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RUGBY LEAGUE Markets down on Brisbane controversy 10:36 Monday 15 September	Centrebet has suspended all NRL premiership betting after police began an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving three Brisbane Broncos players on Saturday night. Centrebet media chief Neil Evans said the entire NRL season could swing on the Broncos-Storm blockbuster this weekend, so the market was taken down until police completed investigations into an incident in the toilet of a Fortitude Valley venue on Saturday night. At the time, the Storm had lost favouritism for the first time this season, at one stage out to 3.15 behind new premiership favourite Manly (2.85) before a flurry of money late last night pushed the Storm back in to 2.90. More
RUGBY LEAGUE Manly take over NRL favouritism 19:47 Sunday 14 September	Manly are the new NRL Premiership favourites after the Warriors created history in becoming the first 8th placed team to defeat the minor premiers in the first week of the semi finals. Melbourne have lost the favourites tag for the first time since markets were posted on the 2008 title in late 2007. Manly are now 2.85 and earned the week off after defeating St George Illawarra last night and will now meet the winner of Warriors and Sydney Roosters to earn a place in the 2008 Grand Final. Melbourne drifted from 1.85 to 3.25 and must now defeat Brisbane, in Brisbane on Saturday night to then meet Cronulla the following week. TAB Sportsbet's 2008 NRL Premiership market is: Manly 2.85, Melbourne 3.25, Brisbane 5.00, Cronulla 6.50, Warriors 11.00, Sydney Roosters 21.00.
AUSSIE RULES Dogs backed 15:10 Friday 12 September	TAB Sportsbet has this afternoon accepted a $70,000 wager on the Western Bulldogs at 1.72 in their clash against Sydney tonight. Overall support for both sides was steady but with this bet the Bulldogs have firmed into 1.60 with Sydney drifting to 2.30. This bet was quickly followed by another of $8000 at 1.65.
POLITICS Turnbull favoured to lead 15:11 Thursday 11 September	Following Peter Costello�s decision to remain a backbencher Lasseters has Malcolm Turnbull as a hot favourite to be the federal Liberal leader by the end of 2008. �There�ll be denials from within the party but you can bet Malcolm Turnbull will be working the phones to see if he has the numbers to take over,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy. �We can�t officially scratch Peter Costello�s name until the day he walks out the doors of Parliament House for the final time, but Mr Nelson�s days appear numbered.� Daffy added. Lasseters has Mr Turnbull as 1.40 to be the leader of the Coalition on January 1, 2009 with Dr Nelson next in line at 2.75. Outsiders include Julie Bishop, Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey.
HORSE RACING Wide open market for Manikato 17:06 Wednesday 10 September	Here De Angels and Kaphero share favouritism in the first market issued today by Betstar for Australia�s first Group One of the new season � Saturday�s Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. The proven Moonee Valley winners share the top line of betting at $5.50 in a very wide open betting affair. Betstar's racing manager Michael Horne said the market for the race was extremely tough to frame. �It�s very difficult to find a favourite,� Horne said. �It�s one of the toughest I�ve had to frame for a Group One for some time.� Horne said the expected firm track helped promote some runners, while wide barriers saw the chances of others lessen. �Kaphero, who is racing so well, is a query at the 1200 metres in this class,� Horne said. �I�m expecting Here De Angels to improve back on top of the ground.� �Absolut Glam is the smoky. She is drawn perfectly and you can tie in the form through Bel Mer � who has drawn the car park in the Manikato.� �The emergencies Red Element and Sunburnt Land both have winning chances if they get a run.�
GENERAL Another rate cut favoured 20:17 Tuesday 2 September	On the back of today�s decision by the Reserve Bank to cut official interest rates for the first time in almost seven years, Lasseters has opened a market for next month's decision. �We had a huge response to our market and punters were on the money, backing the cut of a quarter of a percent from $1.50 into $1.15 ahead of today�s announcement,� Lasseters boss Gerard Daffy said. Looking ahead, Lasseters has installed another cut of 25 basis points by the RBA in October as its 1.30 favourite (Centrebet go 1.22), falling in line with economic forecasters predicting a further decrease. �I�m expecting a similar response from punters ahead of next month�s decision but I think the RBA may exercise caution, so the value may be in rates staying the same,� Daffy added.
FOOTBALL Storm and Cats set to belt bookies.. again 17:52 Tuesday 19 August	Melbourne (NRL) and Geelong (AFL) are on the verge of putting the cleaners through bookies for a second straight season with both odds-on to win their respective competitions. �I�ve been in this caper for a long time and I can�t remember when the same two teams have been favourites for almost two complete seasons,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy. The Cats are a red-hot 1.45 to win the AFL flag which is the shortest price for a team with two rounds left of the regular season. The Storm are priced at 1.90 to win the NRL title. �In both competitions the Cats and Storm have managed to fight off a few challengers during the season and I reckon they�ll find another gear come finals time,� Daffy added.
FOOTBALL Pinnacle Sports get even more competitive 14:03 Sunday 17 August	Pinnacle Sports are on a mission to give soccer punters the best odds anywhere on the planet, launching 101% Asian Handicaps, as part of the Pinnacle Price Advantage (PPA) - their new concept in soccer betting. Every Friday at 1pm (GMT), Asian Handicaps will be priced to just 101.23%, total goals to under 101.96% and Threeways (1X2) to 102%. Prices at this level will be available for the English Premier League and German Bundesliga 1. This promotion will be repeated every Friday, and will apply to Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga, when those divisions start later next month. The PPA reduced margins will also be available 8 hours before kick-off of midweek fixtures from the featured leagues, and the UEFA Champions League.
TENNIS Historic final produces record turnover 14:05 Monday 7 July	Rafael Nadal's dramatic Wimbledon final has smashed all tennis turnover records with betting exchange Betfair. By the end of the four hour, 48 minute hour marathon, �49,137,328 (AUD$101 million) was traded on the match odds market alone - most of it while the match was in progress. This is believed to represent a record volume for any single event traded at Betfair. The previous record was �35m for an Ashes Test in 2005, where trading levels were high while �30m was traded on last year's Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal. Overall Betfair turnover on Wimbledon was in excess of AUD$1.2billion, up from $943million last year. In the see-sawing classic, Nadal traded at 1.13 when a break up in the third set and 1.07 in the fourth when holding an advantage in the tie-break. He started the game as the 2.36 underdog with the Swiss world number one the 1.71 favourite. Those odds were nearly replicated at the opening of the fifth set, with Federer 1.78, Nadal 2.26.
GENERAL TAB passes $1 Billion 15:45 Thursday 26 June	TAB Sportsbet today announced that it had achieved AUD$1 billion in annual sales across Australia for the first time. TABCORP operate TAB Sportsbet on behalf of all Australian TABs, offering Fixed odds sports betting products in more than 4,000 outlets across Australia, as well as through telephone and online betting. For the the biggest single events in 2007/08 and the most popular sports for TAB customers, see below. BIGGEST EVENTS BY SALES (2007/08): 2007 AFL Grand Final $8.4 million; 2007 Emirates Melbourne Cup (fixed odds) $7.1 million; 2007 NRL Grand Final $6.0 million; 2008 State of Origin � Game 1 $3.9 million. SPORTS BY SALES (2007/08 to June 16): Soccer $164.4 million; Rugby League $155.6 million; AFL $142.1 million; Cross Sport $122.7 million; Tennis $107.5 million; Thoroughbred Racing (fixed odds) $97.7 million; Basketball $73.1 million; Cricket $36.2 million; Rugby Union $25.7 million; Golf $17.9 million.
RUGBY LEAGUE Sharks go for a betting 'Bird' bath 21:18 Monday 25 August	Lasseters Sportsbook reports Cronulla has drifted in betting to win the NRL premiership this afternoon following the Sharks� decision to stand down international Greg Bird indefinitely. Despite defeating rivals, the Sydney Roosters 20-nil over the weekend and wrapping up a top four berth Cronulla�s price is at 15.00 (out from 12.00) following developments today. �We haven�t seen a dime for the Sharks all year and now with Bird unlikely to play again this season, they�ll be friendless in the lead up to the finals,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy. Melbourne remains odds-on (1.75) to win back-to-back premierships.
AUSSIE RULES Saints backed for $100K 12:45 Monday 25 August	TAB Sportsbet opened its markets on AFL Round 22 today and within two minutes a customer placed $100,000 on St Kilda at 1.15 to defeat Essendon in the final match of the regular season on Sunday. The Saints are now into 1.12 with Essendon out to 5.25. Premiership favourites Geelong have been posted at an all-time record short quote of 1.01 for their match against West Coast on Saturday.
OLYMPICS Huge turnover on games 15:22 Thursday 14 August	Turnover on Olympic betting has exceeded all expectations according to Centrebet's Neil Evans. "So far, we have turned over an incredible near $8 million - with around $1.7 million being traded just in live betting," Evans said. A VIP punter today missed out on winning over $50,000 after plonking nearly $100,000 on Eamon Sullivan to win gold in the 100m freestyle at 1.53. Sullivan was piped by second favourite Alain Bernard. Meanwhile, a bold Sydney punter wagered nearly $100,000 on the US Dream Team to win a basketball group match at the price of 1.002 (1/500)! He won $178 for putting a near $100k on the line, but, of course, the result was never in doubt.
RUGBY LEAGUE Dogs new spoon faves 13:34 Wednesday 13 August	Lasseters Sportsbook reports the Bulldogs are the new favourites (1.40) to take out the NRL wooden spoon following their weekend loss against fellow battlers North Queensland. �With Thurston back for the Cowboys and a winnable game against the Titans coming up this weekend I think the spoon will be on its way to Belmore,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy. The Bulldogs are the fourth favourite this season to �win� the spoon after Canberra, Souths and North Queensland. Meantime, Melbourne is 2.10 to win a second straight NRL title. Lasseters is also still taking bets on whether or not runaway Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams will fulfil his dream of representing the All Blacks at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
OLYMPICS Soccer gold a race in two 11:43 Thursday 31 July	A TAB Sportsbet customer believes that Argentina are good things to take the Gold Medal in the Mens Soccer competition starting Sunday August 10th. The regular sports punter placed $40,000 on the Argentina side at the odds of 3.25 standing to collect $130,000 if they are successful. Betting on the Soccer Gold Medal has been strong with another bet of $16,000 on Brazil at 4.00 so it looks already that people are narrowing the competition down to the top two sides. Such is the domination of these two teams that only just over $500 has been placed on all of the other 14 sides taking part and Australia are responsible for $200 of that. Check back to OnThePunt* from next Friday and every day throughout the Beijing Olympics as our guru offers up a daily best bet.
RUGBY LEAGUE TAB customers spend up 16:29 Wednesday 13 August	TAB Sportsbet customers just seem to love Wednesday's, the day that NRL markets are opened. In under 3 hours of business this afternoon just over $200,000 has been invested on Round 23 of the NRL. Most popular side has been the in form Newcastle in their match against Canberra on Sunday with bets of $20,000 at 2.50 to win the match along with a string of wagers at the +5.5 point line including one of $50,000 at 1.90. Warriors are very popular at home on Saturday against Cronulla with bets to win the match of $28,000 and $13,000 at 1.70 as well as $15,000 and $11,000 at 1.90 in the -2.5 point line market. Sydney Roosters have been backed to bounce back after last week's loss to Parramatta and they receive a healthy +14.5 point line from Melbourne on Friday night. Bets of $15000, $11000 and $10000 at 1.90 came before $10000 and $5000 at 1.85. The only other match to have some early betting is the Nth Qld v Gold Coast affair with one bet of $11,000 at 1.90 on the Cowboys -7.5 but I'm sure punters are waiting to see whether Jonathan Thurston and Scott Prince will both, either or neither will play.
OLYMPICS Punters spend up on Games 20:53 Sunday 10 August	TAB Sportsbet customers have embraced the Games by investing over $2m in the first four days of competition. Media manager Glenn Munsie reports: "we have already achieved approx 15% of our total budget for the Games and there has really only been 2 full days of competition. The interest is phenomenal. Betting on individual events has surpassed our expectations with customers willing to invest on all of them. There has been Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball matches for instance that have held over $200,000 in each match and even tonight a customer had $70,000 on Argentina to defeat Australia in the Soccer at 1.25. All we have to do now is get some results, although Stephanie Rice was on of our better ones today when she took Australia's 1st Gold in the 400 IM."
OLYMPICS Betting hots up ahead of Beijing 18:43 Tuesday 29 July	Swedish punters with Centrebet have plunged into a little-known Dutch swimmer to upset Australia�s golden girl Libby Trickett in the final of the women�s 50m freestyle at the Beijing Olympic Games. Centrebet media chief Neil Evans said the equivalent of nearly $5,000 AUD in SEK currency had arrived for the Netherlands� Marleen Veldhuis from 5.50 down. She is now quoted at 4.25 to take the gold medal, with one punter outlaying the equivalent of $2,000. Under-pressure Trickett remains the easing 1.50 favourite. Trickett has also drifted from 1.33 to 1.42 in the 100m freestyle, after African-born Brisbane schoolgirl Cate Campbell was backed from 5.50 into 5.00, including a near $1,000 stake from Sydney�s east. More
TENNIS Federer shocked in Toronto 11:55 Thursday 24 July	Roger Federer has followed up his agonizing Wimbledon defeat with a shock loss in his first match at the Toronto Masters. He was playing Giles Simon, who was fresh off the Indianapolis title last week yet available at as much as 23/1 before the match. But after Federer raced away with the first set 6-2, he was all the way out to 79/1 ($33 matched) on Betfair. At the same time, $129,000 was traded on Federer at the minimum 1.01 and a staggering $2.178 million between 1.01 and 1.05. Federer, who was undefeated in Toronto having won the title in 2004 and '06, was twice up a break in the final set and even had a point to go up 4-1, but it was all Simon from there on. The world number one, who amassed no less than 51 unforced errors, faces losing his number one ranking next week in Cincinnati.
AUSSIE RULES Cats set to pounce on Hawks 19:45 Tuesday 22 July	Raging odds-on AFL Premiership favourite's Geelong are a best-priced 1.45 (Sportsbet) to beat Hawthorn in Friday night's blockbuster. This is in contrast to the 1.80 being offered in June when the Hawks form looked decidedly more impressive that what they showed in a loss to St Kilda last week. Hawthorn were just 2.00 to win the fixture five weeks ago but now go into the match at 3.00 (TAB Sportsbet & Domebet). "We took several thousand straight away on the Cats late yesterday and again this morning, including one stake of $3,000 from a Melbourne punter - all at 1.40. My how some of those Geelong backers must have wished they got on at 1.80 when the price was there," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "In the last month, the Cats have put their foot down and reminded everyone they are far and away the team to get past - and have stormed into a raging 1.72 premiership favourite."
GOLF Open Update 23:04 Tuesday 15 July	Tiger Woods absence from the year's third golf major means it is 12/1 the field for the 2008 British Open starting Thursday. Sergio Garcia is the man punters have made favourite at 12/1 with Betfair. Ernie Els is on the second line at 16/1 with Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood (both 19/1) also looking to take advantage of Woods injury-enforced layoff. Defending champion Padraig Harrington currently trades at 29/1. Speaking of the Irish, bookmakers Paddy Power and BoyleSports are offering a very attractive incentive for the Open - they are paying out on seven places (unlike the 4 or 5 at most Australian bookies). Meanwhile, the big punters at TAB Sportsbet are backing the following: $20,000 @ $1.85 ON GOOSEN V CABRERA HD X HD $20,000 @ $1.90 ON KARLSSON V CINK HD X HD $20,000 @ $1.93 ON KIM V ROMERO HD X HD $6,000 @ $1.90 ON ELS V MICKELSON HD XHD $5,000 @ $2.10 ON ADAM SCOTT WIN ROUND 1 3-BALL $6,000 @ $19 ON LEE WESTWOOD WIN $3,000 @ $11 ON SERGIO GARCIA WIN $2,000 @ $151 ON FREDERIK JACOBSEN $2,000 @ $67 ON ANDRES ROMERO WIN $2,000 @ $67 ON JUSTIN LEONARD WIN $2,000 @ $67 ON HUNTER MAHAN WIN $2,000 @ $31 FREDERIK JACOBSEN FINISH TOP 5 $1,500 @ $101 ON GRAEME MCDOWELL WIN
CYCLING Evans in the red after taking Yellow 18:05 Tuesday 15 July	Lasseters Sportsbook report that Australia�s Cadel Evans has shortened as favourite to win the 2008 Tour De France after claiming the leader�s yellow jersey following the tenth stage. Evans, the 3.25 pre-event favourite is now at the odds-on quote of 1.70 to become the first Australian ever to win the world�s most prestigious and gruelling road cycling race. �People in Australia fail to understand what an achievement it is to have an Aussie leading this event,� says Gerard Daffy. �Punters from all around the world want to back our boy.� Lasseters is offering punters the chance to win big on this year�s Tour with a trip to France up for grabs. Just place a minimum $20 bet on any of the 21 stages for your chance to win.
RUGBY LEAGUE $190K bet at TAB 15:35 Friday 11 July	A TAB Sportsbet customer has placed a $190,000 Multi on Sydney Roosters, Brisbane and Melbourne all being successful in their respective NRL Round 18 matches at the odds of 1.53. Sydney Roosters meet Gold Coast tonight at the SFS with Brisbane hosting Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. Melbourne travel to Campelltown Stadium on Monday night to play Wests Tigers. If all 3 teams win the customer will collect $290,700 a total win of $100,700 on his/her investment. Only last week a TAB Sportsbet customer had $150,000 on the Manly/Melbourne Multi to collect $220,500.
GENERAL Firms launch legal action against NSW 17:55 Thursday 10 July From Betfair	Betfair and Sportingbet Australia today issued proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia challenging the validity of laws in NSW that prevent interstate licensed wagering companies from advertising in the State. �We believe the laws are protectionist. What�s more, they�re depriving racing clubs and other stakeholders of a natural revenue stream in the form of advertising and sponsorship,� said Andrew Twaits, Betfair�s Director of Corporate and Business Affairs. Michael Sullivan, CEO of Sportingbet Australia agreed. �We believe this legislation is fundamentally flawed and it contradicts the spirit of business in Australia by restricting fair and open trade between the states,� he said. �At a fundamental grass roots level, the NSW advertising ban against interstate wagering operators stops the punter from seeing the full picture,� said Mr Sullivan. The NSW government is, for the first time, asking all interstate TABs, bookmakers and betting exchanges to pay for the right to cover NSW racing. More
RUGBY LEAGUE Origin breaks turnover records 13:57 Thursday 3 July	TAB Sportsbet reports that Origin 3 broke all records last night. A total of $4.46m was invested on the match by TAB Sportsbet customers beating the old record of $3.99m held in Game 1 of the 2008 series. The 2008 series held a total of $12.1m which was a staggering increase of 34.5% on 2007. The sales growth across the 2008 series is 26% NSW, 78% Vic & 40% Interstate. Ticket growth is 27% NSW and 61% Vic. The most significant market increases from Game 2 were Channel 9 Man of the Match up 25% and 1st score type up 68%. In the two hours leading up to kick-off last night TAB Sportsbet customers invested just over $2m. The larger bets included $55,000 at 1.90 on Queensland -3.5 and 2x $50,000 at 1.65 on Queensland to win. Meanwhile, Lasseters have installed Queensland as a 1.55 favourite to win the 2009 State of Origin series following its third consecutive series victory last night at ANZ Stadium. �The Blues have lost their heart and soul in Danny Buderus, while the Maroons look to be creating a dynasty given their impressive young backline,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy.
TENNIS Muzza in SW19 marathon 15:43 Tuesday 1 July	A staggering �24.5 million (AUD$51.2 million) was traded with Betfair as Scot Andy Murray staged a remarkable Fourth Round Wimbledon comeback against Richard Gasquet. With the Frenchman serving for the match at 5-4 in the 3rd set, he traded at 1.01 (�23K) and 1.02 huge (�890K) with Murray out to 74/1 and 499/1 the tournament. After completing the five-set rescue, Muzza trades at just 24.00, behind Federer (1.81) and Nadal (2.86).
RUGBY LEAGUE Cowboys new Spoon faves 16:16 Tuesday 24 June	Nth Queensland are the new TAB Sportsbet favourites for the NRL 2008 Wooden Spoon following their 8th successive defeat at the hands of Melbourne on Saturday night and Souths win over the Gold Coast last night. The Cowboys, who opened on the 2nd line of betting at 8.00 to win the Premiership now find themselves at 2.10 to take the spoon this year. They actually went up at 41.00 at the start of the season for the spoon before drifting to a best price of 81.00 and then started tumbling in over the last 5 weeks. It doesn't look like getting any better for the team as they will meet Souths, at Dairy Farmers Stadium, on Saturday night and will go into the match as outsiders. Souths defeated them 28-24 back in round 8 this year. The Bunnies also defeated them on both occasions in 2007.
BOXING Fenech to finally avenge defeat 16:12 Tuesday 24 June	Betting agency Lasseters Sportsbook has Jeff Fenech as a 1.45 favourite to avenge his 1992 defeat against Azumah Nelson (2.65) in tonight�s non-title fight in Melbourne. �Poor old Azumah looks about as fit as me, so I suspect it�s nothing more than a free holiday and a top up for his retirement fund,� says Lasseters� chief bookmaker Gerard Daffy. �We installed Fenech as a 2.10 outsider six weeks ago but after the unflattering photos released of Azumah, not one dollar has been bet on the Ghanaian former world champ.� The rivalry between the two great fighters re-ignites following a controversial draw in 1991 in Las Vegas and Nelson�s eighth round knock-out victory over Fenech in Melbourne in 1992.
FOOTBALL Another shock at Euro 08 17:56 Saturday 21 June	More than �140,000 was wagered on Croatia to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 at odds of 1.01 (1-100) on Betfair last night before a dramatic last minute comeback by opponents Turkey. With seconds to go Croatia appeared to have made it to the last four courtesy of an Ivan Klasnic headed �decider�. At that point Turkey were backed at an enormous 130.00 (129/1) on the exchange to go through to the semis but a deflected Semih shot somehow found its way to the back of the net with the whistle poised between the referee�s lips. The extra-time draw was also backed at 130.00 for �157. Turkey then went on to take the ensuing penalty shootout as a host of Croatian players missed the target. There are now a handful of Betfair customers sitting on bets at odds of 1000.00 (999-1) for Turkey to win the competition. The Turkish face Germany next and are currently 14.00 (13-1) to lift the trophy.
HORSE RACING Betfair shoppers get better price 17:32 Wednesday 18 June	Australian punters got the better of their international counterparts overnight when backing Haradasun at 6.00 on Betfair�s betting exchange to win the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. The price represented nearly 100% better value than what was available with Australian TABs. After losing his position mid-race, Haradasun was matched on Betfair at a staggering 54/1 on Betfair�s in-running market. A total of over $5 million was matched on the race. More
FOOTBALL Turkey fight back 13:17 Monday 16 June	Turkey produced a thrilling fight back to beat Czech Republic and qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. Betfair report on the in-running betting: Czechs are backed at a low of 1-50 on Betfair at 2-0 up (�304k matched at 1-33 alone) in the second half; Turkey drift to 289-1 (�55 matched at that price) on Betfair and draw to 41-1; At this stage, the Czechs were backed at 1-100 on Betfair to qualify from the group, and Turkey matched at 89-1 to go through; Turkey pull a goal back on 75 minutes Cech makes a mistake and Turkey equalize on 87 minutes courtesy of Nihat; The draw is backed at 1-10 on Betfair; Nihat scores the winner on 89 minutes; The correct score of 3-2 Turkey was matched at 279-1 (�17 matched at top price alone).
AUSSIE RULES Buddy sends markets into turmoil 21:36 Saturday 14 June	Hawthorn forward Lance "Buddy" Franklin has sent AFL futures markets into a spin tonight after he was reported for striking Adelaide's Michael Doughty. He was well in contention for the Brownlow and a short-priced favourite to win the Coleman medal for the league's leading goal kicker. Alan Eskander's Betstar bet 1.90 on whether Franklin will or wont be suspended.
FOOTBALL Euro 2008 sets trading records 15:19 Saturday 14 June	Betfair report that Thursday's match between Germany and Croatia saw an unbelievable �22,948,364.46 traded on the 90-minute market alone. That made it the biggest football match in Betfair�s eight-year history, by some distance. The previous biggest football match odds market on the exchange was the Argentina-Mexico game in the 2006 World Cup, which saw �21,238,326.48 in traded volume. More
FOOTBALL Asian punters lose big on Euro 2008 03:17 Wednesday 11 June	Punters in gambling-mad Asia have been the big losers over the first three days of Euro 2008, according to figures released by Betfair. They may not be represented in the tournament, but account holders from the UK and Ireland are �2million pounds in profit on Betfair's Euro 2008 markets. World Cup champs Italy have taken their home supporters down with their team. Home fans of The Azzurri are down ��million after Italy's 3-0 loss to the Dutch. According to the report, "Betfair punters from the rest of the world are also showing a lack of knowledge about European football, down almost �2million, with Asia performing particularly badly". More
RUGBY LEAGUE QLD tipped to level series 13:54 Tuesday 10 June	Punters have not been swayed by Darren Lockyer�s injury-enforced absence from the second State of Origin clash tomorrow night continuing to pile into Qld to square the series, believing the new-look Scott Prince-Jonathan Thurston combination will fire at home. Centrebet's Neil Evans said a surge of money had arrived today for the Maroons at 1.62 to hit back at Suncorp, including several bets at $10,000 from both sides of the border. �Bet numbers for NSW are rivalling Queensland, but all the big-money interest is on the home side. Even without Lockyer, they�ll be very hard to beat, and some of the �smartest� punters in the land are on them for a fortune." More
AUSSIE RULES Buddy to get close to ton 18:45 Thursday 5 June	With Hawthorn forward Lance "Buddy" Franklin in the news this week for all the wrong reasons, Eskander's Betstar have decided to put a "positive" spin on the issue. The NT-based bookie has framed a market on how many goals Franklin will kick in the 2008 Home and Away Season. A bag of 100+ goals sits at 3.50 while a 1.90 line has been framed at 94.5 goals.
RUGBY LEAGUE Dell 7/4 to score on Dragons Debut 15:27 Wednesday 4 June	Lasseters Sportsbook has opened a number of specials to celebrate Wendell Sailor�s much awaited return to the NRL with St George Illawarra. �There�s plenty of interest on both sides of the border on how Wendell goes in his return to the game, especially since it�s against his old club,� says Lasseters� chief Gerard Daffy. Lasseters has Sailor at 2.75 to score a try against Brisbane on Friday night. Punters can also bet on how many tries he�ll score this season as well as how many matches he�ll play. The Dragons are listed at 1.33 to topple the Broncos minus its Origin stars in the Round 13 encounter at WIN Stadium. Lasseters has �Big Dell� at 7.00 to return to the Origin arena. To score against Brisbane in Round 13: 2.75 Will score 1.40; Won�t score Total NRL games played 2008 (regular season): 1.70 Under 9�; 2.05 Over 9�
TENNIS Nalbandian blows it again! 22:24 Thursday 29 May	A David Nalbandian collapse has dished up the first 1.01 (1/100) shot to lose at this year's French Open. The fragile Argentine led two sets to love at 6-3 6-4 when those offering 1.01 on betting exchange Betfair were duly matched by layers to the tune of $280,000. A staggering $1.18 million was matched between 1.01 and 1.10. At the same time, Frenchman Jeremy Chardy traded at a best 120.00 (119/1). Nalbandian lost the last three sets 6-2 6-1 6-2 to give some backers a nightmare result.
AUSSIE RULES Undefeated Hawks edge towards title favouritism 23:35 Sunday 25 May	Unbeaten Hawthorn has nearly drawn level with flag favourite Geelong at the top of the market with Centrebet after a spectacular shock round of AFL action. Centrebet media chief Neil Evans said the Hawks, who struggled all day to get past lowly Melbourne, is the only team left with the perfect 36 points, and has shortened from 3.20 into 2.85 to win the Premiership, with the Cats drifting alarmingly from 2.20 to 2.65 after the shock 86-point collapse to Collingwood on Friday night. More
GENERAL Friday Briefs 10:35 Friday 23 May	On the back of news that Tabcorp are seeking a NT-licence to start up their own internet-phone operation, two more Victorian bookies have bitten the dust or reduced their operations. Kathryn Read told her clients that she has suspended trading of Readbet "due to the lack of promised bookmaking reforms being implemented by the Victorian regulators". Meanwhile, Rod Cleary has dumped sport from his Vicbet operation and is now back to racing only. Racing Victoria Ltd yesterday slashed its staff by 20%, involving 35 jobs, in a $6 million cost-cutting exercise. Lasseters are tipping Russia (5/2) for Eurovision glory ahead of this weekend's final in Belgrade. �It�s rare for an outsider to come up trumps in this competition and based on my experience the winner will generally come from one of the top half dozen in the market,� boss Gerard Daffy said. Irish firm Paddy Power were hit with their biggest ever money-back refund this week when they pledged to refund losing bets on the Champions League final if Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net anytime over the 90 minutes. The bookie refunded AUD$2.5 million in wagers.
RUGBY LEAGUE Origin Man of Match questioned 19:09 Thursday 22 May OTP Editor	The annual State of Origin rugby league series always proves a hit with punters - but the winner of Game One's "Channel Nine Man of the Match" had some punters and bookies scratching their heads. NSW five-eighth Greg Bird (10/1) got the nod ahead of the likes of Gasnier, Wallace, Cooper and Fitzgibbon. The Australian selectors vote for the man of the match award. Fair enough some might say, its the opinion of four blokes who have had a bit to do with Rugby League over their time and it is just that - an opinion. But here's the stinger. Within the betting industry, the Channel Nine Man of Match award has a bit of a reputation for being a touch on "dodgy" side over the years. And now we find out that several bookies laid three players before the jump - all to significantly high wagers. The players were Buderus, Hodges and Greg Bird. At least one bookmaker is believed to be seeking clarification from authorities citing integrity concerns and is refusing to pay out on the market. The Australian selectors voting on the award were Bob Fulton and Bob McCarthy from NSW and Les Geeves and Des Morris from Queensland. "What Greg Bird did shows he can handle pressure on a consistent basis," Fulton said after the match. Fellow selector Bob McCarthy agreed: "Greg Bird is made for Origin." Bird didn't rate a mention in the best five of many pundits, but of course it's just an opinion!
RUGBY LEAGUE TAB break Origin betting records 17:54 Thursday 22 May	TAB Sportsbet held a record $3.99m on Origin game One - a 20% increase on 2007. NSW sales were up 17% on Game 1 last year, Victoria up 27%. First Try-scorer betting was up 39% on last year with Anthony Quinn collecting at 13/1. NSW customers placed 102,767 individual bets on last nights game which represented a 21% increase on last year. Largest bet was $50,000 on Queensland at 1.75. Interest was strong at half time with NSW firming from 1.45 into 1.42. Biggest bet line taken was $22,500 at 1.90 on NSW -5.5. In total over $100,000 was taken at half time in head to head and line betting.
GENERAL TAB goes to NT for new online licence 16:41 Tuesday 20 May	TABCORP (TAB Sportsbet) has sent a shudder through State governments in Australia today after announcing plans to apply for a Northern Territory sports wagering licence. Victoria and New South Wales governments have often been accused of being archaic with their regulatory measures placed on bookmakers. Several operators have gained licences in the Northern Territory to avoid restrictions placed on what they can and cant bet on and to reduce taxes. Now that the biggest operator has taken the step of running a stand alone online/phone business out of NT, state ministers are expected heed the wake up call and act fast to protect their tax incomes.
TENNIS Corruption report lands 12:13 Tuesday 20 May	The long-awaited report in possible corruption in tennis has been handed down - and it must be said the findings are mixed. On one hand the authors of the report suggest that tennis is "neither systematically nor institutionally corrupt" but on the other hand, they have found that 45 matches need "further review" and that tennis is "potentially at a crossroads". They go on to say that the intelligence available "indicates that there is sufficient cause for concern about the integrity of some players and those outside tennis who seek to corrupt them". When it came to examining Betfair account holders, they said the following: "Patterns of suspected betting activity have been noted on 27 accounts in two different countries and there are emerging concerns about some players which would warrant further attention". An appendix in the report also reveals, that in excess of �1.6 billion was matched on the Grand Slam events in 2007 with betting exchange Betfair. Tennis Tennis betting inquiry picks out 45 suspect.. Suspect betting patterns are linked to 45 tennis.. Review of Integrity in Professional Tennis (PDF Report)
RUGBY LEAGUE Cashed up NRL punters splurge $200K in 20 minutes 15:34 Wednesday 14 May	Cashed up TAB Sportsbet have bet up on NRL Round 10 matches for this weekend by investing over $200,000 in a 20 minute betting frenzy this afternoon. A total of 4 matches have been the focus of all attention with Parramatta v Sydney Roosters, Cronulla v Brisbane, Manly v Nth Qld and St George Illawarra v Melbourne taking all the early investments. First match on the hit list was Cronulla v Brisbane with bets of $30,000 at 1.65 on the Sharks quickly followed by another of $15,000 at 1.60 then bets on the -3.5 line of $6,000 at 1.90, $10,000 at 1.85 and $10,000 at 1.80. Manly were popular in their match against Nth Qld on Saturday night at a line of -8.5 with bets of $10,000 and $5,000 at 1.90 then $10,000 at 1.85 and another $10,000 at 1.80. Friday night's Parramatta v Sydney Roosters clash was last on the list with a bet of $30,000 on the Eels at 1.90 with a line of -5.5. Last bet taken in this onslaught was a $20,000 Multi of Parramatta and Manly at 1.99. St George Illawarra was then attacked with bets of $20,000 at 1.65 to defeat Melbourne and $25,000 at 1.90 at the line of -3.5. This has been the busiest Wednesday betting action all year at TAB Sportsbet who regularly hold over $5million in each round of NRL.
RUGBY LEAGUE Bookie suspends coach market 19:44 Tuesday 13 May	Sportingbet Australia suspended their market on the first NRL coach to sacked today after a plunge on North Queensland's Graham Murray. According to AAP, "Sportingbet Australia suspended their market after five new accounts were opened this morning with each punter wagering between $1000 and $4000 on Murray to be the first coach sacked in 2008." Murray has already been told that he wont have the job in 2009, but there is now speculation that he wont last the season.
AUSSIE RULES Demons notch up first win 20:49 Sunday 4 May	Several Aussie Rules punters have been left reeling as bottom placed Melbourne posted a shock win against Fremantle. Trailing by as much as 51 points shortly after half-time, the Demons were matched at 1.01 on Betfair before staging their remarkable comeback. More than $5,000 was matched on Melbourne with the exchange at 1.10 or less. Centrebet laid a bet of $10,000 at 1.04 on Fremantle at quarter-time. Meanwhile, West Coast, premiers just two years ago, are expected to vie for favoritism with Melbourne for this year's wooden spoon.
TENNIS Bookie reports suspicions to ATP 22:24 Wednesday 30 April	Just days ahead of the handing down of a much awaited report into corruption in tennis, an Italian bookmaker has expressed concern to the ATP over two results over the past few weeks. Matt Scott covers the case in the Guardian newspaper. But OnThePunt can reveal that the player in question is world #122-ranked Argentine Juan-Pablo Brzezicki. The bookmaker contends that investigation is warranted regarding two significant bets. These were set bets placed on Oscar Hernandez to beat Brzezicki two sets to one in Houston and Pablo Cuevas beating Brzezicki two sets to love in Barcelona. Both were winners.
TENNIS Federer on rollercoaster in Monte Carlo 15:11 Thursday 24 April	Roger Federer nearly cashed in his chips at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday before grasping victory from an almost impossible position against Spanish journeyman Ramirez Hidalgo. After starting the match at 1.06, Federer was backed into odds of 1.01 (200K traded) on Betfair after seizing the first set 6-1. But the wheels came off the Fed Express afterwards as his price took a rollercoaster ride on the Betfair match odds market. At 5-1 down in the third set, the world number one was backed for �180 at 15.00, with his Spanish opponent - available at 100.00 after the first set - down to 1.05 ($2K traded) on the exchange. But the pressure clearly told on Hidalgo who couldn't close out and eventually went on to lose on a tiebreak. Federer has been backed at a high of 40.00 on the win market but now trades as the 7.40 second favourite behind Rafael Nadal, who is available to back at 1.76.
AUSSIE RULES Cats and Hawks flying high 18:46 Monday 21 April	Centrebet has taken the unique step of opening up a Round 17 AFL blockbuster market 95 days before it is scheduled to be played. Already heavily backed to win a second straight flag, Geelong has opened a 1.45 favourite away to high-flying and fellow unbeaten Hawthorn (2.75) in a Friday night special on July 25 that will do some way to determining who goes on to late September glory. After being massively backed against Sydney on the weekend, more money for the Cats this morning has seen them shorten to 2.10 to win the flag, while Hawthorn is now at 5.00 on Centrebet. No other side is in single figures, with St Kilda on the third line at 12.00 ahead of the Swans at 13.00.
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GENERAL TAB prices now available to Betfair punters From Betfair 18:22 Monday 7 April	TOTE Tasmania has entered into an agency agreement with Betfair that will provide it with access to Betfair�s global customer base of more than one million punters. The arrangement is anticipated to add tens of millions of dollars to The TOTE�s annual turnover. TOTE Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Craig Coleman said the increased turnover would ultimately benefit the Racing Industry through increased returns from 2009/10. More
GENERAL Betfair win court battle From Betfair 12:36 Thursday 27 March	In a judgement handed down this morning, the High Court of Australia has struck down the anti-betting exchange laws enacted by the Western Australian government in late 2006. The laws operated to prevent people in Western Australia from using a licensed betting exchange. They also operated to prevent a licensed betting exchange from offering markets on Western Australian races. In a unanimous decision, the Court declared that the laws were invalid because they contravened section 92 of the Commonwealth Constitution � the provision that guarantees free trade across State boundaries. More
HORSE RACING Sebring Favourite for Slipper From Betstar 14:57 Tuesday 15 April	After drawing perfectly in barrier six, the Gai Waterhouse trained Sebring has firmed into clear favouritism for Saturday�s $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Eskander�s Betstar has marked Sebring at 5.50 � in from his pre-draw quote of 8.00. Augusta Proud, who like Sebring is by Vinery Stud stallion More Than Ready, is the second elect for the Slipper at 9.00 after drawing the coveted inside barrier. The unbeaten winner of six was at 11.00 before the draw and had her price cut to 9.00 after coming up with the gate one. All American, the runner-up in the Blue Diamond Stakes earlier this year, is the third favourite at 10.00, just ahead of barrier draw drifters Related and Von Costa De Hero (both were 8.00 to 11.00 after tricky draws). Update From TAB Sportsbet (17:00 16/04/08): TAB Sportsbet has accepted a wager of $10,000 on Melbourne filly Burgeis to win Staurday's AAMI Golden Slipper. The bet was placed at the odds of 23.00 with the customer standing to win $220,000 if the horse is successful.
GOLF Immelman 329/1 on Betfair 16:32 Monday 14 April	Trevor Immelman was matched at a high of 330.0 on Betfair to win the US Masters with only Tiger Woods at 2.00 (backed pre-tournament) touching evens or lower at any stage on the market. Immelman went into the final round as the 2.50 favourite and touched 3.15 after making bogey at the first but never looked back after that. The winning nationality (South African) traded at 10.00, winning score -7 or lower traded at 3.50, Tiger Woods touched 3.20 for a Top 5 finish while Stewart Cink touched 18.00.
TENNIS Bwin fire back at French Tennis 14:44 Friday 11 April	Austrian online gaming giant Bwin Interactive have fired back at the French Tennis Federation by lodging a defamation lawsuit with a Paris court this week. Bwin filed the complaint in reaction to statements made by the FFT earlier in the year. After launching legal action against Bwin, Ladbrokes and Betfair, the FFT made comments saying that these company pose ethical risks for the sport of tennis.
GOLF Tiger eased out and backed 15:13 Thursday 10 April	TAB Sportsbet this afternoon has accepted a bet of $80,000 on Tiger Woods to win the US Masters, starting tonight at Augusta. The bet was taken at the price of 2.45 with the customer standing to win $116,000 if Tigers claims another Green jacket. Woods had been easy in the market all week drifting from an opening quote of 2.00 to his price of 2.45 today despite the fact he was still responsible for nearly 30% of all monies invested on the winner market. He is now into 2.30 with TAB Sportsbet to take the Masters. Betfair trade at 2.40/2.42. Another TAB Sportsbet customer has bet $30,000 at 6.00 on Tiger to win exactly 3 Majors in 2008. Tiger's dominance in world golf is shown by the fact that him winning either 3 or all 4 Majors this year as the only options punters are interested in with 2 bets of $2,000 at 13.00 on him to complete the Grand Slam.
AUSSIE RULES 33/1 on Demons overs according to Global 15:50 Tuesday 2 April	Global Sportsbet have announced that it will buy one hundred and twenty three (123) memberships from the Melbourne Football Club if they can create the upset of the century and beat Geelong on the weekend. Global Sportsbet has bet $1000 at odds of 34.00 (most likely at Sportsbet) on the Dees which will return $33,000 worth of memberships (at $270 each) to the Melbourne Football Club. Global�s Head Trader Mal Polson said �The 33/1 is way over the odds and we think the Demon�s will come out and show something this week. �We have Melbourne at 15/1 and believe there will be plenty of interest in backing them if they get over that mark.�
AUSSIE RULES Demons get 12 goal start 12:46 Monday 1 April	Lasseters Sportsbook has given Melbourne 73� points start in Sunday�s AFL clash against Geelong at Skilled Stadium. The Cats are 1.03 in head-to-head betting with the Demons outsiders at 13.00. �There�s a lot of talk in Australian Rules circles about this being a record but my memory stretches back to when Fitzroy and Sydney were getting towelled up every week,� says Lasseters� Gerard Daffy. More
GENERAL Now you can bet on rainfall 21:07 Sunday 30 March	Centrebet is opening up a world first to the nation's punters to allow them to back which state will receive the greatest rainfall for the month of April. Centrebet's media chief Neil Evans said no-where in the world can punters bet on a State of Origin (State v State/Province v Province/County v County) style rainfall market. "It's the most pure, untarnished and open market alive .... everyone's an expert, mums and dads might end up knowing more than the Meteorological weather experts," Evans said. More
FOOTBALL Friday Update 16:07 Friday 28 March	TAB Sportsbet customers have thrown in for a big win on Nth Qld tonight against Brisbane on the back of news that Karmichael Hunt is out and captain Darren Lockyer is in huge doubt for the Broncos. Nth Qld has firmed up from as much as 2.65 this morning to be now 2.10 and at the line of +6.5 is in from 1.90 to be 1.55. Bets on the Cowboys at +6.5 today include $20000 @ 1.85, $7000 @ 1.70, $5000 @ 1.70 (twice). Meanwhile, another customer has placed $137,500 on Hawthorn to make the Final 8 in this season's AFL competition. The bet was placed this afternoon at the odds of 1.22 with the customer standing to win $30,250 if Hawthorn qualify for the finals.
FOOTBALL Sick Socceroos still faves 23:03 Tuesday 25 March	Despite missing key personnel through injury the Socceroos are still 2.05 favourites with Lasseters Sportsbook to down China (3.50) in tomorrow�s World Cup qualifier in Kunming. Australia�s stocks for the match have been severely weakened with Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Scott McDonald, Brett Emerton and Mile Sterjovski all watching from the sidelines. �They�re going to find it tough at altitude and with the recent spate of injuries I reckon we�ll be fortunate to escape with a draw against the Chinese,� says Lasseters� chief Gerard Daffy. Lasseters also has a market on which city will host the 2018 World Cup. Australia is at the juicy odds of 26.00 which has them on the sixth line of betting behind England (1.53).
RUGBY LEAGUE Storm shorten; Dogs ease 14:03 Tuesday 18 March	Following the opening round of the NRL Melbourne has firmed in premiership betting (3.40 into 3.25) while the Bulldogs have drifted to (34.00 from 26.00) after a capitulation against the Eels. Betting agency Lasseters Sportsbook also reports the serious shoulder injury suffered by Souths halfback Craig Wing has had an impact, with the Rabbitohs� price easing from 21.00 to 31.00. More
HORSE RACING Hussler all the rage 13:59 Tuesday 18 March	TAB Sportsbet has today accepted a bet of $12,000 on Weekend Hussler to win this year's Doncaster Handicap at the odds of 4.00. The Ross McDonald trained 3yo was allotted 57.5 kgs yesterday when weights were released for the Group 1 feature to be raced on April 26. Weekend Hussler tightened into a dominant 3.40 favourite after the bet was taken.
HORSE RACING Bookies salute Gold Cup winner 15:13 Saturday 15 March	British bookmakers were able to toast the Gold Cup victory of Denman after stable mate Kauto Star was heavily backed to retain his crown. The race had been billed as a match between the pair but, punters only had eyes for Kauto Star, who was sent off 10-11 favourite after trading at around Evens for most of the day. A staggering �10.1 million (AUD$22 million) was traded on the race win market at Betfair. Ladbrokes laid one bet of �200,000 to a high-rolling Kauto Star supporter as industry predictions of a record-breaking betting race were proved accurate. Meanwhile, Paddy Power believed the Gold Cup result caused a �2million swing in their profits.
RUGBY LEAGUE Money for Cowboys 12:48 Wednesday 12 March	TAB Sportsbet's punters have warmed to the North Queensland Cowboys in Friday night's opening NRL match against Gold