Tiger starts with a shocker should have been the headlines as Tiger Woods started his US Open Golf campaign with a double-bogey on the first hole. Being the consummate professional he held it all together to get one shot back and finish the day just one shot over, 4 strokes off the lead – no wonder he remains favourite at 3/1 with many of the sportsbooks.

The current leaderboard is crowded with 3 under being the best scores.

-3 K Streelman : J Hicks
-2 R Mediate : E Axley : S Appleby : G Ogilvy

Mickelson is second favourite with Ladbrokes at 6/1 with G Ogilvy at 10; E Els and Stuart Appleby both at 16/1

Appleby and Ogilvy are well placed and represent good odds 16’s and 10’s respectively. Mickelson finished the day even with the card. Given today’s poor scores, on would think that the winner will come from the top 10 after todays round.

Other scores including disappointing rounds by Scott at +2, Furyck +3 and Garcia at +5. Tiger Woods is currently in 13th place and while being hampered with a bad knee, I think this may be one tournament where you could bet against with some confidence.

UK Betting Central have links to all the top sportsbooks where you can keep up to date with the scores and perhaps have a little flutter yourself.

Over the five years or so TV reality shows have become popular as has the betting surrounding those TV shows. These include X-Factor, American Idol, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Big Brother and Eurovision.

The biggest TV reality show for betting is, by far, Big Brother. Short priced favourites actually have a poor record in these shows. As such finding a second or third favourite has proven to be more profitable. Of course favourites are not favourites for nothing – they are bound to win occasionally.

There are pluses and minuses to betting on reality show. Most rely on a process of elimination for their popularity with viewers getting the elimination vote. Each weeks elimination vote drives some intense gambling and there are always surprises.

The other negative to betting on reality shows is that the rules get changed frequently. You can have double eliminations; re-instatements, sackings (for rule breaking) and many others, all at the producer’s whim.

If you like to gamble on reality shows, most sports books have offers available to make the bet, and the show, more interesting. Big Brother takes more money in bets than all the others put together. In running betting is also a special feature.

If reality betting is your go – call into UK Betting Central for links to all the top sports books.

The French Open is full swing at Roland Garros and this weekend sees the final games in the second rounds. Have you got a couple of favourite players. I hope so because Ladbrokes have got some special bets all lined up.

How about the 6-0 special bets – Back one of the ladies to win and if she does 6-0 6-0 Ladbrokes will double your winnings. Back one of the men to win and if they win 6-0 6-0 6-0 Ladbrokes will triple your winnings.

They are also offering specials on the two sets to love matches. If you bet on any mens singles matches to win and your selection lead 2 sets to nil, then loses the match, Ladbrokes will take pity on you and refund your money.

Likewise, if any male player loses 3 sets to nil after losing each set to a tie-breaker – Ladbrokes will refund your bets.

Conditions apply of course and you need to read the complete set at Ladbrokes. In a nutshell:

Bonus applies to win singles only
Bonus applies to main Championship matches only
Doubles, Seniors or Juniors etc… do not apply
In Play bets do not apply
Match must be completed for offer to stand
Refund bets apply to mens singles only

A great week of tennis with a great bookie. Place your bets at Ladbrokes Bookmakers and win – even if you lose.

FORMULA 1

The Formula 1 season continues with the Monaco Grand Prix taking place this weekend. Sportingbet have reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen as their favourite with Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa next in the betting.

Race Winner
Kimi Raikkonen 2.87
Lewis Hamilton 3.6
Felipe Massa 4.33
Fernando Alonso 11.00
Heikki Kovalainen 13.00

EUROVISION

Maybe you’re off to a Eurovision party this weekend. This year’s contest takes place in Serbia and as usual we’re betting on it. Russia are strong favourites this year with Dima Bilan with his song ‘Believe’. The UK are represented by Andy Abraham but the trends don’t look good for the former dustman.

Eurovision Winner
Russia 3.25
Greece 7.00
Serbia 7.00
Ukraine 8.00
Armenia 13.00
Sweden 13.00

National Hockey League

Eight months of ice hockey action come to a close as the NHL’s finest two tussle it out in the Stanley Cup. Lining up this year are the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins and we make the Red Wings favourite to claim their 11th Stanley Cup.

Stanley Cup Winner
Detroit Red Wings 1.60
Pittsburgh Penguins 2.2

It’s a great weekend of betting action so make sure you stick with Sportingbet and UK Betting Central.

Its the Bank holiday weekend and there are several teams hoping to finish the season on a promotion high and Sportingbet will be there to take on you on.

On Saturday Hull and Bristol City battle it out for a piece of the rich pie – a place in next season’s Premier League. Bristol City 2.8 Draw 3.2 Hull City 2.3

The once mighty Leeds were playing in the Champions League semi-finals just over seven years ago, now they have to battle Doncaster in the League One play-off final. Doncaster 3.2 Draw 3.2 Leeds Utd 2.1

Rochdale have been in the bottom division in England since 1974 and will desperate to give their fans a rare slice of glory. They take on Stockport for the League Two play-off. Stockport 2.3 Draw 3.2 Rochdale 2.8

Away from the English League, the Scottish season reaches it’s climax with the Cup Final taking place at Hampden Park. Outsiders Queen of the South have made the final for the first time and take on highly fancied Rangers. Can they handle the pressure. Rangers 1.25 Draw 5.00 QOS 10.00

If you fancy your chances then drop in on Sportingbet through our links at UK Betting Central.

Backgammon was, believe it or not, one of the first board games to make its way into the cyber world. The first computerised version of backgammon was back in 1993 and it later became the first board game to be played on a server by players from around the world.

Since then, backgammon has come a long way and as with most popular games, made its way to the online games casinos. Yes, just like its original off line counterpart, you can play for money and win. In the off line world, many Arab lands have been known to change hands based on a game of backgammon.

Most casinos offer backgammon and it is the kind of game where money is won or lost based as much on strategy as it is on luck. In fact, you can have a poor run of luck but still come out on top if you use the correct strategies.

Being able to double your bets as high as 64 can be a very attractive proposition. All bets start at one point – by doubling (to 2, 4, 8 16 etc) you can increase this bet to 64 points – if you are in a winning position that is.

If you are a fan of the offline version of backgammon, then check UK Betting Central’s links through to some great backgammon action.

Do you like the idea of winning? Do you like the idea of making money? If you sign up and deposit £100 at Ladbrokes casino, then play £400 worth of bets (automatically), you can claim a £100 bonus. Once you have claimed your bonus you will need to wager another £400 worth of bets to meet the wagering requirement.

Ladbrokes have a low rollover compared to other casinos and the beauty of this bonus is that you can use their Auto-Play facility. This lets you play automatically using a perfect blackjack strategy. You can go shopping or watch the football and come back to see the results.

Nothing is risk free of course, however by using the perfect blackjack system you reduce the houses edge to just 3%. In theory, you should return £97 for every £100 invested. Invest £400 to receive your £100 bonus. You may have lost £12 (£3 per £100) but you are gaining £100.

Once you have received your £100 bonus, you need to invest a further £400 worth of bets. Again, you may lose £12 but the end result is that from your initial deposit of £100, you have lost £24 (2 x £12) but gained £100 leaving a neat £176 in your account. Where else can you make 76% profit in a couple of hours.

There are terms and conditions to meet so I suggest you read them before jumping in. I have however mentioned most of them. One other condition you must meet is for your initial deposit. In the initial round of betting, you must bet 10% of your opening deposit. For £100, this would mean a bet of £10. Once you have completed that first round of £400, you can drop back to playing whichever value suits you, even £1.

UK Betting Central has all the good oil on Ladbrokes and most of the other top online casinos.

The live dealer casino is increasing in popularity with many casinos looking to incorporate the live dealer action. Ladbrokes are no different and their live dealer casino now offers a wide variety of traditional gambling action.

You can chat with their live dealers as well as the other players. Just like a visit to a regular casino; you choose your table and staking levels, and join other players at the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Other live dealer games include Sic Bo and Roulette. Before playing, you can check out a brief profile of the dealers that are either online or currently off line.

Just to get you started, Ladbrokes are offering an instant $50 matching bonus for all new players who deposit between $10 and $50 into their account. Start with $50 and jump to $100 straight away. As always, check out their conditions. $50 free is still $50. (currencies and play is in US dollars).

Check out Ladbrokes casino through UK Betting Central – You can bet on finding a good bet.

Ladbrokes’ Casino have some funtastic promotions on offer at the moment and they all provide you with the opportunity to beat the house.

Do you like your slots? Throughout April if you take part in their Slots Cash Splash offer you could earn receive up to £70 a week. Play selected slots and you could be eligible to receive £5 in chips – play seven days straight and they will double the bonus. Thats a whopping £70 – each week.

How about Lara Croft and Tomb Raider Secret of the Sword. Play and qualify and you will receive a scratchcard with a top prize £100. You loved the movies so why not get into the action with this 30 line action packed slot.

For new players, you can receive up to £100 as a special welcome bonus. Open a new account and deposit between £5 and £100 to receive this bonus.

If you want some live action then check out Ladbrokes’ Live Dealer Casino. Deposit an amount between £5 and £50 and Ladbrokes will match it instantly.

There are many more special promotions on offer including Free Chips For Lunch On Friday’s (no not the fish’n'chips kind), daily slot tournaments and 50 free spins on their new Sure to Win slots.

There is a little something for everyone at Ladbrokes. for more information, visit UK Betting Central – the place where all the fun starts.

We have some exciting European football this week, with Man Utd hosting Lyon at Old Trafford and Arsenal travelling to the San Siro to face AC on Tuesday in the Champions League. Wednesday sees Chelsea entertain Olympiakos at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League while on Thursday Everton face a tough trip to Fiorentina and Tottenham host PSV Eindhoven
at White Heart Lane.

Tuesday’s Premiership Football

Man Utd v Lyon – Live on ITV1, k/o 19:45pm

After the 1-1 draw in France United will be looking to record a victory over Lyon to progress through to the last 16. United, one of only three teams left unbeaten in this year’s competition, will be looking to achieve their tenth successive victory at old Trafford in Europe. A run which would will equal Juventus’ Champions League record of 10 which was set back in 1997. United have to stop Lyon scoring to progress, a feat that they have managed 13 times at old Trafford this season. Man Utd have be installed as favourites with Betterbet offering 2/5, while Centrebet value Lyon as 67/20.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Man Utd v Newcastle if Ryan Giggs scores at anytime in this match.¹

AC Milan v Arsenal – Live on ITV4 1, k/o 19:45pm

The first match between these sides this season ended in a goalless draw at the Emirates. Since their meeting in February Arsenal have picked up 2 points from a possible 6 and lost Eduardo, who had established an effective partnership with Adebayor, for the rest of the season. Arsenal fans will be delighted that they may be able to welcome back Robin Van Persie to the team as they look to secure passage through to the last 16. AC Milan do not go into the game on the best of form having drawn their last two games 1-1. However they have won their last four Champions League games at home and have only conceded three goals in nine games in all competitions.

AC Milan to Win 11/10 Betterbet
Draw 41/20 Centrebet
Arsenal to Win 3/1 VC Bet

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on AC Milan v Arsenal if Theo Walcott scores at anytime in this match.¹

Wednesday’s Champions League Football

Chelsea** v Olympiakos – Live on Sky Sports 3 k/o 19:45pm

Chelsea have recovered well after they were beaten in the Carling Cup Final by Spurs. A 4-0 away victory over West Ham at Upton Park shows that Chelsea have the strength and depth to be challenging on three fronts still. The biggest problem facing Grant will be who to play. Will he bring Drogba back or will he continue to stamp his own mark on the Chelsea team: There were three midfield goal scorers at the weekend that will all be pushing for a starting birth. However there is room for improvements in Chelsea’s home for in the Champions League. They have only won once and drawn the other two games. Olympiakos will be looking to inflict Chelsea’s first Champions League defeat this year and progress through to the last 16. However the bookies have gone for Chelsea as favourites with BGbet offering 2/7 for a Chelsea victory and Centrebet offering 12/1 for Olympiakos win.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Chelsea v Olympiakos if Frank Lampard scores at anytime in this match.¹

Thursday’s UEFA Cup Football

Fiorentina v Everton – Live on ITV4, k/o 19:45pm

Everton go into the quarter-final on the back of 5 straight wins in all competitions, including an impressive 8-1 aggregate victory over SK Brann in the last round on the UEFA Cup and victories over Portsmouth, Man City and Reading in the Premiership. Everton also have a striker in red hot form, Yakubu has six goals in three games. With Betterbet offering 6/1 for him to be first scorer it may be worth backing him. Fiorentina were dealt a massive injury blow for the game, Chelsea old boy and the Violas leading scorer Adrian Mutu suffered a knee injury during a recent game against Roma and will miss the tie against Everton. Even with Mutu’s absence Fiorentina are favourites with VC Bet offering 13/10 for a home win, with BGbet offering 11/5 for an Everton win.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Fiorentina v Everton if Andy Johnson scores at anytime in this match.¹

Tottenham v PSV Eindhoven – Live on ITV1, k/o 20:05pm

Tottenham obviously had one eye on this fixture with their team selection for the weekends game against Birmingham with several players rested. However this backfired on Spurs as they lost 4-1. Described as a ‘wake-up call’ by Poyet, Tottenham will be looking to put that loss behind them with a strong performance against PSV. PSV currently top the Dutch league by six points however they were surprised by FC Utrecht in their last match. BGbet have made Tottenham favourites offering them at 4/6 for the win, while PSV have been priced at 5/1 by VC Bet to progress through to the last 16.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Tottenham v PSV Eindhoven if Darren Bent scores at anytime in this match.¹

Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:

VC Bet £100 in Free Bets BGbet £100 Free Bet
Betterbet £25 Free Bet Centrebet £20 Free Bet

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Odds subject to fluctuation – Odds taken at 9.00am 03/03/2008

¹ Refunds are in the form of free bets. Max stake £100