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VC Bet
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VC Bet Review
Victor Chandler is the largest independent online gambling organization in the world, offering sports betting, casino and poker. Victor Chandler has just gone through a major rebrand, and the sports betting side of the business is now known as VC Bet. VC bet is often regarded as the gentleman’s bookmaker, because of it’s honesty and integrity. VC Bet is definitely one of the best online bookmakers.
VC Bet Design/ Navigation
Following the recent re-brand, the Victor Chandler site has gone through a makeover, and is now one of the most user friendly betting websites available. It is extremely quick to place a bet, and your VC account gives you access to the poker and casino offerings as well.
VC Betting Markets
VC Bet feature all sports and specials markets in great depth. The markets for major sports are extremely thorough offering a wide range of betting opportunities. There are also a number of themed special offers from VC Bet such as cashback, incentivised odds, and refunded stakes on certain losing bets.
VC Bet free bet
VC Bet offer all 1st time customers a free bet up to £25. Simply place a qualifying bet of £5 or more and VC Bet will match this with a free bet up to the value of £25. VC Bet have also recently introduced some great new football betting promotions – click here to find out more.
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
UEFA Cup
The 2008/09 UEFA Cup betting is wide open, with Italian giants AC Milan the 13/2 favourites with Stan James. Part of the reason for the long odds is that it is still unknown which teams from the Champions League will enter the UEFA Cup at the last 32 stage. However, there is every likelihood some big names will enter at this stage.
UEFA Cup betting odds
Sky Bet make “any Champions League team” the 11/4 favourite to win the UEFA Cup. All thought there is no doubt some quality Champions League sides will drop into the UEFA Cup, they have all failed win the competition in the last four years, suggesting the best UEFA Cup betting value may lie elsewhere.
One obvious contender is Spurs, now managed by twice UEFA CUP winner Juande Ramos. Stan James offer the best odds of 12/1 about Spurs winning the UEFA Cup, and despite their poor start to the domestic season, there is no doubt they are definitely a good cup team after winning last season’s Carling Cup.
Other English sides in this season’s UEFA Cup all have quality squads but their lack of European experience makes them longer odds in the betting, with Aston Villa available at best odds 25/1 with Sky Bet, Everton best odds 25/1 with Betfred, Portsmouth 40/1 with Blue Square on the first European outing, and Man City the 50/1 outsiders.
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Champions League
Champions League 2012 betting
The Champions League is one of the most exciting betting events, thanks to the vast array of talented teams competing against each other, with live TV coverage of every game. It’s also thrown up a number of shocks over recent years, with Chelsea emerging victorious against Barcelona last season, and then beating Bayern Munich on penalties.
Champions League odds
This season, Barcelona are the red hot favourites to win the tournament, with their fierce Spanish rivals Real Madrid second favourites. You can find all the latest odds below:
Champions League Group betting
There is some easy money to be made by betting on the Group stages of the Champions League. That is why we’ve created betting previews for each groups containing the latest odds as well as some great betting tips:
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Carling Cup
With the Third Round of the Carling Cup welcoming the big guns into the competition, with only Liverpool of the top five in the betting involved in the second round, and the first few games of the League season past, betting for the cup has taken shape.
Carling Cup 11/12 betting preview
The top six in the betting will not surprise anyone. Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham will be easily the most popular pick for the competition, like they will be for the FA Cup, but there are differences between the two. Consider both the importance of the competition, the timing of fixtures (most importantly the semi-finals and final) and other involvements. Also, four Premiership teams have already been knocked out; new boys Norwich, QPR and Swansea, as well as Sunderland.
Carling Cup odds
Manchester City are favourites at this moment in time after a blistering start to the campaign. Although they are not favourites for any other competition they are in, the money has probably gone onto City because of their squad. With the amount of high quality players they have who struggle to make their first eleven, with over £80m of talent on their bench against Tottenham Hotspurs this season, it is clear there is enough in reserve to challenge on four fronts. They also have a cup win under their belts as a Mancini side, winning last year’s FA Cup. Much could depend on their progress in the League and Champions League, and this will definitely be at the bottom of their priority list. The motivation of the players Roberto Mancini will use in this competition can also be questioned, big name players stuck filling in midweek in the less respected Carling Cup are not going to be as hungry as some of their competitors. At a best price of 6.5 at William Hill the value is early, as they will be hard to stop if they sense a trophy, but are not experienced in challenging for four competitions, and do not have the squad harmony of their main competitors to keep motivation at a high.
The second favourites are Chelsea (7.00 with Victor Chandler, Blue Square, 888 Sport). Unlike last year, the numbers coming into Stamford Bridge outweigh those leaving, whilst young talent has been shown to be strong. New manager Andre Villas-Boas will be under pressure to win silverware too and an early trophy could keep Chairman and Owner Roman Abramovich happy if their other quests for glory fail. The reasons to be cheerful for Chelsea backers come in the form of the players in reserve. Daniel Sturridge seems set to stay at the club instead of embarking on another loan spell, whilst new signings Romelu Lukaku and Oriel Romeu could see this as a tournament to find their feet in English football, and both have considerable ability and potential. Add to those Josh Mceachren, Ryan Bertrand, Gael Kakuta and Patrick Van Aanholt, and it is easy to see the young basis of a strong second team for Chelsea, which will be flittered with experienced stars and first team players too. Chelsea are one to watch, as they have the ability to be peerless on the pitch and the potential to implode from within.
Manchester United are third favourites, and having won two years in a row before last season it is easy to see why they will be backed. A strong squad with depth and talented youngsters always coming through, plus the experience of being in all the competitions at the business end means Manchester United are the competition’s formidable side. They have started the season superbly, no stronger a performance than an 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal will be seen all season. And their squad depth is even better than their Manchester rivals at City, the players want to play for the club and the manager, something that can be questioned at the blue half of Manchester. They seem to have two or three players for every position, all more than capable Premiership performers, and you cannot argue with Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad management. Berbatov, Owen, Carrick, Giggs, Evans, Jones and many others are quality names that are not guaranteed first team football, and could be used in the Carling Cup. The 8.00 on offer (Coral) could be the value of the season on Fergie’s men marching to Wembley and lifting the trophy come February.
After Arsenal’s major collapse on and off the field as the season has started, Liverpool have found preference from the punters in many areas. A best priced 8.50 with Bet Fred and Paddy Power, the only team of the market leaders that does not have European football to contend with could be the best way to bet. Liverpool look a little short of Premiership glory this season, and whilst their priority will be a top four spot, Kenny Dalglish is definitely a man who respects the importance of a good cup run and the impact of a trophy. A squad bolstered by numerous quality buys this summer, they appear to have the depth to handle a Carling Cup campaign alongside other ambitions. They are also playing some fantastic football right now, and whilst others worry about long trips to European lands, Liverpool may take this competition a bit more seriously, and have the fitness to storm to Wembley. The one area they definitely have numbers is midfield, and the mix of youth and experience there, and in other areas, could see hungry players coming in and out of the side desperate to leave a mark. It is also coming to a period where Gerrard and Carragher, Liverpool heroes already, must be desperate to get some extra silverware in the locker as their careers come towards an end. Victory at the new Wembley is something neither have achieved, and King Kenny would love to mark his first full season back in charge by bringing a trophy home to the rather full cabinet.
Recommended bets:
Manchester United – 8.00 Coral
Aston Villa – 21.00 Sky Bet
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
FA cup
FA Cup
Chelsea are 5/2 favourites to win the FA Cup with William Hill after the third round draw paired them at home to League 1 side Huddersfield.
Other ties of interest include Non-League Burton Albion at home to Manachester United, and also pitted giant-killers Tamworth, who have beaten Bournemouth and Hartlepool, against Stoke City. Middlesbrough will play Nuneaton or Histon, who face a replay this month, while holders Arsenal meet Cardiff.
- The draw for the FA Cup third round:
- West Bromwich Albion v Reading
- Fulham v Leyton Orient
- Brighton v Coventry
- Wolves v Plymouth
- Port Vale or Bristol Rovers v Doncaster
- Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton
- Torquay v Birmingham
- Manchester City v Scunthorpe
- Newcastle United v Mansfield
- Luton Town v Liverpool
- Preston v Crewe
- Stoke v Tamworth
- Derby v Burnley
- Southampton v MK Dons
- Blackburn v QPR
- Arsenal v Cardiff
- Stockport v Oldham or Brentford
- Norwich v West Ham
- Ipswich v Portsmouth
- Wigan v Leeds
- Sunderland v Woking or Northwich Victoria
- Chelsea v Huddersfield
- Cheltenham Town or Oxford United v Chester City
- Leicester v Tottenham
- Watford v Bolton
- Sheffield United v Colchester United
- Nuneaton Borough or Histon v Middlesbrough
- Hull City v Aston Villa
- Barnsley or Bradford v Walsall
- Burton Albion or Burscough v Manchester United
- Crystal Palace v Stevenage Borough or Northampton Town
- Millwall v Everton
Ties to be played on the weekend of 7/8 January 2006.
The outright betting for the tournamnet is dominated by Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, which is no surprise when looking at recent winners of the trophy over the last 10 years. The tournament has been won by these three times on 9 of the last 10 occasions.
- 2004-05 Arsenal
- 2003-04 Manchester United
- 2002-03 Arsenal
- 2001-02 Arsenal
- 2000-01 Liverpool
- 1999-2000 Chelsea
- 1998-99 Man Utd
- 1997-98 Arsenal
- 1996-97 Chelsea
- 1995-96 Manchester United
Chelsea 7/2 Betfair
Man Utd 9/2 Total Bet
Arsenal 6/1 William Hill
Liverpool 9/1 Bet 365
Spurs 14/1 Blue Square
Newcastle 25/1 VC Bet
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Euro 2008
Euro 2008
Euro 2008 presents football fans with some of the greatest betting opportunities, with over 30 competitive games in under a month! We have provided an in depth preview of each country playing in Euro 2008 to help your betting selections. Make sure that you check out our Euro 2008 free bets section before you place your bets!
Germany – Euro 2008 odds 4/1 with Stan James
Although Germany are favorites, their side doesn’t contain as many world class players as some of their Euro 2008 rivals such as Spain or Italy. Germany are short odds thanks to their solid World Cup performance (where they were the hosts). Always a well organized side, they will be difficult to beat but do they have the flair and creativity to go all the way?
Spain – Euro 2008 odds 6/1 with Blue Square
Spain are always the major under-achievers in major football tournaments, but have been subject to a number of large bets from professional gamblers due to their fantastic squad. Spain will be fielding Premiership stars such as Torres and Fabregas, as well as Puyol from Barcelona. If Spain can finally overcome their major tournament underachievement they look a great bet.
Italy – Euro 2008 odds 7/1 with Sky Bet
Never underestimate the Italians! Despite being one of the greatest footballing nations ever, many pundits wrote them off for the World Cup and were proved wrong! The Italian Euro 2008 squad may not contain as many glamorous names as previous years, but they are still a solid outfit who will be very difficult to beat.
Portugal – Euro 2008 odds 15/2 with Bet 365
Portugal have the easier side of the draw, and arguably the world’s best player on current form in Christiano Ronaldo so will attract of lot of bets at attractive odds. Our major concern for Portugal is that they don’t have a regular out and out striker and may rely too heavily on Ronaldo for firepower.
France – Euro 2008 odds 9/1 with Bet 365
France look a decent bet to do well in Euro 2008 with a good blend of youth and experience in their squad.
Croatia – Euro 2008 odds 14/1 with Totesport
Croatia are a solid outfit who should have no problems progressing through the group stages. With Arsenal strike Eduardo out injured they may lack the firepower to go all the way. Another negative factor about the Croatian’s is their ability to travel, as a lot of their recent good form has been on home territory. Still many punters will be placing each-way bets as Croatia are considered to be dark horses.
Holland – Euro 2008 odds 14/1 with Sky Bet
Holland are great value at 14/1 with a very talented squad. Unfortunately for the Dutch they have been drawn in the group of death alongside Italy and France. There are also question marks surrounding the unity of the squad, but there is no doubt that this team has some of the most talented individuals.
Czech Republic – Euro 2008 odds 16/1 with Stan James
The Czech Republic have performed well in recent tournaments, most notably in 2004 when they were beaten semi-finalists. However, their chances this time around look a lot harder with Rosicky out injured, Nedved retired from International football, and Milan Baros out of form. It is worth noting that the Czech’s qualified ahead of Germany for this tournament.
Switzerland – Euro 2008 odds 33/1 with Totesport
The hosts of the Euros have always managed to at least qualify for the quarter finals. Although Switzerland don’t have a star filled squad, their group isn’t the hardest so they can be confident of at least reaching the quarter finals.
*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches
Premiership
Premier League Betting
Reigning Champions Manchester United have not rested on their laurels after domestic success last season, with £50m spent on bringing in young Spaniard ‘keeper David De Gea, defender Phil Jones and winger Ashley Young. With well over a month before the transfer window shuts they continue to be linked with big names and could conceivably come into September with Wesley Sneijder or Samir Nasri in their ranks.
Premier League odds
The gauntlet has been laid down swiftly by the Champions, and this season we have four or five teams capable of stepping up to the challenge. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City all expect their teams to challenge, whilst big money spending Liverpool and Tottenham both have the players to get involved.
Second place Chelsea are under a new manager again after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked and 33 year-old Andre Villas Boas was brought in from Porto after winning the League and Europa League last season. The second favourites (3.75 with Stan James and Coral) have so far added no signings to their side, but having spent £50m in January on Fernando Torres, there’s little space in their team that needs cover. The major news in terms of players has been the long term injury suffered by Michael Essien, whose energy was missed last season as injuries blighted his game. The hope will be that Ramires continues to grow into the all action midfielder Chelsea need, whilst it has been said that David Luiz may be given the chance to step into a holding midfield role, helping his game adapt to England before moving to centre back, and also using his on the ball composure and natural defensive instincts. Their attack is overrun with goalscorers, Anelka, Drogba, Kalou, Malouda and the emerging Daniel Sturridge all in competition for what is likely to be a front three with Torres.
Third placed Manchester City are many people’s pick as United’s main challengers this year. A fantastic finish to the year saw the likes of Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany grow into the side and their FA Cup win was greatly deserved. Having ousted Arsenal for third place and gone straight into the Champions League (for the first time) without qualifying, the Blue half of Manchester can fully begin to kick on to the big time now. However, joint top league goalscorer and easily their most influential player Carlos Tevez looks set to leave. 43 goals in 63 games just shows the impact of the Argentine forward, and how Roberto Mancini replaces his captain will be crucial. Dzeko and Balotelli have yet to prove their consistent goalscoring capabilities and, with the money they have, their will be an incoming striker. Much has been reported of one Argentine leaving and another coming in. Sergio Aguero is the name on everyone’s lips, and there is no doubt he’s a world class quality buy. Before then, City have bought in nothing exceptional, with Gael Clichy coming in, alongside centre back Stefan Savic, who is an unknown quantity to most fans but has the potential to emulate another Eastern European in Manchester, the Reds Manchester United. Manchester City are best priced at 5.00 with Bet Fred.
Fourth favourites and the team no one has faith in anymore are Arsenal. Even their own players seem desperate to leave. Fabregas and Nasri seem destined to follow Gael Clichy out the door, and now Arsene Wenger’s football philosophy is being questioned even further. The capitulation of their season last year (or the year before that, and the year before that and far too many times) after Christmas, especially after losing the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham, was far too often an occurence for fans and pundits alike. The quality of Wilshere and Van Persie is obvious, but Arsenal lack winning mentality, and until their manager sorts that out they are not worth backing, even at best odds 10.00 with William Hill.
The only other two teams possibly capable will realistically be targetting Champions League as their main achievement for the year. For all the talk last year that Spurs felt they could win the league, their second half of the season contained little to suggest they really could and they even missed out on the Europa League after finishing sixth. Other than two future investments, their only transfer of note has been free signing Brad Friedel. While Heurelho Gomes has had outstanding games for all the right reasons, he’s had them for all the worst ones too. Friedel has never been a daft mistake kind of goalkeeper, and can be equally as spectacular with his shot stopping. Their problems seem much the same as last year, and if Jermain Defoe continues to be goal shy then they will struggle for a striker good enough to carry them. And if Luka Modric gets his transfer wish they will be shorn of world class talent in the heart of their midfield. What to do their divides opinion, but £30m+ gives them money to spend across the squad. Tottenham are priced up at 51.00 by Bet365, Sky Bet, Stan James, William Hill and Bet Fred.
It is Liverpool who are the team who look set to burst into the top four. Big money spent on Downing, Henderson and Charlie Adam, with it obvious there is still work to be done at left back, Liverpool’s new owners have given Dalglish a chance to make a real statement of intent this season with players who know the English game and still have years left to prosper. Add to that the big money January signings Carroll and Suarez have no had time to settle, Liverpool will no doubt be dangerous. King Kenny’s resurgent side impressed consistently in 2011, attacking with verve, style and intent. However, it is a push to suggest their defence matches up to that of Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea, whilst their midfield and attack are on a par at best. Liverpool are one to watch definitely, as their new signings click and the toll of the Europa League can be seen.
Last season’s top three are the ones to watch again. Manchester United were unconvincing for much of the year yet were relatively comfortable Champions, and they are the only ones to have drastically improved themselves in the transfer market. Their best signing may be the extended contract of Wayne Rooney, who looked a shadow of his former self until late on in the season, and the real Rooney from word go will have more impact than any new signing could. Unless they have trouble settling in a new goalkeeper, it is really hard to see past the Champions.
Recommended bets:-
Manchester United Champions: 2.8 Paddy Power
Manchester City E/W (1/3 for 2nd place): 5.00 Bet Fred.
The other Premier League betting previews available at Free Bet Finder you might find useful are:
Premiership Relegation betting
Premiership top goalscorer betting
Click here to compare free bet offers from all major online bookmakers.
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Big Brother Betting
Big Brother Betting
Online Bookmakers claim that more than £5 million has been gambled on this year’s Big Brother as the show draws to a conclusion this Friday. This is the greatest amount of money ever bet on a reality TV show, and means that over £50,000 has been bet every day on the show.
Pete has been the odds on favourite to win since the second week of the show, and is currently best odds 1/5 with Ladbrokes and Corals. Second favourite is Aisleyne, who is best odds 5/1 with totesport. Nikky, who was voted back into the show last week, and is now 25/1 with Sky Bet.
Paddy Power are offering a number of big brother betting specials, including Pete to have a number 1 single in 2006 3/1 and Pete to marry Nicky in 2006 at 5/1.
Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers
Tennis Betting
Tennis Betting
Tennis betting popularity has increased since the launch of the internet, with more online bookmakers offering competitive prices on tennis matches, and a bigger range of markets.
The next major tennis tournament is Wimbledon, which is one of the best tournaments for betting on, with excellent coverage on the BBC allowing for plenty of in-play betting.
Our team of betting experts have put together a betting preview of both the Wimbledon Mens Tournament and Wimbledon Womens tournament, providing betting analysis, the latest odds, and free bets from online bookmakers.
Millions of people watch the major tennis tournaments world wide and the progression to tennis betting with the emergence of the internet and increased television coverage has been no surprise.
Stan James offer the best range of tennis betting markets, with an excellent “in running” betting service on tennis, meaning they update the odds throughout the match, making tennis betting extremely exciting. Stan James offer a number of tennis betting markets, including match winner, match score, and tournament winner.
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