Sports Betting News

Levy Agreed Before Deadline

Monsoon — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:31:54 +0000

The racing Levy for the next financial year is expected to yield £72.4million, with fixtures down by 30 to 1,450 for 2012.

A deal was finally agreed just before the midnight deadline to prevent the 51st levy scheme being handed over to government secretary of state Jeremy Hunt to determine.

The three largest bookmakers – William Hill, Ladbrokes and Gala Coral – have agreed to guarantee that their combined contribution will be not less than £45m. In addition, Betfair has undertaken to provide £6.5m.

The arrangement has been welcomed by the major parties.

Levy Board chairman Paul Lee said: “I believe that the offer that has been accepted should deliver to Racing significant benefits.

“The offer of guaranteed contributions by the major operators provides more certainty for all parties and valuable assistance for the Levy Board’s financial planning.

“The Board will be giving immediate consideration to expenditure for 2012 in the light of the resolution but, as a provisional indication, we expect to be able to plan to spend around £65m next year, an increase from £60m in 2011.”

Will Roseff, chairman of the bookmakers committee, the betting industry’s negotiating body for the Levy, added: “We’re pleased that the Levy has been settled this year with no need for intervention by the Secretary of State.

“In his determination last year, the Secretary of State asked bookmakers and racing to negotiate the Levy in a more restrained fashion. This year’s negotiations have seen a more productive dialogue compared to last year’s.

“We hope that this year’s settlement on the 51st Levy offers a springboard for discussions on its long term future, removing government from the process entirely.

“The amount paid in Levy next year will be broadly similar to that paid last year, but this is only one part of the enormous tax burden that bookmakers now face.

“British bookmakers now pay as much in tax as they retain in profit, including gross profits tax, licensing fees and machine gaming duty.

“We also contribute to racing through a number of other measures including media rights, through which racecourse revenues will rise by £15m in 2012 compared to 2011.

“Any discussion on the Levy’s future must also take into account this revenue.”

However, the British Horseracing Authority feels let down and believes strongly that the Levy system is in urgent need of a major overhaul or replacement.

The BHA criticises what they describe as the failure to address the offshore and betting exchange issues which they claim is costing much-needed cash.

“There are positive elements to the 51st Levy Scheme, but it is disappointing overall and deeply frustrating that its terms can be imposed on racing by the Bookmakers’ Committee and Independent Members of the Levy Board,” said BHA chairman Paul Roy.

“The three racing representatives made clear that they could not support a target yield outside the range of £73.7m to £80.8m for the 50th scheme set by the secretary of state just back in February. There is no justification for a figure lower than this range.

“The sport does have a degree of certainty moving forward, and can immediately finalise the 2012 fixture list, but our return from the betting industry remains far lower than our commercial value, and the Levy remains unreflective of the modern betting environment.

“Offshore operators and the failure to address betting exchanges’ different business model are still costing racing vital revenues.

“This year’s last-minute discussions have again laid bare the imperfect and out-dated processes within the Levy mechanism.

“No-one involved in our sport should be in any doubt of the need to radically overhaul or replace the Levy: Racing’s future should be determined by direct, commercial negotiation with the betting industry on the principle of a willing buyer and willing seller.

“We are in detailed discussions with Government and the betting industry around the introduction of modern, fair, enforceable and sustainable arrangements and this work must progress with urgency.”

Other related news...

Silver By Nature Out For Season

Monsoon — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 +0000

Lucinda Russell’s high-class chaser Silver By Nature has been ruled out of the current campaign with a leg injury.

The nine-year-old won the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February for the second successive year and was sent off as one of the favourites for the big race itself.

He could only finish 12th on ground that was too quick for him but hopes were high he could make his mark in some of the top staying chases this term.

However, former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, Russell’s partner, tweeted: “Silver By Nature has suffered an injury and will not run this season.”

Other related news...

Diamond Harry Team Weigh Up Options

Monsoon — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:17:51 +0000

Connections of Diamond Harry are optimistic the 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup winner will make his seasonal debut this month after being forced to miss his intended engagement at Wetherby on Saturday.

The eight-year-old has not run since his Newbury triumph almost 12 months ago and was forced out of the Charlie Hall Chase after being found cast in his box.

The Hennessy at Newbury on November 26 and the Betfair Chase at Haydock a week earlier are the options for the smart staying chaser, owned by the Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership.

“The vet’s been to see him and we’re very hopeful that it’s not serious, so we’re hopeful he’ll be able to make it to one of the races later this month,” said Duffy.

“The two options we’ve got are the Betfair and the Hennessy. We’re hopeful he’ll be fit to run in either of those, fingers crossed.

“He’s a lot better than he was and the signs are positive, but I don’t want to count my chickens before they’re hatched.

“We’ll discuss it with the trainer and hopefully if he’s fit we can get some work into him.

“As long as he’s not permanently damaged, that’s the main thing.”

Trainer Nick Williams confirmed the injury was not serious.

“Hopefully we’ll get him back. I’ve entered him for the Betfair Chase at Haydock.” the Devon handler told At The Races.

“The vet said he basically kicked into the manger at the racecourse stables and damaged the back of his leg.

“Missing the Charlie Hall made no difference at all. With him there are no long-term plans, we just take each race as it comes and we’ll try to get him to the start in one piece next time.”

Other related news...

Paul Nicholls Thrilled With Kauto Spin

Monsoon — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:10:27 +0000

Paul Nicholls was delighted to see Kauto Star show plenty of enthusiasm as the veteran chaser enjoyed a spin with stablemates Big Buck’s and Mon Parrain after racing at Exeter.

The 11-year-old Kauto Star has enjoyed a stellar career, winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on four consecutive occasions and taking Cheltenham Gold Cup glory twice.

He looked to have lost some of his dash last season, being put firmly in his place by Long Run in the King George and the Gold Cup before being pulled up on his final start of the campaign at Punchestown.

Some have called for connections to call time on the French-bred gelding’s career, but the champion trainer is keen to carry on as long as he is enjoying his job.

A bid for a fourth victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 19 is on his agenda.

“Kauto was full of enthusiasm and travelling like a demon and it’s good for them, a day out like this,” Nicholls told At The Races.

“I’m really pleased to see Kauto going nicely and the idea was to try and finish in a line together.

“People are saying Kauto should be retired but they have to remember that when he’s retired, people won’t get the chance to see him.

“He’ll be retired one day but he absolutely adores what he’s doing – he loves being in training and loves the life.

“We’re not going to abuse him and we won’t ask him to do anything he’s not capable of.

“He’ll have a couple of runs, it will the same for him and Denman, and we’ll see what happens.”

Ruby Walsh partnered Kauto Star in the gallop, with Daryl Jacob sat alongside on Paddy Power Gold Cup hope Mon Parrain.

Harry Skelton was content to sit a couple of lengths further behind on three-time World Hurdle winner Big Buck’s, but he quickened up smartly to join his stable companions on the line.

“Big Buck’s went well and it’s ideal,” Nicholls added.

“There’s a lot of hype about him (Mon Parrain) and he got beaten the last day he ran at Aintree.

“He’s only a five-year-old and could improve. He runs in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and we’ll know a lot more after that.”

Other related news...

Manchester clubs fight for a place in the Last-16

Tasos Vossos — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:05:53 +0000

United and City are resuming their Champions League campaign this Wednesday, with the Red Devils hosting Romanian champions Otelul Galati and the Citizens travelling to Villareal.

After three matches in the group stage, neither club has secured qualification to the next stage. Manchester United currently stands just a point ahead of third-placed Basel, while Manchester City holds the third place of Group A, a point behind Napoli.

As the Italians travel to Munich to face group leaders Bayern, City has the opportunity to get the three points in Spain and hope for a Napoli slip to climb to second place. Villareal is not an easy opponent, as City won their previous encounter with a goal by Sergio Aguero in the dying seconds of the match.

Since their first match, which ended in a 2-1 City victory, the Blues have scored an impressive 14 goals in three matches, including the 1-6 humiliation of their Manchester rivals. Mancini’s armada is going from strength to strength and it would be really difficult for Spanish league’s tenth-placed Villareal to get even a point on Wednesday.

William Hill offers a 4/7 for a City triumph, but the 13/5 for a draw is quite tempting for those willing to take the risk.

Manchester United had had two difficult weeks after their 0-2 win in Romania. They were thrashed in the Manchester derby, but they managed to advance in the Carling Cup by beating less-than-stellar Aldershot and snatched a 0-1 win against Everton, to keep within 5 points from the top.

Otelul Galati is not top-class opposition and United should not have a problem getting the three points at Old Trafford, even though they won the first match by scoring twice from the penalty spot.

Tom Cleverly will most probably miss the match because of an ankle injury, while Nemanja Vidic is suspended because of the red card he saw in Bucharest.

Ladbrokes gives a 1/10 for a United victory, the only plausible result for Wednesday’s fixture.

Other related news...

Europa League Group Stage Matchday 4

Tasos Vossos — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:19:38 +0000

Tottenham fly to Kazan, Stoke visit Tel Aviv, while Fulham and Birmingham host Wisla Krakow and Club Brugge respectively in the fourth fixture of their Europa League group stage campaign.

The Spurs remain undefeated after three matches and hold the first place of Group A, having amassed 7 points. On their second away match, after the 0-0 draw in Greece against PAOK, Tottenham face Rubin Kazan in Russia, in a bid to get the three points and secure qualification to the next round.

Harry Redknapp’s men are in terrific form, having recorded 8 wins and 3 draws in their last 11 matches. Their last defeat dates back in late August, when they were thrashed 1-5 by Manchester City at White Hart Lane.

Rubin, currently sixth on the Russian league table, hold the third place of the group, a point behind second-placed PAOK. As Greeks have a theoretically easy match with Shamrock Rovers in the Republic of Ireland, it is a no-tomorrow fixture for the Russians. Spurs won their previous encounter, courtesy of a Roman Pavlyuchenko goal.

Tottenham have the quality to escape Kazan with a victory, but as this is Rubin’s last chance, a draw seems a quite possible result.

Stoke also have an away fixture this Thursday, as they travel to Israel to face Maccabi of Tel Aviv. After two wins and a draw on the first three fixtures of the group, the Potters currently stand on the top spot, two point ahead Dynamo Kiev. Maccabi, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the group with only 1 point under their belt.

Stoke won their previous clash decisively, recording a 3-0 victory. Maccabi, who share Israeli league’s top spot with rivals Hapoel, don’t seem capable of challenging the Potters. Stoke are on a three-match losing streak and an away victory can be an important psychological boost for the team.

Fulham host Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage in a crucial match that may decide the Cottagers’ European future. Fulham are currently second on the group with 4 points, while Wisla and Odense are right below them with 3 points.

The Polish side narrowly won the previous match in Krakow by one goal to nothing, but Fulham can capitalise on their away victory at Wigan this weekend, take the three points and keep a safe distance from their competitors. It is a match that can go either way, so the 9/1 offered by William Hill for a Wisla triumph seems quite tempting.

Championship side Birmingham share the top spot of their group with their upcoming opponents Club Brugge, while third-placed Braga are just two points behind. A victory for the Blues means they can break free from this stalemate, while a defeat can see them drop to third place.

Birmingham won the match in Belgium a fortnight ago, after which the forth-placed side of the Belgian table recorded two defeats, including an impressive 4-5 loss at the hands of Genk.

The Blues’ six-match winning streak ended with the 0-0 draw against Brighton this weekend. However, Club Brugge have the quality to get a positive result, so going for the 3.40 offered by Bet365′s for the draw is not an unreasonable move.

Other related news...

Wayne Rooney is the only English player named on the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 Ballon d’Or

Monsoon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:35 +0000

The prestigious award is the most coveted individual honour in world football, and is currently in the possession of Lionel Messi, who is looking to claim it for the third successive season.

Rooney is one of four Premier League-based players to make the list along with United team-mate Nani, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez andSergio Aguero of Manchester City.

Rooney is looking to be the first Englishman in a decade to take the award, with Michael Owen the last one to take the honour in 2001.

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is one of eight players from Barcelona to make the cut, whilst Real Madrid boast five candidates including 2009 winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The coach of the year is also decided at the same event, and that sees Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Andre Villas-Boas all nominated.

Player nominees:

Eric Abidal (France), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Karim Benzema (France), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Dani Alves (Brazil), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Nani (Portugal), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Gerard Pique (Spain), Wayne Rooney (England), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Xavi (Spain)

Coach nominees:

Vicente Del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Sir Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United), Rudi Garcia (France/Lille OSC), Pep Guardiola (Spain/Barcelona), Jurgen Klopp (Germany/Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Low (Germany/Germany national team), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Real Madrid), Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay/Uruguay national team), Andre Villas-Boas (Portugal/FC Porto, Chelsea), Arsene Wenger (France/Arsenal)

Other related news...

Euro goal as Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson orders double

Monsoon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:41:27 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson is targeting an Old Trafford double to see United through to the Champions League knockouts.

The Reds currently sit on five points in Group C – two behind leaders Benfica.

But the United boss hopes victory over Otelul Galati tomorrow night at home will set up an Old Trafford clash with the Portuguese that will see his side home safely to next February’s last 16 with a game to spare.

“We have to win, without doubt. We’re at home and I expect us to win and, if we do that, it’s in our hands when we play Benfica at home (on November 22),” said Sir Alex, below.

“It’s always been better to finish first than second. After getting the first result against Galati and then playing them again at home, we’ll hopefully go into the Benfica game with eight points. That will be an important match.”

While United take on the Romanians, Benfica play Basel in Lisbon. “I expect Benfica to beat Basel as they’re in a bit of disarray with Thorsten Fink (the Swiss side’s ex-boss) going to Hamburg,” he added.

“We’ll hopefully win our game and, when we play Benfica at home, it’ll be the decider in our section.”

United beat Galati 2-0 with two Wayne Rooney penalties in Bucharest last month.

“Having watched Galati, I knew nobody turns them over. Their games against Basel and Benfica had been tight and they were exactly that way against us,” he said.

“Galati set out their stall to make sure they weren’t going to be embarrassed.

“They were well organised, really determined defensively and they got stuck right into us. Some of the tackles in the second half were very aggressive. It made it a difficult type of game but I think we improved enough after half-time to be the better team.

“We finished the game comfortably enough.

Other related news...

Lescott’s warning to his Manchester City team-mates

Monsoon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:29:54 +0000

City are determined not to “do a Chelsea” and allow their dream start to turn into a nightmare.

In fact, Blues stalwart Joleon Lescott says the Blues are intent on extending their red-hot

Premier League form into the Champions League as they fly out to Spain today.

City have been unstoppable in domestic competition, scoring 36 goals in 10 league games and last week netting five at Wolves to reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals. But Lescott says the team has to heed the warnings of history, not least the way Chelsea collapsed after a similar start to last season.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side scored 21 and conceded one in their first five games until they ran into the Blues and lost 1-0 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

They then imploded in November, winning just two out of 11 to hand United the title.

That is why, Lescott says, no-one at City is too impressed by the Blues’ blitz.

“It’s a great situation to be in but we won’t take anything for granted,” said the big defender. “United were beating teams at the start of this season, Chelsea did it last year and probably had a bigger gap when they were beating teams by the same margins.

“So we know it’s not over and it won’t be an easy task to stay there but we are determined and confident.

“Everyone has a blip at some stage but it’s about condensing it to one game rather than three or four, and we are confident that if we do drop form at any stage we can bounce back strong.

“The way the manager picks his teams, he keeps everyone at it and fresh, so maybe it might not come so early in the season.” City head to Villarreal on top form but their opponents lie bottom of the group after the 2-1 loss at City, and have struggled in La Liga this season, chalking up only their second win of the season at the weekend.

They have also run into an injury crisis, losing main striker Giuseppe Rossi, Etihad Stadium goalscorer Cani, Marco Ruben, Marcos Senna, Nilmar and now Colombian defender Cristian Zapata.

Other related news...

Everton FC defender John Heitinga admits EFC are falling behind top clubs – but insists they will recapture defiance

Monsoon — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:47:20 +0000

JOHN Heitinga admitted Everton FC’s form against the Premier League’s top clubs has suffered a worrying dip so far this season – but insists they will recapture their defiance.

The Holland international started his second consecutive game in the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday, as the Blues dropped to 16th.

But although Heitinga, 27, accepts the gap has widened between Everton and the top four, he says their majority possession and work ethic deserved greater rewards against Alex Ferguson’s side.

He said: “Of course they have the money and the better players. But if you consider how much money they spent on their team, and how much money we spent on our team then the gap is not so big because we were the better team at times.

“But you have to be realistic, and the top four is better than the rest at the moment. At the moment the gap seems wider.

“Last season and two seasons ago we would beat all the big teams here, and so far we haven’t got one point against the big sides. So it’s for us to fight a little bit harder, and we’ll see what’s going to happen in the future.

“The United game was one of our better games recently. We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances, but we were a little bit unlucky because they had only two or three shots on goal and scored a goal. We had plenty of chances but just couldn’t score.”

Heitinga, who joined from Atletico Madrid in summer 2009, believes referee Mark Halsey denied Everton a legitimate 93rd minute penalty during Saturday’s game, when Magaye Gueye appeared to be fouled by Patrice Evra.

“It was a big opportunity when Magaye came into their area, and in my eyes it was a penalty kick but OK you have to accept the decision of the referee,” he said. “We needed to be a little bit lucky in those situations.

“The league table doesn’t look great, but if you see the teams we’ve played against in the last couple of weeks, you know we need to win in the next few games. The start last season was worse than this season.”

Asked if Everton would benefit from signing a striker in January, the defender said: “Of course, but then you need money.

“We have got a good squad if everybody is fit, and in the game against Chelsea we showed that the form of the team and the spirit is good. Everyone was trying to win every battle and show the crowd that we wanted to give a good performance.

“I was out for a bit with a small injury, and I’ve been back in training for two weeks and I’m feeling fit and well. I’m looking forward to playing, and I’m still happy to be playing for Everton because it’s great to be here.

“If you see all the fans, it’s not for nothing that it’s the People’s Club. The spirit is good and I want to give a little bit better for the team, and show my experience for the team.”

Heitinga insisted that he is relishing the battle to establish himself in the heart of Everton’s defence ahead of Sylvain Distin, who was a last-minute injury withdrawal on Saturday, and Phil Jagielka.

“I’m a professional, and the best one needs to play,” he said. “It’s up to me and the other players to show the manager we are the best and make it harder for him to pick the team.”