Is there any such thing as a sure thing? If you like comparing the odds when it comes to football then there are times when you can come out in front by betting on all the outcomes. It doesn’t happen often since bookmakers are fairly careful when setting their odds. However, if you compare the odds across a range of bookmakers, you will be surprised at the variations on offer.

In today’s Premier League football matches, Portsmouth are at home to West Ham. Pompey are struggling both on and off the field but every now and then they put in a good game and surprise everyone. They are at home too. West Ham have had a bad first half of the season. They are starting to hit some form and will be hoping for a much stronger second half.

In the betting, Portsmouth are favourites and if you shop around, you can get as much as 8/5 (2.60). West Ham’s odds are spread wide with some bookies offering as short as 13/8 (2.63) out to 2/1 (3.00). The draw is being offered at 12/5 (3.40). With all three options in the black, a smart staking plan can see you backing all three for small return no matter which bet wins.

The second game to look at is on Wednesday between Aston Villa and Arsenal. Following their loss to Stoke over the weekend, bookies have allowed Arsenal to slip a little in betting. They are now in the black at 13/10 (2.30) while Villa have remained steady at 9/4 (3.25) although on the exchanges you can get 121/50 (3.42). The draw is being quoted at 23/10 (3.30). Again, with a clever staking plan you can back all three for a small profit.

The profits are small and generally amount to only 3-4% so don’t expect huge wins. For the serious punter, you can steadily grow your bank by comparing the odds and backing the most likely outcomes.

The final round of World Cup 2010 qualification matches take place tomorrow and it is an interesting study comparing the odds of each of the final eight. The top four teams are of particular interest.

France, for example, are 1/5 to qualify for the finals. Yet in tomorrow’s match, they are 1/2 to win whilst the draw is 3/1. Against Ireland (6/1) you would think the French a pretty good chance of winning at home. Are you going to take the 1/5 they qualify or the 1/2 they win tomorrow (and in doing so qualify). Sure, they will still qualify with a draw and, at 3/1, you could have a little saver on that too and still profit.

Another example is Portugal who are 8/11 to qualify and 6/4 to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina (2/1). The draw is 5/2 and could be a likely result. However, once again you can back both with some clever staking and still profit with either result. The danger for Portugal is that this game is away from home.

The other two matches feature Ukraine (11/13) at home to Greece (4) and Slovenia (9/4) at home to Russia (11/8). The Ukraine at home should prove to be a difficult hurdle for Greece to overcome and a home win is predicted in that game.

Slovenia against Russia is going to be the hardest game to pick for the day. If Russia were at home they would be odds on to win. Slovenia at home are tough to beat. There is nothing special about their brand of football but their defense can be tight. The draw at 5/2 will have the bookmakers smiling and punters scowling – unless of course you take the tip.

This weekend we return to club football and the intriguing battle that is the English Premier League.

If you had a lazy fifty sitting in your wallet and you were looking for a bet today, which sport would you attack? Comparing the odds can sometimes provide a real insight into which bets are better value. They can also warn you away from some bets and so save you money.

Today is a pretty slow day when it comes to sportsbetting. There is tennis in the Paribas Masters with all the top tennis players, golf in the Australian Masters with Tiger Woods; there is also golf in Hong Kong with Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy; and horse racing at several venues.

What are you going to do with that lazy fifty? Split it up and have a couple of bets; put it all on the one bet; or keep it for another day? Let’s compare some of the odds.

In Melbourne, the weather may be scorching hot but so too is Tiger Woods – the last time I looked he was seven under and going strong. The problem is, when he fires like this his odds tumble. The best around at present is 3/5.

In Hong Kong, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy are both the form golfers going into this event. They are both also trying to top the European money order list. McIlroy is a cool 50,000 euros behind but a win here could send him to the front. Of course, next week’s season ending Race to Dubai event will clinch the title for one of them. Westwood is 10/1 just behind McIlroy who is favourite at 7/1.

In tennis, Federer has been eliminated and Nadal is struggling to win, leaving Murray and Djokovic to fight for the title. Djokovic is in good form having beaten Federer last week – he is quoted at 4/1 just behind Andy Murray at 3/1. Murray came back from a mini holiday and won quite easily last week as well.

There’re your options – you could select other players, of course. Nadal is 6/1 – do you like his chances? In comparing the odds, having a bit on both Westwood and McIlroy at each odds (1/4) for a top five placing looks to be good value. You’ll get 5/2 Westwood and 7/4 McIlroy. Twenty on each and should either one finish in the top five, you’ll be in front. The other tenner – save that for a celebratory drink if they both finish in the top five.

Online betting can be a strange activity sometimes. In the weeks leading up to this the ATP Paris Masters bookmakers had Roger Federer at fairly short prices to win. Last week’s results have seen the odds on all players move significantly.

Federer has drifted out following his loss in home tournament last week. The Davidoff Swiss Indoors has been Federer’s event for the last three years but this year saw the event going to Novak Djokovic. Federer’s price has now eased out to 11/4 although if you look around you may even get longer than 3’s.

Djokovic’s prices have come in from around 8’s to a clear third favourite at 5/1. Andy Murray’s sixth win for the season has seen his price also come in a little from 6’s to 9/2. The only player to remain unchanged is Rafael Nadal who is firm at 8/1.

The second level players (those outside the top four) could make things interesting with the likes of Juan Martin Del Potro (12/1), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, James Blake and Nikolay Davydenko all capable of huge upsets in this type of event.

Tsonga was specked at 33/1 with enough support to bring his odds into 16/1. Safin has also been specked at long odds following his first round victory. This is his last tournament before retiring. His odds have come in from 200/1 to 100/1 – still very much the outsider. As a former number one and US Open winner, I am sure he would be looking for a fairytale ending. His second round match against current US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro should be a good match. If he can get past Del Potro then anything is possible and the 100’s will look great value then.

For mine, Andy Murray looks to be settled and focused. Roger Federer is always hard to beat on this surface and in this type of event. After a good look at the way the players have been warming up for this event, I am going to with Nadal at good odds to finally get his name back on the winning list.

The final test in the Ashes series between Australia and England gets underway today. If you are looking to have a bet it may help if you try comparing the odds between similar bet types.

There are three bet types that make for interesting comparison straight off the top. These are:

• Who will win the 5th test,
• Who will win the Ashes series, and
• Who will win the Ashes

Because the series is tied 1-1 these three bets are almost the same. Let’s look at the comparisons and the outcome in total.

To win the Ashes, England need to win this final test. By winning the final test they will win the series and of course, win the Ashes.

Australia only need to draw this test to win the Ashes, however, this will leave the series drawn. If Australia win the final test, they win the series and the Ashes.

Essentially, there are three possible outcomes – England win all three bet types, Australia win the Ashes and the other two bet types are drawn, and Australia win all three bet types.

With that clear – let’s now look at the odds. The best odds around for England to win the final test is 4/1 (most online bookmakers). To win the series – 21/5 (BetFair) and to win the Ashes – 9/2 (BetFair – Australia not to retain Ashes). It’s pretty obvious – if England win the test they win the series and the Ashes so the best bet is to back against Australia retaining the Ashes at 9/2.

The best odds for Australia to win the final test are 13/10 (PaddyPower). To win the series – 13/10 (PaddyPower) and to retain the Ashes – 1/6 (most online bookmakers). If you feel Australia can win the final test then back them at the 13/10 with PaddyPower.

If the final test is drawn – 13/10 (with most online bookmakers) then Ashes series will be drawn – 7/5 (StanJames and BlueSQ) and Australia will retain the Ashes – 1/6. The drawn Ashes series at 7/5 (14/10) is marginally better than 13/10 on offer for the drawn test.

Comparing the odds for similar bets when the number of outcomes are reduced can bring about some interesting odds. It’s a bit like shopping around for specials – in this case you are shopping around for the best odds on offer from online bookmakers. Is comparing the odds a habit of yours? Perhaps it should be!

The friendlies are almost over and with the new season only two weeks away, it’s time to start comparing the odds. If you act now, you may just stumble across a few good value bets.

With all the comings and goings from the various clubs, no one is too sure what to expect from this season. Manchester United have lost some big names and, along with most of the top clubs from last season, have failed to really fire for this season.

Perhaps this will a season where looking outside the top four could pay off. I am not sure I want to back either Chelsea or Manchester United at some of the prices being offered. Comparing the odds is always an interesting experience.

Manchester United are the shortest in the market with BlueSQ and StanJames quoting them at 15/8. The longest price available at present is 9/4 with SkyBet. The consensus is 2/1.

Chelsea are priced in the same area with general consensus offering 2/1. SkyBet and BoyleSport have them at 9/4 as well. Liverpool are pressing close with odds averaging 3/1 although you can still get 4/1 through Coral.

If you like something a little longer then, apart from Manchester City (10/1) and Arsenal (8/1), the remainder are 100/1 or longer. Everton may be worth a taste at 125/1 and so too Villa at 200/1.

At the other end of the table you have those bound for relegation. What price was Newcastle at this time last season – 8/1 believe it or not. The favourites for relegation included Hull and Stoke. In fact, with only 8 rounds to go, PaddyPower were paying out on Stoke relegation bets – ouch – they stayed up.

The favourites this season include Burnley (1/2), Hull (8/13), Birmingham (1/1), Wolves (5/4), Portsmouth (9/4) and Stoke (3/1). The odds shown are averages, but if you spend some time comparing the odds with online bookmakers you will find much better prices on offer.

One of my favourite past-times is floating around the various online bookmakers comparing the odds in the vain hope that one bookie will have his prices out of sync with everyone else. Actually, it’s not a vain hope. It happens more often that you think and when they are out of sync, you can profit.

Of course, you will never profit at any odds unless you pick the winner. However, having made your selection, it makes sense to shop around. In fact you can check out my post on shopping around and comparing the odds that I wrote a little while ago.

The football season is almost here. I can feel it in my bones. I constantly watch the calendar – 20 days and counting. Who will win the title at the end of the season. Manchester United again – without their stars? Perhaps Chelsea or Liverpool or can Arsenal continue their climb up the tables?

It will be an interesting season. United are 9/4 to take the title although with some bookies they are as short as 7/4. Chelsea are at 12/5 with a smattering of 2/1 about. There are several bookies that have United and Chelsea at 9/4 joint favourites. However, none of the bookies I surveyed had Chelsea ahead of United.

Liverpool are next best at 5/2 although there are several who are prepared to take 7/2. Arsenal seem to be the team that no one is quite sure about. You can get 10/1 with one or two bookies or as short 15/2. The general consensus has them at 8/1. Manchester City are the only other team under 100/1 with their price ranging from 10/1 to 15/1.

As you can see, by comparing the odds you can often find a much better price, even for favourites. The season is almost here and as we count down the days keep checking back for more top UK Football News along with selections for all the important games.

Are you comparing odds before placing a bet? A lot of punters open online accounts with a particular bookmaker and stick with that bookmaker forever. Others open accounts with a variety of bookmakers. Those that have the resources to have more than one account have the potential to increase their winnings.

If you only have the one account, you have two choices. Accept the odds on offer, or decide not to bet. The problem is, many accept the odds, even if they are poor odds.

Those that have more than one account can shop around. By shopping around and comparing the odds on offer, you can place your bet with the bookmaker that is offering the longest odds.

Generally speaking, we are talking about fractions. However, if I have a choice of betting something at 4/6 and betting on it at evens (1/1) – I will always take the evens. In the big picture, those fractions add up. You can place 60 units on your tip and receive 100 back (40/60), or you can place that same 60 units and receive 120 back (60/60). What would you prefer?

It is only 20 units, however, multiply that by five bets and the difference becomes 100 units (pounds, euros, dollars – your choice of currency).

There are only two drawbacks to having more than one account with online bookmakers. The first is that you will need a stake with each account – this may be 20 or 50 units minimum.

The second drawback is that these online sites may also require a minimum amount before they will provide a payout. You may win well but you may have to wait sometime before you can make any withdrawals.

Online bookmakers know that many punters find sites they are comfortable with and stick with them – in fact, they rely on their regulars to keep the money machines ticking over. Shop around and find the best odds – if we all did it we would find that online bookmakers would be forced to offer more competitive odds.

Online sportsbooks operators have little faith in England in the Twenty20 World Cup, posting the host nation at 8/1 to win the tournament. With only a win needed against the West Indies today to make the semi-finals, bookies still have them at 3/1 to make the finals.

There could be a little value in supporting England at the price. They matched it with current holders and former tournament favourites, India, over the weekend and, although going to the wire, managed to eliminate them from the tournament. A win today will probably see them go head-to-head with Sri Lanka.

Although many would back Sri Lanka to win that game, they did struggle against Ireland and eventually could only run out winners by a meager nine runs. The other semi-final looks to be between South Africa and Pakistan with the South Africans really firing on all cylinders at present.

South Africa have been promoted to a clear favourite for the tournament following India’s demise and, at 6/4, look to be a good bet. Sri Lanka and Pakistan currently share second spot in the betting at 5/1 with, for some strange reason, the West Indies next best at 7/1. This leaves England as the outsiders to win.

To further confuse the issue, England are at slight odds to beat the West Indies today – the home side posted at 10/11 to the visitors 11/10. I know there is not a lot in it but it should be remembered the West Indies have not beaten the home side in England this season at any level.

The best bet with online sportsbooks could be the South Africa/England final that is quoted at 4/1. A South Africa/Sri Lanka final is at 3/1, the same price as a South Africa/Pakistan final. In case you are wondering, South Africa are 1/4 to reach the final – almost a foregone conclusion the way they are playing – but then cricket, particularly this super short form, is a strange game sometimes – who knows, England may claim their first ever Twenty20 World Cup! What a boost that would be heading into the Ashes.

Do you calculate the odds? Successful betters take the time to compare and calculate their odds. Most good gamblers have a table in front of them when they gamble or, especially in land-based casinos, memorize them. Comparing odds is an important part of gambling, whether online or off line.

At Online Betting UK, you can compare the odds for tennis, soccer, or the horses. We highly encourage you to use the tools before you do your betting.

Horse Racing Odds Comparison
The Online Betting UK odds comparison chart for the horse races allows you to choose the race and “Win or Which Way.” By selecting the race and your expected outcome you can compare the odds of that outcome and make your selection based on the facts.

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The Online Betting UK tennis odds comparison tables allow tennis enthusiasts an opportunity to see which players are against which others and what the odds are of each player taking the match. You just find the appropriate drop down menu and you’ll see the odds for each sports book offering the event.

Soccer Odds Comparison
The world’s most popular game. Whether you call it soccer or football, you can compare the odds at Online Betting UK. Up to 25 odds makers available for all of your favorite soccer events.

Head on over to Online Betting UK and compare the odds on your favorite events.

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