This week’s World Match Play Championship is looking to be a tough event for punters. Although there are only 24 players involved, the group stage looks a lot more even than most think. With eight groups of three players, only the top two from each group proceed into the knock-out stage on a first play’s second system.

Top seed Martin Kaymer looks to have the easiest draw playing 16th seed Rafael Cabrera Bello and 24th seed Richard Finch. The seedings could be misleading in some of the other groups, for example, 2nd seed Justin Rose is up against Robert Rock (seeded 15) and Open champion Darren Clarke (seeded 19).

In golf betting, bookmakers have Martin Kaymer at 7/1 ahead of Ian Poulter at 10/1 and Sergio Garcia nicely priced at 11/1. Justin Rose is at 12/1 with Charl Schwartzel firming into 13/1. Of the top fancied players, I quite like the chances of Schwartzel, and at 13/1 is good value, however, you’ll need to be quick as he has firmed fairly quickly in overnight markets.

Others of interest outside the top group include John Senden (40/1) who is in a fairly weak group, and Robert Karlsson (33/1) who is also in a winnable group. Of the top group, Kaymer is a worthy favourite. He has a weak group, however, if he wins his group he will need to get past either Graeme McDowell or Robert Karlsson in the knockout stage, and we have a preference for Karlsson should they meet.

The World Match Play Championship is a great event for players who qualify. The matchplay concept pits players against each other rather than against the field. You only need to defeat your playing partner to progress to the next round. Our tip to take the title – John Senden at good odds. He has the game to take this title and always seems to get under the punters’ radar – he’s not out of ours.

Spread betting is a popular form of gambling, however, to a novice, it can seem to be a rather puzzling way to have a bet. Spread betting is really a very simple concept, often made difficult by terminology and poor descriptions. If you’ve ever wanted to know what spread betting was, then hopefully I can provide an easy to read guide right here.

The term spread betting is a bit of a misnomer really. When assessing a spread betting market, bookmakers make an educated guess on an outcome. For example, in Premier League football, they may “predict” that Arsenal will score 40 goals for the whole season. They will then set a ‘spread’, often including a half point to avoid draws. In this case, the spread could be 38.5 to 41.5 – this means the bookmaker is predicting that Arsenal will score 40 goals, plus or minus one, so 39,40 and 41 goals are covered.

When placing a spread bet, you are predicting that arsenal will score more than 41.5 goals, or less than 38.5 goals. When placing a bet, you will need to nominate a stake value, and it’s this value that determines how much you win or lose. This is where spread betting often becomes confusing.

If you win, the payout is easy to determine. Let’s say you predict that Arsenal will score more than 41.5 goals in a season, and they do the right thing and score 46. You will receive even money for each point over 41.5 – so 46 goals is 5 points over; your return will be 5/1. It’s the losing bets that then cause confusion.

What if you predicted that Arsenal would score less than 38.5? 46 goals is over so you will lose your bet – how much is the interesting point. You have bet on Arsenal scoring less than 38.5, so that is the trigger value. 46 goals is 8 over the 38.5, so you will lose 8 times your stake – a hefty loss. Why 8 times? The bookmaker will pay out 5 times to a winner keeping the remainder as their ‘cut’ (or profit). Generally speaking, a bookmaker’s cut is less than this, perhaps just the single point.

That, in a nutshell, is what spread betting is all about. As you can see, you can win large sums if you get it right. Get it wrong and you can lose large sums. You can set a get out point, that is, if it looks like you are going to lose, you can set a maximum loss. You can also use other forms of betting to cover any losses. Spread betting markets change over a period of time. In the example used, if Arsenal started the season well scoring a lot of goals, the bookmaker may lift their original assessment. Your bet remains at that original assessment. Any questions? Just ask!

Here’s a question for you. Do you think Chelsea can win the Champions League Trophy this weekend? You do! Then you may want to check out Paddy Power’s money back special on the Champions League final. Money-back specials are great if things fall into place for you. You can take a range of bets and should they lose you get your money back. If they win, you collect your rightful winnings – in other words, you can’t lose.

In this weekend’s Champions League final, Paddy Power will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score & Scorecast singles on the match – if Chelsea lift the trophy. Of course, conditions do apply, however, they are straight forward and include:

• Offer applies to singles placed before kick-off only
• 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast markets only
• Applies to win part of each-way goalscorer bets only
• There is a maximum refund of e/£100 per customer
• Correct Score, 1st/last goalscorer & scorecast markets are settled on the result after 90 minutes. Extra-time and penalties do not count
• Paddy Power football rules apply

We’re tipping Chelsea to win, so with that in mind, we’ll cover ourselves by backing Bayern Munich to win 1-0; 2-0 and 2-1. If Chelsea win, we’ll get those bets back as a refund. If Chelsea happens to lose, and the ninety minute score is one we backed, then we’ll cover our bets and perhaps even come out in front.

Special offers like these can often be used to some advantage if you’re prepared to think outside the square. In this case, we’re backing our tip, and at same time, covering our bet through some of the special bets. Paddy Power has just made it all so much easier.

With the English Premier League done and dusted, football fans are starting to turn their attention to England’s chances in the upcoming Euro 2012 competition. Chelsea fans of course will be watching their heroes go into battle for the Champions League trophy this weekend, and they are in with a good chance too. However, our focus today is on the Euro 2012 competition.

Bookmakers don’t think much of England’s chances placing them on the fifth line of betting behind Spain. I get the feeling that Spain’s reign in football is coming to an end. Barcelona and Madrid failed to fire late in the Champions League, and that’s where the majority of players come from for the Spanish national side. England on the other hand will be drawing from predominantly English-based players.

In Euro 2012 betting, bookmakers have Spain at 11/4 ahead of Germany at 10/3 and the Netherlands at 7/1. France is next best at 12/1 leaving England the only other team in serious consideration at 13/1. England’s odds of 13/1 look particularly good given the positive vibes that are now coming out of the England camp.

Aside from Spain, Germany will be the team to beat. They are still stinging from their performances in the World Cup and vengeance will be very much on their mind. The Netherlands are the sleepers. Everyone talks about Spain, Germany and France, meanwhile, the Dutch outfit keeps building and looking dangerous.

Although still several weeks away, our early betting tips are to back England to win from the Netherlands and Germany. We don’t rate Spain this year, and whilst they will win their fair share of games, come semi-final time, they may just be found wanting. It’s going to be a great competition, we can at least be assured of that.

Most online bookmakers offer free bets at some point. They are generally on bigger sporting events and take the form of a matching free bet up to a certain value. Some bookmakers will offer free bets if you lose under certain circumstances – for example, your selection falls in a major race or a certain player scores the first goal in a big match.

Those free bets sound great, and they are. Let’s face it, if you bet fifty pounds on a certain outcome, it’s great to receive another free bet that’s worth fifty pounds. Most punters will look at the next race, or another football game, and bet on that. There is a better option. If you have backed team A to win, why don’t you use your free bet to back team B to win?

By using your free bet to bet against yourself, you are really covering all outcomes. It doesn’t matter who wins – you win. If you plan your bets carefully, you can use your own money to bet on the longer priced option and the free bet to back the shorter priced option. If your bet wins, you’re laughing all the way to the bank. If your free bet wins, you’ll be happy since you’ll have more money to bet with.

It should be noted that most free bets don’t include the stake – you only receive the bet value. That can still represent a considerable sum. You should also carefully check the terms and conditions. Most bookmakers insist you turn those winnings over two or three times (or more) before it can be paid out to you in cash. Smart punters reinvest their winnings in very short priced favourites since they almost always win. The return is slim, however, you have met the obligation to re-bet those funds, so they can then be withdrawn into your bank account.

Free bets are everywhere. Use them wisely and you can guarantee a win in a wide range of events.

Manchester City will go into today’s final Premier League match knowing that all they need is a win to secure them the Premier League title. Nearest rivals Manchester United could mathematically steal the title – by winning away to Sunderland by more than twelve goals. We can’t see that happening at all, however, they are not out of this race, and if City hiccup at all, United could steal the show.

Bookmakers have City at 1/8 to win leaving United safe at 7/1. Of course, nothing’s finalized until the end of the day and City have lost crucial games in the past, so 1/8 could be a bug risk. City host QPR, who are desperate for at least a point to avoid relegation next season. The question for everyone then is whether or not QPR can hold City to a draw. We doubt it – City have an impressive record and plenty of motivation.

Manchester United have a tougher ask – they are away to Sunderland and whilst Sunderland are not setting the world on fire, they are safe from relegation. This could be a solid match and a great one to watch. United have firmed in overnight betting to be 1/2 whilst Sunderland have eased to be 17/2.

Our best bet for the day comes in the Stoke v Bolton match. Bolton have had a mixed second half of the year and now find themselves in danger of being relegated – in fact, a loss will mean automatic relegation irrespective of other results. Stoke find themselves in this position for the second year running – a visiting Premier League team looking to stave off relegation.

Bookmakers have Bolton at 19/10 and Stoke at 16/11. We like Bolton at the odds. They will want a big finish to their season, and we think they can achieve just that. Bolton to win and avoid relegation, City to finally win another league title, and United not so gracious in missing out on a record 20th title.

We said the other day that the top tennis players were looking a little seedy as the French Opens approached, and that’s proving to be the point in the Madrid Masters. Rafael Nadal lost for the first time to fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco. It’s the first loss on clay for Nadal in over 23 matches and could see him lose his world number two ranking to Roger Federer.

The Madrid Open is being played on a blue-dyed clay surface that has come under heavy criticism. One player described it as a surface that was fit only for ‘Smurfs’. The bounce is uneven and the players are finding it rather slippery. Federer is playing well on this surface, however, world number one Novak Djokovic has struggled although he is at least winning.

Juan Martin del Potro and David Ferrer are also playing well with the latter enjoying playing before a home crowd. Novak Djokovic heads the tennis betting at 9/5 with Roger Federer second pick at 11/4. Juan Martin del Potro is well priced at 4/1 whilst Tomas Berdych is the next best at 10/1. David Ferrer is out to 22/1, good value for those willing to take the risk.

We like del Potro and Federer in this event – they are both playing good tennis. Federer is defying his age and really looks to have developed a new hunger to win. He will be particularly dangerous at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows later in the season. Del Potro has not had to many issues with the slippery court despite his hulking size. If anything, he has put it to good use forcing the opposition all over the court. At 4/1, Del Potro looks to be the pick of the top group.

Rory McIlroy has only ever played the Sawgrass course twice in his life, and on both occasions he has failed to make the halfway cut. Despite that glaring statistic, bookmakers have sent the young Irishman out as the 10/1 favourite to win the Players Championship at that course. Tiger Woods and Phil Micklelson have each won the event once, yet they will start as 25/1 outsiders.

World ranking no doubt have a big bearing on golf betting, so it’s understandable that McIlroy will be near the top of the boards. Former number one Lee Westward is second favourite at 14/1, marginally ahead of another former world number one, Luke Donald at 29/2. Adam Scott is another to have won this event, however, bookmakers have him at 50/1, surprising odds considering his last two tournaments where he flew home on the last day. If he can put together four good rounds he may take some beating.

Sawgrass is not a tricky course to play on although fairway placement is the order of the day. If you can play straight up and down and putt reasonably well, you’ll be in this with a serious shot at the title. Scott and Ernie Els (also 50/1) appeal as good value eachway bets on those grounds.

Whilst the Sawgrass course isn’t tricky, favourites don’t have a great record. Home grown players are not frequent winners, either having only won three of the last ten Players Championships. With this in mind, we suggest you steer away from the top group and instead look at the middle tier players. For a change, this includes players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

The Delhi Daredevils had worked their way into firm outright favourites in the IPL cricket betting, however, their past two outings haven’t been classy. This has forced bookmakers to ease their prices a little whilst firming the prices of several of the over teams. I wouldn’t be too quick to discard them, however, they are capable of turning it around and are still very definite threats.

In IPL cricket betting, the Delhi Daredevils are still marginal favourites at 57/20. The Kolkata Knight Riders are homing in on outright favouritism with quotes at around 3/1 whilst the Mumbai Indians are also in at 4/1. the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings are both at 14/1 and also worth some thought at longer odds.

I could be sensing things differently to others, however, I find the IPL competition to be fairly boring now with the same old punters making the same old bets, irrespective of form. With the new laws now governing the types of bets available on cricket matches, some of the in-play action has also diminished. Whilst the IPL concept was novel at the time, it is starting to lose its gloss. Punters are going back to the international and local scene in preference and if it wasn’t for the keen interest still being shown by supporters in India, it may well have died a timely death.

For those still interested in the IPL, Mumbai at 4/1 look to be the best value odds at this stage of the competition. They have the player strength to go all the way and will certainly give the top two a fright at some stage. Chennai are not out of the contest yet either, and they could well sneak up on the top group and surprise everyone, and at 14/1 they are certainly worth a small wager.

As the football season draws to a close, many an eye has turned to the promotion and relegation battles that are underway in the lower leagues. In the Premier League, Wolves and Blackburn are confirmed for a return to the Championship League, and the last place looks to be a battle between QPR and Bolton. In the Championship League, Reading and Southampton have gained automatic promotion leaving West Ham and either Birmingham or Blackpool to fight out for that last promotion spot.

Portsmouth will continue their downward spiral and head to League One. They will be accompanied by Coventry and Doncaster. Charlton and Sheffield Wed will gain automatic promotion whilst Sheffield Utd, Huddersfield, MK Dons and Stevenage will battle for the final promotion spot.

In football betting, West Ham are 7/10 to gain promotion with Blackpool the second pick at 7/2. In League One, the betting is tighter showing Sheffield United the favourite at 2/1 ahead of both MK Dons and Huddersfield joint second picks at 11/4. Stevenage trail the betting at 4/1.

West Ham look to be the better side going into their final elimination games. In League One betting, Sheffield United are playing well and probably deserve to be favourites. We’re going to take a longer shot point of you for this series – we’re tipping Stevenage. They have been motoring up the Premier League ladder table and taking some big nmes along the way. At 4/1, they’re they are food value for what looks to be an interesting round of play-offs.

This weekend is the final round of Premier League betting. With interest at both ends of the tables, it promises to be great deal for punters.