he also practiced his handgun skills at a private firing range inside the offices of BetonSports.

It is still unknown why a man who was wanted in the United States would travel to the Dominican Republic, a country with a clear policy of extraditing criminals to the U.S. Whatever the reasons, it looks as though it will be the last mistake that Gary Kaplan will make as a free man. The Bush administration wins again.

For more on the story, click HERE.

Gary Kaplan, Founder of BetonSports.com, Arrested by U.S. Agents

2007 NCAA Final Four - Odds and Moneyline - Georgetown Versus Ohio State - Florida Versus UCLA

The Final Four starts tomorrow, so you better get your bets in under the wire. These are two of the more intriguing matchups in the last several years. One game has a championship rematch. The other matches two talented young big men. These are two of the rarest of rare events in college basketball anymore.

Here's a look at both of Saturday's matchups.

Florida versus UCLA

Bodog Point Spread: Florida -3.5

Bodog Moneyline for Florida: -175

Bodog Moneyline for U.C.L.A.: +155

It doesn't get any better than this one. I mean, it's really hard to say these aren't the two best teams over the last two years. You have the most storied basketball program in the history of the NCAA versus the defending champion.

These two teams met in the Championship Game last year. Florida whipped UCLA handily, behind the play of big men like Al Horford and Joakim Noah. Florida held the Bruins in the fifties and beat them by a whopping 17 points. UCLA lost Justin Farmar off of the squad that made the finals last year, and though Aaron Affalo has filled in wonderfully as the Bruins' star guard, you could make a case the 2007 version of the Bruins are less talented overall.

Most of the experts agree that that Gators are heavy favorites again. The Bruins have the better shooters, so they have a punchers chance in this game. But it's hard to see what kind of an answer the Bruins will have for the Florida big men. As they say, you shoot 20-footers and I shoot 2-footers and I'll beat you just about every time.

If UCLA shoots lights out, they can keep it close or even win. If they come out cold, this is going to be a repeat of last year.

I imagine the Bruins will come out with a supreme effort this time and keep it closer than in 2006. In the end, UCLA tires down the stretch and Florida pulls away. I would suggest betting Florida on both of these.

Ohio State versus Georgetown

Bodog Point Spread: Georgetown -1

As great as it is to have last year's title rematch, I think more people are excited about this game than the other one. We've already seen Florida/UCLA before. But it's been twenty years since we've seen a match up of big men like this one. Not since Hakeem Olajuwon versus Patrick Ewing have the big men had this much hype coming into a Final Four.

Greg Oden is O.S.U.'s star freshman whom everyone believes will go #1 in the 2007 NBA Draft. Roy Hibbert is the 7'2" junior who's made Georgetown the bullies of this year's March Madness. People love to see the big men bang against one another. They're such a dying breed these days, it's become almost a novelty.

Of course, the big men might not be the key to the game. The real question is whether the Buckeyes can stop Georgetown's star forward, Jeff Green. Many people are picking Green to be the difference maker tomorrow, which is why the Hoyas are an ever so slight favorite.

This is big news, considering that Ohio State came into the tournament as a #1 seed. Georgetown was a solid #2 seed, but after their overtime sprint past the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels, a lot of people jumped on the John Thompson III bandwagon.

I'm leaning that way myself. Maybe it's the feel good story of a son filling his dad's shoes. Maybe I'm just tired of the Buckeyes in championship games. (Anybody remember the BCS Championship Game?) By the way, if the two #1 seeds win Saturday, the NCAA Basketball final will be a rematch of this year's NCAA Football final. How often has that happened?

I hope it doesn't. I'm picking Georgetown versus Florida in the final on Monday night.

2007 NCAA Final Four - Odds and Moneyline - Georgetown Versus Ohio State - Florida Versus UCLA

MMA Betting Odds - Icon Sport - Trigg vs. Lawler

As the world of Mixed Martial Arts continues to get more and more popular, there seems to be a steady stream of events and new promotions cropping up all over the place. Luckily for fans of the sport, we can also wager a few bucks on the outcome. Even if the fight fails to impress, we still have a betting interest in the results.

On Saturday, March 31st, the MMA organization known as Icon Sport (one of the longest running MMA organizations in the United States) will be holding an event in Honolulu, HI. SportsBetting.com is currently taking wagers on two of these fights. They are:

1. Frank Trigg vs. "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler - Lawler stands 5'11" and weighs 185 pounds. He has 13 wins (10 by KO) and 4 losses (1 by KO). A member of the Miletich Fighting System, Lawler is the former Icon Sport Middleweight Champion. He is an excellent striker, and his nickname tells you everything you need to know about his style.

Frank "Twinkle Toes" Trigg is a technician in the ring who likes to use his superior wrestling skills to take down opponents and submit them. He stands 5'9" and weighs in at 185 pounds. He has 15 wins (8 by KO, 5 by submission) and 5 losses (1 by KO). He is the current Icon Sport Middleweight champion, having won the title with a TKO victory over Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

The current betting line has Trigg as a -260 favorite. Lawler, meanwhile, comes in as the underdog at +200.

Prediction: Lawler looks to turn this into a brawl, but the savvy Trigg takes him to the mat and keeps him there, eventually winning by submission.

2. Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Hector Urbina - Another middleweight match-up, Miller looks to vault back into title contention and get a shot at the winner of Trigg/Lawler. Urbina, on the other hand, is looking to defy the odds and make a name for himself.

Urbina is a fairly balanced fighter, and his 7 wins have come by both KO and submission. He only has 2 losses, but both of those hav come by KO. His level of competition is also a problem, as he has not fought world-class fighters. Seems to me as though he's simply being fed to Miller to help rebuild the former champ in the eyes of the fans.

Miller stands 6'1" and weighs 185 pounds. He has 17 wins (a whopping 12 of which have come by submission) and 5 losses (his only TKO loss coming in his last fight vs. Frank Trigg). A fan favorite, Miller is known for his flashy entrances and exciting style. His level of competition has also been much higher than his opponent.

The current odds have Miller as a -450 favorite, while fans of Urbina can wager on him at +300 odds.

Prediction: Expect this to be a fairly short match with Miller dominating from the bell. If Miller has greater punching power, this fight would be over that much sooner. Even so, expect a tap out in the first round.

For more info on what Icon Sport has to offer, click here.

MMA Betting Odds - Icon Sport - Trigg vs. Lawler

PartyBingo Announces 90-Ball Virtual Bingo

If you're a bingo lover, then you'll really like the newest addition from the recently re-vamped PartyBingo.com. It's a new 90-ball virtual bingo room!

But before you get too excited, let me say that you won't be able to enjoy this game if you're an American citizen. Why? Well, thanks to the fascists in the GOP, our fair government is putting the screws to the online gambling industry, and this means that many online gambling sites will no longer accept U.S. customers. Unfortunately, PartyBingo.com happens to be one of those sites.

But if you live anywhere else, you'll be able to ejoy what has become the most popular bingo game in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.

So how does it work? Well, it's very similar to 75-ball Bingo in that players buy cards or tickets and try to match the numbers as they are called out. The first player to complete a winning pattern takes home the prize. But in this game, the cards have 3 rows and 9 columns. Each row has 5 squares which contain numbers, and the rest of them are left blank.

After that, it's the usual bingo routine. The balls are pulled, the numbers are marked off, and the first person to complete the designated pattern becomes the big winner.

The game also includes a 24-hour chat room, which you'll be glad to know is monitored by hosts who keep things from getting out of control. Prizes are available at all hours of the day, and special cash prizes are also offered for near misses. You can also choose to turn on a bingo caller option in order to hear authentic bingo jargon like "Smack my thumb, number one," or "Legs Eleven."

It's simple to learn and easy to play. Whether you're a bingo veteran or just starting out, 90-ball bingo is a game that you should try at least once. For more information on the game, click
here.

PartyBingo Announces 90-Ball Virtual Bingo

United States and Antigua Dispute Over Anti-Gambling Laws - Second WTO Ruling Goes Against U.S.

Looks like the United States government doesn't know its ass from a legal loophole. Four years ago, the World Trade Organization ruled that the U.S. was not in compliance with international law. Since that time, the U.S. Trade Representative has acted like that ruling didn't exist.

The Bush administration has been trying to ban U.S. citizens from playing at internet casinos based out of Antigua and Barbuda for years now. Unfortunately for them, they had a ruling go against them in the first hearing at the W.T.O. court in Switzerland. So they simply ignored the ruling. The WTO is of no use if it can't be depended to side with the U.S. of A.

This tactic from the Bush Administration is getting a little old. They don't like situations where they can't dictate the terms. Negotiation is a four letter word to them. When somebody disagrees with them, they take their toys and go home. It's like a child throwing a fit. "George isn't talking to you anymore, WTO. George wants me to tell you he's ignoring you."

Administration lawyers resubmitted their case to the WTO recently. The lawyers claimed the passage of several new anti-gambling laws put them in compliance with the original WTO ruling. This flies in the face of all logic and good sense.

According to a WTO agreement the United States signed in good faith, one country cannot prohibit another country from providing a service if it allows its own citizens to provide that service. So if a WTO country makes allows its citizens to provide gambling, that country cannot bar other nations from providing that same service. It's all about keeping one nation from imposing using its law to affect the revenues of another member nation. That's kind of what the World Trade Organization is about.

In the case of the U.S., it leaves loopholes in its anti-gambling laws to allow horse track betting. If the states allow horsetrack betting, they can't bar Antigua and Barbuda from doing the same.

Well, trying to impose these new laws on Antigua is definitely not in the spirit of the WTO agreement. So the court found the U.S. was no more in compliance now than it was four years ago.

The U.S. has 30 days to appeal this ruling. When it inevitably loses that appeal, Antigua and Barbuda can move forward with WTO-backed trade sanctions against the United States.

United States and Antigua Dispute Over Anti-Gambling Laws - Second WTO Ruling Goes Against U.S.

Bodog.com Freeroll Tournaments and The World Series of Poker 2007

Bodog.com is offering two new freeroll tournaments, each worth $12,000.

The winner of these WSOP 2007 freeroll tourneys get the $10,000 entry fee to enter the World Series of Poker 2007 Main Event. This is the huge event that 10,000+ players are likely to flock to Vegas for.

If you win your way into the main event, fame and fortune beckon. The lucky few who get on a hot streak for a week join the royalty of professional poker. First time winners of the WSOP Main Event top the list of the all-time money winners, surpassing the likes of Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan.

Winning the event assures poker immortality and the kind of money you can retire on. These guys get an invitation to every major tournament in the world for the rest of their lives, or can retire into obscurity. Either way, your dreams come true.

Even if you don't win, placing is a huge boon. Just getting to the final table at the WSOP assures a million dollar prize.

There really is no reason to pass up these Bodog.com freerolls. First of all, they're free. Second of all, a lucky win sets you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Besides the $10,000 fee, you also get $2,000 worth of spending money and hotel accommodations. It's the perfect way to experience the World Series of Poker. This is how guys like Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer won their way into high stakes professional poker. In their case, they took the Pokerstars route. But any online qualifier will do.

All is not lost for those who place 2nd through 7th. They get $55 in tournament credit. Those who finish 8th through 12th get $22 in credit. It's not much, but that money could pay your way into another tournament along the way to the World Series of Poker.

Bodog.com Freeroll Tournaments and The World Series of Poker 2007

Betting on NFL Football - Pay Attention to Off-Season Moves

Betting on NFL football can be a lot of fun, and it can also be profitable if you know what you're doing. And while it's certainly not a sure thing, having a detailed knowledge of the game and the players can sometimes mean the difference between raking in the bucks and being broke for a month.

So where do you start? I have found that smart gamblers start preparing for the NFL season as soon as the previous season has ended. I'm talking about the off-season. That's when teams draft their talented new players (or busts), cut high-priced veterans, sign free-agents, and make blockbuster trades.

And the 2007 season is no different. In fact, if there was ever a year where you need to pay attention to off-season moves, then this is the one. The league increased its salary cap by about 20 million dollars this year, so teams suddenly found themselves with lots of extra cash to play with. In short, they went crazy spending all their new loot.

To make things a bit easier on you, I've compiled a short list of 10 off-season moves which could greatly impact your teams (and your betting strategies). If you want more, you can always check out a site like Bodog Beat in order to stay up to date on all the happenings around the league.

1. CB Nate Clements to the San Francisco 49ers - Only 27 years old, and many experts view him as just under Champ Bailey in ability. He should continue to improve over time. The 49ers defense came alive last year, and the addition of Clements should really make an impact. With a solid D and a solid running game (with Frank Gore), the Niners could be a team that really surprises this year.
2. LB Adalius Thomas to the New England Patriots - With the Ravens, Thomas played nearly every position in the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. You can only imagine that the Pats are drooling at the prospect of lining him up all over the field to create mismatches. He's got excellent size and speed, and he's averaged 9.3 sacks over the last 3 seasons.
3. RB Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens - After one amazing year where he ran for over 2,000 yards, RB Jamal Lewis just couldn't seem to get it done any longer. So the Ravens finally wised up and went out to get someone else. McGahee is still young and has a great combination of size and speed for a runner. He's floundered a bit with the Bills, but they have been pretty awful the last couple of years. A change of scenery could vault McGahee into the upper echelon of runners.
4. WR Joe Horn to the Atlanta Falcons - It seems as though age and injuries are starting to catch up to Horn. Over the last two seasons, he's missed significant time due to various ailments. However, getting away from New Orleans might revitalize him enough to have one last top-tier season. Vick needs a reliable target, and Horn was one of the best in the league for several years. It might be his last hurrah, but Joe Horn could really prove to be a difference maker in Atlanta.
5. QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans - David Carr is a thing of the past. The new starting QB for the Texans will be Matt Schaub (formerly the back-up to Michael Vick). Coaches have been high on him for several years, but can he survive the always-crumbling offensive line which got Carr creamed on a weekly basis? If he does, Schaub could be just the kind of spark that this lowly team is looking for.
6. OG Eric Steinbach to the Cleveland Browns - Many think that the Browns will look to draft Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson in the upcoming draft. If that's the case, then they have already paved the way by picking up this former Bengals started. Considered a real technician up front, Steinbach has more than enough talent to help turn the Browns franchise around. And even if they don't get Peterson, the team signed former Ravens runner Jamal Lewis in the off-season.
7. RB Thomas Jones to the New York Jets - After Curtis Martin succumbed to injuries, the Jets running game became a complete mess-by-committee last year. That's all going to end with the addition of Thomas Jones. The former Bear has speed and plenty of it, and he's handled himself pretty well considering how much he's been jerked around throughout his career. This move should immediately make the Jets a better team, while it may also end up hurting the ever-cheap Bears in the long run.
8. WR Wes Welker to the New England Patriots - Many experts believe that the Pats really stole a great player from the Dolphins in the form of Wes Welker. Very young and very talented, he'll have none other than Tom Brady throwing to him. That's a vast improvement over the Dolphins' mixed-up QB situation last year. Expect Welker to shine early and often and to become Brady's new favorite target.
9. RB Dominic Rhodes to the Oakland Raiders - Sorry, Raiders' fans, but the news isn't good. Your team stinks, and I'm sad to say that the addition of Mr. Rhodes is only going to make things worse. See, the Raiders already have a starting runner in one Lamont Jordan (who they signed for a ton of money only two years ago). So now they're going to committee? Who knows? Of all the areas to address with their extra money, the Raiders go out and get something that they already have. Why am I not surprised?
10. RB Travis Henry to the Denver Broncos - In years past, it seems as though you could always count on the Broncos runners to have a monster season. That hasn't really been the case in the last couple of seasons, and the team has recently went with more of a committee approach. Expect that to change with the addition of Travis Henry. The former Bills and Titans runner is a tough customer who will play through injuries and get the job done. With the Broncos excellent front line clearing the way, expect the Denver running game to once again be a force to be reckoned with.

So there you have it. These are just a few of the notable off-season moves, and there will no doubt be many more to come as the draft approaches and then training camp begins. A firm knowledge of these moves will have you betting like a pro (or at least looking like a well-informed loser).

Betting on NFL Football - Pay Attention to Off-Season Moves

Digital Slot Machines are the Future of Casino Gambling

PureDepth Inc. began as a company dedicated to developing tools which would help the U.S. Navy and Air Force plot 3-D maps of war zones. This technology was considered top-secret and was licensed for use by the government.

Enter International Game Technology Incorporated, the world's largest maker of slot machines.

In October, the small firm signed a contract with IGT to produce a line of totally realistic digital video displays. Many experts agree that this move will completely digitize slot machines and totally change the direction of an industry which rakes in over $85 billion a year.

So how will it work? Well, programmers will have the abiity to control almost every aspect of the game. Not only will they be able to affect cost and payout, but they will literally be able to change the images which appear on the reels of the slots.

For example, let's say that a famous boxer is about to have a title fight and crowds of people have flocked to Vegas for the event. Using this advanced technology, operators will be able to communicate directly with computer chips in the machine and actually change the cherries on the reels to images of the boxer.

Penny slots could be changed to dollar slots, and a lone slot machine could be altered in an instant to become a progressive. Literally anything would be possible.

This may sound incredible, but keep in mind that this technology will hit the casinos later this year. Expect the effects of this to be felt early and often within the gambling industry.

Of course, with such all-encompassing control of the slots, there are bound to be those who accuse the casinos of using the technology to rig the outcomes of the game. Or maybe a player is gambling on a high-dollar slot and suddenly finds that it's been changed to a penny machine.

No doubt there are going to be some bumps along the way as both customers and casinos get used to these modern marvels of technology. But in the end, gambling as you know it will be changed forever. Get ready.

Digital Slot Machines are the Future of Casino Gambling

Proposition Betting - Some Unusual Odds from the World of Entertainment

When it comes to betting, some people aren't content to simply wager on sporting events. That's why numerous sportsbooks also accept bets on celebrities, television, and films. While this certainly makes things more interesting, it can also lead to some downright bizarre proposition bets. For example....

Over at Bodog there's a heavy emphasis on the outcome of shows like Survivor, American Idol, and The Apprentice. However, you can still wager on plenty of bizarre events and outcomes.

1. Will Heather Mills' prosthetic leg fall off during a dance routine on Dancing with the Stars 4? (Yes +575, No -1200)
   
2. Will a contestant throw up on stage during American Idol? (Yes +300)
   
3. Who will father Britney Spears' next baby? (Bill Clinton 25/1, President Bush 31/1, Hugh Hefner 12/1, Mel Gibson 31/1, and many others to choose from)
   

In fact, Britney Spears seems to be a very popular candidate for celebrity propositions. Just check out a few of the wagers available at one of the other sportsbooks:

1. Britney will get back together with Justin Timberlake (+1000).
   
2. She will come out as a lesbian (+200).
   
3. She will become a Hare Krishna (+5000).
   
4. She will marry Michael Jackson (+15000).
   
5. She will attempt a sex change (+2500).

But there's more to bet on than just busty blondes with questionable musical talent. Another site is currently offering odds on which 2 Harry Potter characters will die in the upcoming final book of the series. A few of the options are:

1. Harry Potter and Professor Snape (+700)
   
2. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley (+900)
   
3. Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort (+300)
   
4. The Weasley Twins (+4000)
   
5. Remus Lupin and Percy Weasley (+2800)

There are many more like those listed above, but I won't spoil them all for you. After all, half the fun is tracking them down and laughing at the sheer absurdity of some of the possibilities. Just imagine a world where Britney Spears announces that she's pregnant with Bill Clinton's baby, only to shock everyone by then attempting a sex change!

Come to think of it, that world would be pretty damn cool.

Proposition Betting - Some Unusual Odds from the World of Entertainment

Private Poker Games - Raid on Table Image Poker - Illegal Gambling Venues

Watch out when you go to these small, unofficial gaming venues.

I was at a poker table in a casino recently and two of my opponents kept talking about "Greg". Greg had been hosting poker games in a nearby town and was taking in part of the rake. The authorities show up at his home one night and Greg's life got turned upside down.

Apparently, not only was Greg facing a trip before a judge and jail time, but the I.R.S. was coming down on him for unreported taxes. To hear the guys at the table talk, Greg was going to lose his home and houseboat and his wife was leaving him over the whole business. So I would urge people to be careful when they get involved in one of these "off-the-books" games.

Another example comes in on the newswire today.

From Cary, North Carolina on March 29, 2007, authorities raided a private gaming "club" named Table Image. The next thing you know, 41 patrons were booked for misdemeanor gambling. The players lost all their table money, a rake of some $20,000 in evidence. The authorities also found an illegal handgun and a small amount of heroin.

I'm sure all that's going to sound great in court. Of course, you detain any sample 41 people off the street and you'll probably find an illegal handgun and illicit drugs. Making it appear worse, I'm sure, Table Image shared a parking lot with a local church.

What's funny (if you can call it that), the authorities included local and state cops, and the local National Guard. I assumed these guys were all in Iraq by now. Whatever the case, that sounds like a lot of manpower to shut down six poker tables. I guess they figured someone was selling drugs or starting a cult or something like that.

Ironically, the neighboring church didn't seem to notice or mind the gaming. Table Image was on the same block as several local businesses, though, who noticed the increased evening traffic and reported it to the local authorities.

Matthew McCoy, the man managing the six poker table venue, was charged with serving alcohol illegally and several other liquor crimes. I imagine Mr. McCoy is about to go through the "Greg" treatment.

Private Poker Games - Raid on Table Image Poker - Illegal Gambling Venues

Dice Control Techniques - Stanford Wong - Frank Scoblete - Does It Work?

It seems like every few weeks I get into a discussion about dice control. Gamblers want to know if it's real or not. Frankly, I want to know the same thing.

I'm typically skeptical of people who claim to know some new trick to beat the house odds. I mean, house odds exist to keep casinos in business. If gamblers could consistently beat the odds, the casinos would have to close shop.

The thing is, some of the most respected thinkers in the gambling world swear by this stuff. These aren't the money management fools who advocate dice control.

Stanford Wong and Frank Scoblete teach that dice control works. These guys, especially Mr. Wong, are highly respected teachers and authors of gambling techniques. Wong has made a living studying games and calculating the expectations. So I find it hard to dismiss his words.

Before we continue, maybe I should clarify what I'm talking about. Dice control is a theory that one can roll dice in a particular way to increase one's odds at craps. "Control" implies the way you hold the dice, the "spin" or lack of spin you put on the dice and (especially) how you bounce the dice off the wall.

Basically, you roll the dice in such as way that they bounce just before they hit the back wall of the craps table. You hold the dice in such a way to restrict the randomness of how they bounce off the wall.

This technique is supposed to decrease the chances of rolling a seven. In this way, you tip the odds in your favor.

Dice control raises craps from a game of chance to a game of skill. This is more like throwing a 96 mile-an-hour fastball or hitting an approach shot with a perfect back spin. There is still chance involved, but you shift the chances ever so slightly in your favor.

If dice control works, I imagine it's a skill very like those of a professional athlete. By that, I mean that a few people can do it and make money doing it. The rest of us amateurs might have our moments, but will ultimately prove inconsistent performers.

I imagine successful dice control is about like sinking a 40 foot putt--not everybody can do it consistently.

Still, I would like to know the readers' thoughts on this subject. I have an open mind either way, so I'm looking for someone to convince me.

Dice Control Techniques - Stanford Wong - Frank Scoblete - Does It Work?

Spring 2007 Blackjack Tournaments - Ultimate Blackjack Tour Events - Independent Blackjack Events

The success of the Ultimate Blackjack Tour on CBS has fuelled an interest in competitive blackjack. The pro circuit has a full spring schedule. In fact, it is so full, that two of the tournaments are on the same weekend. Here are the next four tournaments on the docket.

Ultimate Blackjack Tour Event - April 18 through 21

Palms Casino, Las Vegas

This is the inaugural U.S. event for the Ultimate Blackjack Tour. With the television coverage, fans should flock to this event. It should be the talk of Vegas on the weekend of April 20 and 21.

Players who reach the final table will appear on CBS coverage of the event. Sign up now. The entry fee is $2,700, so the jackpot should be huge.

$250,000 Blackjack Tournament - April 19 through 21

Horseshoe Casino, Tunica, Mississippi

The same weekend, a $250,000 event is being held in the deep south. Horseshoe Tunica is trying to keep up with Vegas, and this is the biggest blackjack event the Mississippi casino has ever held. It's nice to see they've recovered enough from Hurricane Katrina to host such a big event. The entry fee for this one is $1,000. If you're in the area and you think you're a blackjack master, you might consider taking a shot at the prize.

A Weeklong BlackJack Tournament - May 20 through 27, 2007

Cherokee Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma

This is a series of events with entry fees ranging between $100 to $300. If the four figure entry fees are a little too steep for you, these are tournaments that might be more in your range. This continues a string of Oklahoma tournaments organized by Eric Woods, the tournament director of this particular set of events. Approval of The Oklahoma State Gaming Board is still pending, so call ahead to confirm the games are still "on".

Ultimate Blackjack Tour Circuit Event - May 30, 2007

Spirit Mountain Casino, Grand Ronde, Oregon

Here is another low-priced tournament, this one from the Ultimate Blackjack Tour. You can qualify for the UBT with a $500 entry fee. There might be an additional nominal administrative fee at the site. With the famous brand name and smaller fees, the crowd should be huge for this one. That means the payoffs will be equally large.

Spring 2007 Blackjack Tournaments - Ultimate Blackjack Tour Events - Independent Blackjack Events

2007 World Series Bets - Bodog.Com - Major League Baseball Odds

With Barry Bonds only 21 home runs shy of Hank Aaron's career record of 755, 2007 looks to be a historic year for Major League Baseball. Opening day is only a week or so away and Bodog.com is taking bets on who will win the 2007 World Series.

I noticed that teams not named the Yankees and Red Sox are getting better odds than their counterparts in the NBA. That's because the season hasn't begun, so there are a lot more variables to the equation. Of course, that means that now is the time to place your wagers, because the return on your investment will be a lot better.

I find it amusing that the defending World Series Champ has worse odds than nine other teams. Am I forgetting something, or didn't the Cards beat the Tigers in five to win 2006 Series going away? Everybody seemed to think that was flukish at the time, but it's crazy that St. Louis is getting better ods than the Phillies. When was the last time the Phillies did anything?

As usual, the East Coast gets all the love. The Yanks and Red Sox are (as usual) the odds-on favorite to win the series. The Mets are next in line. Once again, I'll believe the Mets are a serious contender when I see it. Every year, they get touted. Every year, they disappoint.

Still, if you have one or two of those teams in the 9/1 to 13/1 odds range that you really like, I think that's where the value is. In the past five years, one of these level teams seems to come out of the pack just about every year. I think Boston and New York wear one another out in the regular season or something.

Here are the odds:

Boston Red Sox - 7/2
New York Yankees - 7/2
New York Mets - 8/1
Los Angeles Dodgers - 9/1
Chicago White Sox - 9/1
Detroit Tigers - 10/1
Los Angeles Angels - 10/1
Philadelphia Phillies - 11/1
Chicago Cubs - 12/1
Cleveland Indians - 13/1
St Louis Cardinals - 13/1
Atlanta Braves - 15/1
Minnesota Twins - 18/1
Milwaukee Brewers - 20/1
Oakland Athletics - 20/1
San Francisco Giants - 20/1
Toronto Blue Jays - 22/1
San Diego Padres - 25/1
Arizona Diamondbacks - 30/1
Cincinnati Reds - 35/1
Houston Astros - 40/1
Texas Rangers - 40/1
Florida Marlins - 50/1
Pittsburgh Pirates - 50/1
Seattle Mariners - 50/1
Colorado Rockies - 55/1
Baltimore Orioles - 80/1
Kansas City Royals - 90/1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays - 90/1
Washington Nationals - 100/1

2007 World Series Bets - Bodog.Com - Major League Baseball Odds

3 New Slots and Video Poker Games available at River Belle, The Gaming Club, Jackpot City, and Lucky Nugget online casinos

Belle Rock Entertainment has unleashed 3 exciting new games onto the world of online gambling. What's that? You've never heard of Belle Rock Entertainment? Well, then maybe you'll recognize these names - River Belle, Lucky Nugget, The Gaming Club, and Jackpot City.

You see, these exciting online casinos are all part of the Belle Rock Entertainment family.

First up is Hitman, a new online video slot that ties in with the famous PC game of the same name. You take on the role of a cold-blooded hitman who travels the world carrying out bloody assignments. With 5 reels and 15 paylines, there are plenty of ways to win. In addition, the game offers wilds, scatters, bonuses, free spins, and the all-new 3-reel expanding wild feature.

Next up is Double Double Bonus Power Poker. If you're a fan of video poker, then you're sure to love this one. The pay table is generous and there's even an extra 5 "Four-of-a-Kind" win combination to increase your chances of winning. The game runs off of the highly-regarded Viper software platform, meaning that players will have plenty of help via the game's assists and autoplay.

And last but not least, there's Cash 'n' Curry, a slot machine with a decidedly Hindu flair. The game centers around Indian cuisine, with various menu prices representing different bets and payouts. And if you're fortunate enough to reach the Curry Go Round jackpot, you could find yourself the lucky winner of 20,000 credits!

These games are all player-friendly and available for immediate play. Just head to any casino under the Belle Rock Entertainment banner and start winning. Good luck!

3 New Slots and Video Poker Games available at River Belle, The Gaming Club, Jackpot City, and Lucky Nugget online casinos

National Heads-Up Poker Championship to Air on NBC

The 3rd Annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship will soon begin its 7-episode run on NBC (beginning Sunday, April 8th at 12pm ET and running for 7 consecutive weeks). 64 of the world's best poker players will face each other in a single-elimination bracket format. One loss and you're gone, so there's very little room for error.

The players are a virtual who's who of the poker and celebrity poker worlds. Just a few of the players appearing are:

• Jennifer Tilly
  
• Phil Ivey
  
• Mike Matusow
  
• Jamie Gold
  
• Greg Raymer
  
• Gus Hansen
  
• Joe Hachem
  
• Johnny Chan
  
• Shannon Elizabeth
  
• Ted Forrest (last year's winner)
  
• Chris Ferguson (two-time runner-up)
  
• Daniel Negreanu
  
• Don Cheadle
  
• Gabe Kaplan

Players are divided into brackets designated as Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. The first three episodes of the show will feature the tense early rounds of the tournament. Some key match-ups to keep an eye on in the first round:

• Mike Matusow vs. Daniel Negreanu
  
• Jennifer Tilly vs. Jamie Gold
  
• Kristy Gazes vs. Clonie Gowen
  
• Joe Hachem vs. Chris Moneymaker
  
• Don Cheadle vs. Phil Ivey

The first three episodes are one hour long, while episodes 4 through 6 are two hours in length. The final episode (which will be shown on May 20th) clocks in at a massive 3-hours!

National Heads-Up Poker Championship to Air on NBC

Fund Your Online Gambling Account at Wal-Mart

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (screw you, Bill Frist) of 2006 has made it very difficult for American players to enjoy online gambling. More specifically, this law has made it increasingly difficult for prospective players to find a way in which to deposit money into their online accounts, especially since NETeller seems to be down for the count.

Because of this, numerous online casinos (including Paradise Poker, PartyPoker, Hollywood Poker, and Doyle's Room) have stopped accepting accounts from players in the United States. Luckily, there are still casinos which defiantly continue to accept American players. These include Bodog, PokerStars, Ultimate Bet, and Full Tilt Poker.

But how do you get money into your account (or, for that matter, receive your winnings)? Well, it looks as though a savior may have appeared in the form of a most unexpected source.

That's right. The evil corporate monstrosity known as Wal-Mart may have the answer to your gambling problems. More specifically, a service they provide known as MoneyGram.

Offered at all Wal-Mart locations, MoneyGram allows you to transfer funds all across the globe. To use the service, you'll need 2 forms of identification. You should also be prepared to pay a $9.95 per transaction fee. Still, it's well worth it if you're looking to put a few hundred bucks into the online casino of your choice.

I don't know the specifics for all the casinos, but here's how it works with PokerStars. First, you'll need to log on to the PokerStars site and request a MoneyGram deposit. Within a short time, they'll respond and provide you with all the information you'll need to complete the transaction.

After that, all you have to do is go to Wal-Mart and brave the flu-sufferers, non-English speakers, and evil corporate brainwashing tactics. It's that simple!

I'm certain that this will dry up eventually, but it's a great solution for the time being (at least until Wal-Mart gets wind of it and rains on our parade). And remember...you didn't hear about this from me.

Fund Your Online Gambling Account at Wal-Mart

Early Betting Odds for Super Bowl XLII

On February 3rd, 2008 the 42nd Super Bowl will be held at The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game will be televised on the FOX network.

While that may seem like a long time away, that's not going to stop fanatical football fans (count me among them) from discussing and even wagering on the possible outcome. In fact, the odds are so good on some of the teams that it's certainly tempting to drop some cash on one of the underdogs and cross your fingers.

Our friends at Bodog Sportsbook released their 2008 Super Bowl odds a while ago, and they continue to adjust them as the bets come in. But before you decide to drop your next house payment on your home team, keep in mind that there's a $600 max on these bets. Still, with odds like 50 to 1 and 100 to 1, that can add up to a nice chunk of change if you guess correctly.

Here are the current odds:

• Arizona Cardinals 35/1
  
• Atlanta Falcons 50/1
  
• Baltimore Ravens 15/1
  
• Buffalo Bills 50/1
  
• Carolina Panthers 20/1
  
• Chicago Bears 10/1
  
• Cincinnati Bengals 15/1
  
• Cleveland Browns 100/1
  
• Dallas Cowboys 15/1
  
• Denver Broncos 15/1
  
• Detroit Lions 100/1
  
• Green Bay Packers 50/1
  
• Houston Texans 100/1
  
• Indianapolis Colts 8/1
  
• Jacksonville Jaguars 30/1
  
• Kansas City Chiefs 30/1
  
• Miami Dolphins 40/1
  
• Minnesota Vikings 70/1
  
• New England Patriots 3/1
  
• New Orleans Saints 19/1
  
• New York Giants 20/1
  
• New York Jets 30/1
  
• Oakland Raiders 80/1
  
• Philadelphia Eagles 18/1
  
• Pittsburgh Steelers 18/1
  
• San Diego Chargers 6/1
  
• San Francisco 49ers 45/1
  
• Seattle Seahawks 12/1
  
• St. Louis Rams 55/1
  
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers 70/1
  
• Tennessee Titans 40/1
  
• Washington Redskins 50/1

While the Pats and Colts certainly deserve their high-ranking status on the odds, there are several teams (IMHO) which seem to be a bit overrated.

For example, look at the Bears at 10/1. They traded away their best running back, let their defensive coordinator go, and seemed very reluctant to give their head coach a raise after he took them to the freakin' Super Bowl. Personally, I feel like they'll be lucky to even make the playoffs this year.

Speaking of overrated, how the hell do the Jets come in at 30 to 1 odds?! I know they were better than expected last year, but they're still the Jets. Pennington is not nearly as good as advertised, and did I mention that they're the Jets? Broadway Joe is long gone (off somewhere looking to nail Suzy Kolber, no doubt).

As far as steals go, the Falcons might not be a bad bet at 50 to 1. Vick showed some improvement last year, they added Joe Horn to their receiving corps, and they have a top 10 pick in the draft. If their defense can play like it was supposed to last year, they could be a very strong contender.

I also like the Dolphins at 40 to 1. Their defense can still get it done, and they should have Daunte Culpepper back fully healthy this year. If not, they're likely to go with a free agent like David Carr (or they might trade for Trent Green). Ronnie Brown will b entering his third year, and Ricky Williams will be returning to lend his talents to their running back corps. They were a major letdown last year, but NFL teams often have a knack for hitting rock bottom and then bouncing right back to the top (unless you're the Raiders or the Browns, and then you stay right there at the bottom).

So what have you got to lose by throwing down 50 bucks or so on your favorite team? At 50 to 1 odds, that would come out to $2500 if you picked correctly. And if you're a fan of the Texans or Browns (both at 100 to 1), then you could really clean up. Then again, if you're a fan of one of those teams, you may have stopped watching television completely.

Early Betting Odds for Super Bowl XLII

Mayweather vs. De La Hoya

On May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the boxing world will witness a bout for the ages. On that night, undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. (37-0 with 24 KOs) will take on Oscar De La Hoya (38-4 with 30 KOs) for De La Hoya's WBC Junior Middleweight title.

Mayweather is considered by most to be the current best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He has won titles in 4 different weight divisions, including Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Super Lightweight, and Welterweight. And while he has rare combination of speed and power, some critics have accused him on not fighting the best in the business.

On the other hand, De La Hoya has fought the biggest names available and constantly seeks to showcase his talents against elite competition. He has held titles in 6 weight divisions and has only been stopped once in his professional career (a 9th round KO versus Bernard Hopkins). His most recent fight was a TKO victory in the 6th round over champion Ricardo Mayorga.

This figures to be one of the biggest money-making fights in history. In fact, many believe that it may wind up being the biggest pay-per-view in history. In case you're wondering, the current record is held by the 2002 Mike Tyson/Lennox Lewis fight, which brought in 2.03 million PPV buys.

De La Hoya will earn at least $25 million for the fight, while Mayweather will get at least $10 million. Both fighters will also receive a percentage of the PPV sales, so this will prove to be a highly profitable bout for both men.

One look at an online sportsbook like Bodog and you'll see that Mayweather is the favorite to win the bout. In late January, Mayweather was being bet at -220, while De La Hoya was a +155 underdog. In the early part of February, Mayweather dropped to -185, while De La Hoya stayed the same. On March 4th, Mayweather had risen back to -220, while De La Hoya once again held steady as the underdog. As of this writing, Mayweather is favored at -230, while De La Hoya is at +160.

The max bet you can make on this fight at Bodog is $2000, and both men must answer the opening bell for bets to be considered valid.

Mayweather has hinted that this might be his last fight. De La Hoya, on the other hand, has stated that he will fight again. Regardless of the outcome, this is a battle which will improve both men's status in the boxing world and pad their wallets beyond comprehension.

This is one that you don't want to miss.

Mayweather vs. De La Hoya

Neteller - U.S. Attorney's Office - Agreement Over Frozen Funds

NETeller has signed a deal with the U.S. Attorney's Office on a deal that will allow them to return frozen funds to NETeller customers. They hope to have the framework of that deal finalized in the next 75 days.

When Neteller executives were arrested for allegedly breaking the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, the government froze NETeller accounts as "evidence". This led many to wonder if the Attorney's Office wasn't being spiteful, since the paper trail of these accounts would be what was used in court, not the actual money in the accounts. The account fiasco has been the subject of much discussion with online gambling insiders.

On March 20, 2007, they signed deals with both the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The same day, a similar agreement was brokered with Navigant Consulting, a firm (which provides consultation for litigation) that is also involved in the case.

Hopefully, gamblers and affiliates can expect to see their funds in the next few months. A spokesman for NETeller reminds everyone that the agreement is to outline a payback plan within those 75 days. That means you should know to expect your money within the next 75 days, though the payback process might take a while longer.

Meanwhile, NETeller founders, Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, continue to face federal charges. Those charges allege they were involved in a "conspiracy to transfer funds with the intent to promote illegal gambling".

What a mess.

It's a shame so much legislative and law enforcement energy has been wasted to chase down internet entrepreneurs. That time might have gone to taking a terrorist or a pedophile off the street.

Neteller - U.S. Attorney's Office - Agreement Over Frozen Funds

Barney Frank Considers Repeal of Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act

Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank labeled the Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act as "preposterous". He's on record saying it was among the "stupidest" pieces of legislation he has ever seen. Representative Frank is now thinking about a bill that would repeal the act President Bush signed into law last October 13.

The original act was a surprise last-minute addition to the Safe Port Act. Though a ban on internet gambling had no chance of passing on its own merits, men like departing Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist, and Arizona Senator, John Kyl, included the provision with the safe port legislation. Few wanted to go on record opposing a bill that would keep American ports out of the hands of Arab companies, so congressmen on both sides of the aisle bit the bullet and passed the legislation.

Frist got what he wanted, which was a moralist feather in his cap for his proposed bid to win the 2008 Republican nomination for president. Loss of the 2006 midterms showed how unpopular Senator Frist's policies were, and he is now a political afterthought. But his actions have affected the entire online gambling industry.

Some reputable online casinos have stopped taking U.S. players. This cost some of these outfits nearly two-thirds of their customers. American players now have to dare to gamble. NETeller and other online bankers are running in fear.

Barney Frank proposes changing all of that. News from his office that he was considering this legislation brought investors back into the industry.

My hope is he attaches it to the tail end of popular piece of legislation, something which has nothing to do with gambling. You know, like a flag burning amendment or something. Then we can hear Republican lawmakers complain about the unfair and unreasonable practice of attaching pet bills to unrelated legislation. I already hear them complaining about pork spending on bills. What short memories people have.

If you want to encourage Congressman Frank to propose this legislation, here's a link to his website.

Barney Frank Considers Repeal of Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act

NBA Championship 2006-2007 - Bodog.com Wagers - Place Your Bets Here

With the NBA Playoffs just around the corner, now is time to start looking at playoff wagers. It's time for 40 Nights of Basketball on TNT and everything that implies. Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitski, Tim Duncan, Lebron, Kobe and the rest of the gang are about to get after it. Dwyane Wade will try to make his return from a shoulder injury to defend his title.

Bodog.com is offering props bets on which of the 29 NBA teams will win the 2006-07 NBA Championship.

The Mavs and Suns are the co-favorites to win the title this year. The San Antonio Spurs brings up third. The problem with all of these bets is these teams are in the same conference, so they will have to go through one another to even get to the title series.

Specifically, the Spurs and Suns are almost certain to play one another in the second round of the playoffs. The winner probably gets the Mavericks and then the winner of the East. So if you bet on the Spurs or the Suns, you are betting they win three straight series with close to a 50/50 chance to win. I think this significantly affects the chances of a title for both of these teams. It can be done; it just won't be easy.

The Pistons are a decent bet as the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. One of the Eastern teams will make it to the finals, so betting on the #1 team over there at greater odds is better than the third best Western team. Despite the conventional wisdom that the East is the weaker conference--and it no doubt is--the East has won two of the last three NBA titles. The third year went into the final two minutes of game seven. So if you are looking for a value pick, go for your favorite Eastern team.

I'm pretty sure the teams at 1000 to 1 are already eliminated. Don't waste your money.

The maximum bet is $600. Choose wisely. Just go to the NBA futures page at Bodog to place your bets.

• Dallas Mavericks - 2/1
• Phoenix Suns - 2/1
• San Antonio Spurs - 14/5
• Detroit Piston - 4/1
• Miami Heat - 8/1
• Chicago Bulls - 10/1
• Cleveland Cavaliers - 10/1
• Utah Jazz - 18/1
• Houston Rockets - 20/1
• Denver Nuggets - 30/1
• Los Angeles Lakers - 30/1
• Washington Wizards - 33/1
• Toronto Raptors - 35/1
• Golden State Warriors - 50/1
• New Jersey Nets - 65/1
• Los Angeles Clippers - 100/1
• New York Knicks - 100/1
• Indiana Pacers - 125/1
• New Orleans Hornets - 150/1
• Orlando Magic - 150/1
• Minnesota Timberwolves - 300/1
• Sacramento Kings - 600/1
• Philadelphia 76ers - 800/1
• Atlanta Hawks - 1000/1
• Boston Celtics - 1000/1
• Charlotte Bobcats - 1000/1
• Milwaukee Bucks - 1000/1
• Portland Trailblazers - 1000/1
• Seattle Supersonics - 1000/1

NBA Championship 2006-2007 - Bodog.com Wagers - Place Your Bets Here

NETeller PLC Withdraws From Canada and Turkey - Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act News

NETeller has announced withdrawal from online gambling activities in two more countries. One of these is negligable, while the other one is another serious blow for Neteller.

This action follows the suspension of activities in the United States after the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. In recent months, NETeller execs have been arrested and their U.S. funds have been frozen by the U.S. Justice Department. The DoJ claims the money will be used as "evidence".

Canada is a big defeat for Neteller. It is the home of the company, and the loss of these revenues will effect the profits for 2007. Though online gambling transactions are currently legal in Canada, a movement towards harsher gambling laws has forced Neteller to unilaterally suspend operations in that country.

Turkey is a minor subplot. That country passed laws against online gambling in February, 2007. NETeller didn't have a whole lot of volume in Turkey, though, so this hardly affects the bottom line.

For those Canadian and Turkish customers concerned about their accounts, you will be able to withdraw fund, effect peer-to-peer transfers and pre-paid debit transactions. It's probably time to close your NETeller account, though.

The company says this latest development will not affect employee jobs. In the wake of the U.S. setback, Neteller layed off dozens of employees in Canada and the UK just a few weeks ago. It looks like the salad days are over.

NETeller PLC Withdraws From Canada and Turkey - Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act News

March Madness Blackjack Tournament - 2007 Bookmaker

Bookmaker is sponsoring one of the biggest blackjack tournaments in history, the March Madness Final Four. The tournament features $30,000 in total prizes, making it one of the most lucrative tourneys in the history of the game. And more money almost always means more excitement, especially when it comes to gambling.

Tournament blackjack has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, thanks to televised blackjack tournaments like The Ultimate Blackjack Tour and the World Series of Blackjack. Online casino sites like Ultimate Bet and Get 21 are offering variations of the new "Elimination Blackjack" which is becoming more and more popular as a gambling alternative.

Strategy for tournament blackjack includes knowing how to play each hand, but it also includes elements of risk management and bet sizing. If you want to learn about tournament blackjack strategy, be sure to check out some of the following resources:

• The Blackjack Tournaments Forum
• Ken Smith's Blackjack Tournament Strategy Articles
• Elimination Blackjack Rules and Strategy

And if someone who found out about this March Madness Final Four tournament from here wins big, please be sure to send me some of your winnings as a thank you.

March Madness Blackjack Tournament - 2007 Bookmaker

Bet on The Sopranos at Bodog

The Sopranos returns to the airwaves on April 8, 2007, and for those of you who love to bet on just plain anything and everything, Bodog is taking wagers for who's going to get whacked in the final nine episodes. Not only can you bet on whether or not Tony Soprano gets whacked, you can also bet on who the first character to get executed will be. This is probably a much cooler bet than betting on whether or not that leg is going to fall off in the new season of Dancing With The Stars. (Tony is fictional after all, but that poor girl with one leg is the real thing...)

At the time of this writing, the odds on Tony Soprano getting whacked are Yes +225 and No -350. The max bet is $50 on this one.

The odds on which character will die first follow:

• Tony Soprano 9/1


• Carmela Soprano 15/1


• Christopher Moltisanti 3/1


• Dr. Jennifer Melfi 7/1


• Janice Soprano 10/1


• Silvio "Sil" Dante 8/1


• Corrado "Junior" Soprano 3/1


• Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri 4/1


• Meadow Mariangela Soprano 14/1


• Anthony "A.J." Soprano, Jr.) 13/1


• Vince Curatola 2/1


• Frank Vincent 6/1

The max bet on this one is also $50, and keep in mind that those odds can change anytime.

You can get the schedule for the final Sopranos episodes here. You can also read more about the show on the Wikipedia.

Bet on The Sopranos at Bodog

First Post

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