http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/ http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6954/tote-sale-will-be-of-great-benefit-to-british-horse-racing Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:16:36 BST The sale of the Tote marked the end of an era in British horse racing; despite this, it appears as though its sale will be of great benefit to the state of British horse racing...

The news arrives at the same time as an announcement from the British Horse racing Authority (BHA) and the governmental Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); they have announced the launch of a new 'twin track' structure that should see the nation's horse racing industry benefit by approximately £90 million from the sale of the Tote.

The Tote was sold to BetFred during the closing stages of last summer; it is the only organisation which has been granted permission to operate pool betting on horse racing within the United Kingdom. It also accepts bets on football and various other sports, while maintaining a presence on all 60 different race courses throughout the United Kingdom – it also maintains and operates 517 different off-course betting shops.

The Tote was sold to BetFred for £265 million in June; following this, officials announced that they would be aiming to establish a new grant-making charity, known as The Racing Foundation, within the near future.

Minister for Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose, recently commented on the matter, saying: “The sale of the Tote last year after decades of trying, finally - and not before time - saw the Government move out of the bookmaking business,

“We promised that racing would get half of the proceeds and now we are making good that pledge. Racing is a mature, successful and much-loved business. Today's announcement, along with our ongoing plans to reform the levy arrangements between betting and racing, will be a further step in allowing it to prosper without unnecessary Government interference.” he added.

Why not have a look at our online betting bonuses?

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6953/open-bet-prepares-multi-million-pound-software-deal-with-ladbrokes Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:13:38 BST Ladbrokes is one of United Kingdom's leading gambling providers; it appears as though they are continuing their efforts towards global market domination as they prepare yet another huge deal...

The latest partners to join Ladbrokes in their expansion efforts are online gambling and sportsbook software provider Open Bet; the two companies are preparing to sign a multi-million pound deal, which is thought to last over several years. The deal will extend the existing professional relationship between the two companies; Open Bet will continue to supply Ladbrokes with sportsbook software, as well as expand their offerings into Open Bet's online Product Roadmap and Remote Gaming Interface (RGI). The new deal will provide Ladbrokes with access to what is widely believed to be one of the quickest expanding and largest portfolios of gaming content on the internet.

Richard Glynn, chief executive officer of Ladbrokes, spoke about the deal which is currently being inked between the two top industry names, saying:'We are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with OpenBet through a more flexible agreement which offers revenue opportunities to both parties and increases the range of games we offer. This is another step on the road to developing a unique Ladbrokes customer experience.”

Meanwhile, chief executive officer of Open Bet, David Loveday, also gave his insight into the new deal: “We have had a long and productive relationship with Ladbrokes and we look forward to the years ahead. Today’s announcement is confirmation that OpenBet not only delivers what our customers need but that we develop the necessary products that enable them to continue to grow while offering their customers the very best content and gaming experience available.”

Ladbrokes customers have been informed that it will be very much 'business as usual' regarding their online products.

Make sure you check out our online betting bonuses here on Gaming Supermarket.

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6952/utah-signs-anti-gambling-legislation-to-join-hawaii Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:12:05 BST There has been plenty of talk about legalising online gambling within the United States over the course of the last year; despite this, there has been some surprises arising from certain states...

Although it has seemed to be increasingly likely that online gambling will be legalised in general throughout America, there are some member states who have refused to 'go with the flow'.

This point has been highlighted by the actions of Gary Herbert, the Republican Governor of Utah, who has broke with legislators in the surrounding states by signing a measure which bans all residents of Utah from participating from online gambling.

This law came into fruition in the form of House Bill 108, which was overwhelmingly passed by both of the state's chambers.

From now onwards, members of the 'Beehive State' from participating in gambling on the Internet via a computer or any handheld device; this provides an 'opt out' from any potential federal legislation concerning the matter.

“We want to keep Utah free from the negative impacts of legalised gambling,” commented Republican Stephen Sandstrom who originally put the bill forward during the latter stages of last year.

“Without courageous leadership to block Internet gaming, Utah could see Indian casinos popping up statewide in just a few years.

Utah joins Hawaii to be the only two states in America to not allow organised gambling of any form.

“Utah is only one of two states that prohibit any form of gambling, Hawaii being the other. Unfortunately, this could change soon because Hawaii is currently considering legalising gaming leaving Utah to fight the principled fight against legalised gambling on its own.” added Sandstrom.

Utah has not allowed 'games of chance' since its inception in 1896.

Why not have a look at our great online betting bonuses?

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6948/roger-federer-beats-virus-to-take-indian-wells-title Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:10:32 GMT
Federer has been on a run of top form in recent weeks; however, his most recent victory to take the Indian Wells title has sparked a great deal of speculation that he could well be in line to take another Grand Slam title during 2012.

The Swiss overcame John Isner 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 in the final of the competition, picking up his fourth Indian wells title. In doing so, Federer also equalled Rafael Nadal's record of 19 Masters titles – Nadal succumbed to Federer's run of top form during the semi-finals of the competition.

Federer first won the Indian Wells tournament back in 2004; he then defended it over the next two years to be crowned champion in 2005 and 2006.

The Indian Wells titled was also hampered by a viral infection that broke out and forced no less than eight competitors to withdraw from the tournament during the first week. Federer commented on the unfortunate outbreak, saying: It's been a tough tournament for all of the players with a lot of sickness,

"I'm happy I survived the early rounds to give myself a chance. I couldn't be happier,"  he added.

Federer also spoke about his recent run of good form and his prospects for another Grand Slam title during the course of this season.

"I think I have been playing extremely well since the French Open, but people aren't giving me enough credit sometimes for how great that tournament was because I didn't win it," commented the 16-times Grand Slam champion.

Meanwhile, William Hill, bet365 and Sky Bet currently offer 6/4 odds that world number one Novak Djokovic will go on to win the impending 2012 French Open.

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6947/jenson-button-kicks-off-2012-formula-one-season-with-a-bang Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:07:06 GMT
Both Button and McLaren managed to attain a 'dream start' to the new season, thanks to a first place finish for him at the opening Australian Grand Prix. Button's team mate Lewis Hamilton also managed to pick up a podium finish, coming in third behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel. Despite the somewhat disappointing finish for Hamilton, the Australian Grand Prix proved to be a display of new resolve for McLaren overall.

It was very important for us to get this one in the bank early on,” commented Button.

"We haven't been so strong at this point in the season before, so all in all a great day," he added.

The strong start to the new Formula One season appears to have marked a change of pace for McLaren; during the previous three years the British team have struggled to make their mark during pre-season testing and the initial stages of season.

"It's an amazing way to start the season,” remarked Button.

"As a team, the win shows how important the winter is. The guys have done an amazing job. This win will definitely help them push hard in the extra hours they are doing," added the McLaren driver.

While the opening race of the new season went well for one McLaren driver, Hamilton found himself facing familiar frustrations as he failed to capitalise on attaining pole position.

BlueSQ, Stan James and Sporting Bet currently offer 9/4 odds that McLaren's Jenson Button will go on to win the 2012 F1 drivers' championship.

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6945/betfair-launch-new-betfair-everywhere-service Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:45:05 GMT While it may seem like some companies are “everywhere” nowadays, Betfair are one online gambling company who are truly taking that notion to unprecedented heights...

Betfair are famous for introducing the successful concept of the betting exchange, which has become an integral aspect to the way in which the current online betting industry operates. The popular betting exchange and online casino operator is now aiming to expand its operations, thanks to the launch of a new web-based tool which will enable its users to place bets through themselves, which browsing the websites of their competitors – in essence, the new technology acts as an instant and constant comparison service to the odds and offers provided by Betfair against those of any and all of their main competitors within the online betting market.

The new service to known as 'Betfair Everywhere' and is an extension available to Google's Chrome browser; the new service makes use of 'keyword technology' in order to place its own odds into the web domains of Betfair's rivals – in addition to this, the new web tool endows its users with the ability to place bets with Betfair while browsing other select sports content.

The new web tool is the brainchild of a small group of Betfair engineers, which was born at a recent 'Fed-Ex Day' at the company's technology centre in Romania.

Ian Chuter, Group Operations Director for Betfair, commented on the launch of the new web tool, saying: “Betfair Everywhere is a cheeky, innovative and powerful tool that we can now call upon to further reinforce our value proposition."

“We’re constantly looking at ways to make it easier for our customers to recognise the value we offer and then act upon it. The Everywhere tool is a simple yet ingenious use of technology that highlights our willingness to think differently when it comes to keeping one step ahead of the competition,” he added.

Don't forget to have a look at our great online betting bonuses!

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6940/tightest-formula-one-season-on-years-predicted Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:05:56 GMT
The latest prediction comes courtesy of team Mercedes boss Ross Brawn; it is his belief that the 2012 season will be one of the closest that there has been for years, as many of those competing have managed to elevate themselves to impressive new standards. Despite this, Brawn also admitted that it was extremely difficult to say which teams were in the best shape for the impending challenge; this is particularly true after the pre-season testing in Barcelona, where many teams managed to surpass their previous year's performances.

"I'm expecting the tightest start to a season we've seen for a number of years," commented the Mercedes boss.

"I think we're going to have a really exciting season,"  added Brawn.

Brawn also spoke of the prospects of his own team for the 2012 season; he has informed the media that he hopes Mercedes will be able to 'mix it up' with some of the more dominant names within the sport – names such as Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.

“They're going to be competitive, McLaren look pretty sensible - they look as though they have a good car - and I don't think we're too far off. It is so difficult to judge,” said Brawn.

"But there are five or six teams that are a much closer grouping than we have seen for a number of years. I have a feeling it is going to be quite close when we get to the first few races," he added.

William Hill, BlueSQ and 888sport currently offer 13/2 odds that McLaren's Jenson Button will emerge victorious at the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 18th 2012.

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6939/jenson-button-could-be-red-bulls-largest-threat-in-2012 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:03:46 GMT
It is Horner's opinion that Hamilton's team mate Jenson Button may actually be the “one to watch” as the season progresses; Horner recently admitted that he thinks Button could in fact pose the biggest threat to his team during the 2012 season.

"Seb had an unbelievable year and in the end dominated significantly," he said. "But there are some big opponents out there, with six world champions on the grid."

Despite this, the Red Bull boss has also made it very clear that he thinks two-time world champion Sebastian Vettel still has a great deal more to display and should in no way be underestimated.

"We are yet to see the best from him," commented Horner in a recent radio interview. "He will evolve and get stronger."

In addition to Button, Horner also pointed out various other drivers whom he thinks will pose significant competition to Red Bull throughout the 2012 season; among those potential contenders named were Hamilton, Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen.

Lewis is going to be pushing hard this year, Jenson had a great year last year, you can't rule out Fernando because he is a world-class driver and it will be interesting to see how Kimi fares on his return." added the Red Bull boss.

Horner also spoke about Red Bull's preparations for the upcoming season, mentioning that he was pleased with the team's successful pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Sporting Bet and Paddy Power currently offer 11/2 odds that McLaren's Lewis Hamilton will go on to win the 2012 F1 drivers' championship.

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6938/women-catch-up-with-men-in-online-gambling-usage Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:05:06 GMT There has always been a slight bias in the world of online gambling which saw men making more use of such technology than women; it now appears that this bias has finally levelled itself out...

A recent study, commissioned by the Belle Rock online casino group (one of the internet's oldest and most successful online casinos), was launched in order to attempt to ascertain the amount of female online casino users within the United Kingdom, as well as their preferences when participating in online gambling.

The survey was undertaken by a firm know as Hitwise, which has the world's biggest sample of both consumer search and behaviour intelligence. The survey contrasted its results with the 'state of play' from 2007; it was conducted all across the United Kingdom, pooling results to provide one of the most accurate pictures of customer behaviour to emerge in recent years.

The results of the survey were surprising to say the least; they have shown an enormous growth in the amount of women who access online casinos and gambling when compared to the figures for 2007; there are now four times as many female users than there were five years ago – this means that the number of women who use online casinos is now almost on a par with the amount of male customers.

The startling growth in numbers has been attributed to a concerted effort from the online gaming industry to try and make women feel 'more at home' in their online establishments; this has been approached in a variety of ways, from more female specific online promotions, to the launch of various online casino activities which cater exclusively for women.

Why not have a look at some of the great online betting bonuses here on Gaming Supermarket?

]]> http://betting.gamingsupermarket.com/news/6936/possible-change-to-william-hill-and-playtech-deal Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:59:59 GMT William Hill is perhaps the biggest name in terms of gambling within the United Kingdom, while Playtech are one of the biggest names in online gambling; despite this it seems like the two might not be a match made in heaven...

The two companies entered into a deal which saw Playtech and the UK gambling giant both become part of a joint venture in William Hill Online; While things are getting steadily better for William Hill Online (with 40% of their overall operating profits being contributed to by the online gambling portal), things are not looking so good for the company across the board – this is largely due to the fact that the profits from William Hill's traditional land based betting operations are failing in comparison to their online activities.

The problem lies in the initial terms and conditions of the deal that was struck between the two companies; Playtech own 29% of William Hill Online, a stake which William Hill will be able to buy back next year at a 'fair price' which will now have to be determined and massively reexamined due to the success that their online establishment is currently seeing. This could potentially throw up some big problems for both companies when it comes to negotiation time in 2013. While both William Hill and Playtech have not gone into huge amounts o detail about their respective strategies for the looming talks, William Hill Chief Executive Officer Ralph Topping has previously commented on the situation, saying: "The current arrangement is one that needs to change – both organisations recognise that."

Meanwhile, both William Hill and Playtech are currently expanding into new markets; Playtech have recently signed a deal which will see them enter into the South American gambling market for the first time.

Make sure you have a look at our fantastic online betting bonuses!

]]>