Online Gambling ‘More Popular than Social Networking’
Social networking websites such as Facebook have risen in popularity over recent years and now many consumers use them.
However, research conducted by Nielson Media has found that in the UK, online gambling web offerings, potentially including those that offer free bets, are used by more people.
The firm discovered that 3.2 million people visited bookies and casinos over the web over the course of the last year. This was a rise of 40 per cent on the previous 12-month period.
In contrast, 2.2 million individuals went on Facebook and other social networks.
Nielson Media also revealed that almost half of those who use bookies and casinos online earned a living of at least £30,000 per annum.
Also, of those who use sites that provide paid and free bets, nearly one in two (46 per cent) were female.
Meanwhile, many of the gambling websites available online use female-friendly colour schemes and other things designed to appeal to women.
Responding to the findings, Neil Beston from Nielson said the economic problems being felt in the UK and elsewhere have had an impact on the landscape of online betting.
He stated: “The over-65s and those on lower household incomes have historically been heavy users of gambling sites, but in the face of the recession this profile is changing.”
The expert added: “While the phenomenal growth in gambling sites over the last two years has been driven by men and women of all ages, it appears to be powered particularly by middle-aged men, the well-educated and high-earning households.”
Online betting shows no sign of decreasing in popularity and experts anticipate use of such sites will continue to rise.
Indeed, the choice of offerings available to consumers both in the UK and elsewhere is constantly expanding and they are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated.
Online Gambling is Subject of New Book
An increasing number of people are getting involved in online gambling. Whether they make free bets or paid ones using such bookies, they are all contributing to the trend.
Many of these people may be interested in a new book that has been published by Joseph Menn, who is by day a reporter for the Financial Times.
According to Online-Casinos.com, the book is well worth a read. As well as those who are interested in bookies and free bets, individuals who are intrigued by the worlds of IT and cyber crime may also be well advised to pick up a copy, the news source suggested.
It remarked: “Every once in a while a writer will come along and produce a book that is timely and captivates the very essence of a subject with incredible accuracy.”
The news source added: “This book has been dubbed the rarest of finds. It is an IT security book that is not only informative and fascinating, but truly gripping from beginning to end.”
Called Fatal System Error, the tome is written from the perspective of two security specialists.
One is a member of the UK National High Tech Crime Unit and is called Andy Crocker, while the other, Barrett Lyon, is a security tool vendor.
The story starts as Mr Lyon is preparing to meet with the proprietors of BetCRIS, which is an online gambling firm based in Costa Rica.
Online-Casinos.com noted that online gambling firms were the main target for a new type of organised cyber criminals earlier this decade and that is when the story is set.
It added: “This is a fascinating tale of technical ability mixed with a determination to get the job done, even when Lyon has to go undercover as a hacker to infiltrate and understand how the Russian and Chinese cyber gangs operated.”
The battle between security specialists and cyber criminals is escalating, with new technologies constantly being employed by both in an attempt to gain the upper hand.
Web Bookies ‘Popular Among Young Americans’
The popularity of web-based bookies has risen in the UK over recent years and it seems the trend towards paid and free bets online is also growing across the Atlantic.
Research conducted by the Annenberg Adolescent Communication Institute has found that American high school females and college-aged males are increasingly making use of such resources over the internet.
A survey carried out by the organisation revealed that 16 per cent of college-aged males have used bookies over the internet on a monthly basis.
This is a significant rise from the 4.4 per cent who reported such activity in 2008.
Meanwhile, high school-aged females tripled their use of paid and free bets over the web during this time. The figure was up from 0.5 per cent in 2008 to 1.5 per cent in the recent poll.
And it appears as though online gambling is taking over from more traditional forms of the activity since overall, the monthly and weekly rates of online and offline gambling put together fell for both high school and college-aged males compared with the 2008 survey.
Responding to the findings, which were based on a telephone poll of Americans aged between 14 and 22, institute director Dan Romer said they reflect that fact that young people are able to pay for the activities.
He remarked: “The dramatic increase in use of online gambling by college-aged male youth indicates that payment restrictions on such sites are no longer a barrier to young people.”
The Adolescent Communication Institute was established as part of the Annenberg Public Policy Centre eight years ago and it aims to promote healthy youth development by educating the public, academics and policymakers about the latest scientific advances in reducing risks to adolescent health.
Its findings, which are based on national surveys and externally funded research, are communicated via books, scientific reports and on the internet.
Gamble Online And Claim A Free Bet For Yourself
Have you heard about offers online where you can claim a free bet from a bookmaker when you open an account? The Internet is awash with special offers and deals right now as online gaming and gambling sites compete for your attention and business. Whether you want to play poker, bet on sports or even sign up for a few games of bingo, there are plenty of sites offering you the chance to bet for nothing in exchange for signing up.
An online bookmaker will attract new customers with these offers. Once they’ve visited the site, signed up and downloaded any software they need, they’re banking on you having fun and wanting to deposit more money beyond the free bet to keep on playing.
So how do you go about claiming extra cash from these sites to wager on your next bet? First up, you need to register and then check out the terms and conditions of the offer. Many will stipulate certain conditions. A matched bet is very common. The online casino or bookmaker will match your initial deposit up to a certain limit. However, the market is getting so competitive companies are starting to offer completely free bets without you having to stake any of your own money. A reputable site will explain terms and conditions of any offer up front and in clear plain English. The really big deals right now seem to be in the online poker rooms. They’re so generous in many cases, you can withdraw you original deposit and play with your bonus money.
Betting online is fun, if you bet sensibly. Remember, gambling can become an addiction. Don’t bet with money you don’t have or use betting as a way to make up debts that you owe. Bet with money you can afford and don’t chase loses hard. Everyone has bad days and losing streaks from time to time. So sign up, have fun, but remember not to get too carried away.
Bet Online And Claim A Free Bet
More and more of us are turning our back on traditional high street bookmakers and taking our betting custom online. Spending the afternoon in a traditional betting shop is becoming a thing of the past now you can gamble easily, safely and securely using your computer. More and more sites are springing up to offer these services meaning great deals for punters who can usually claim some sort of free bet when they sign up.
You don’t have to do anything special or difficult. Simply join. There are literally hundreds of offers out there from online bookmakers, so fire up your laptop or PC and start checking them out. The free bet is not usually restricted to betting on sports. You might prefer casino style games like roulette and blackjack. No problem. If bingo is your game, there are plenty of to choose from. Spend the free cash however you want to.
There are so many offers out there, it’s becoming impossible to sift through them all, so comparison sites are springing up that do the hard work for you. Instead of having to trawl the web you have just skip straight to the best deals. Offers change daily, so these sites are a really useful resource. The information they provide is detailed and bang up to date, so all you have to do is choose the site and deal that appeals to you.
Whether you’re betting on the horses or signing up for a few hands of poker, most offers involve some sort of matched bet. You make an opening deposit, generally in the region of £10-£50 and the bookmaker will match it. It’s a great way to get started and that extra credit could make all the difference. If you win big you’ll have nice bank roll to carry on gambling. Responsibly of course! Be careful, have fun and claim your fee bet.
Finding Free Bets In The UK Is Easy – Just Look Online
Free offers usually sound good, but there tends to be a catch. Not when it comes to free bets on offer in the UK though. The online betting market is a crowded place, with lots of bookies competing for your attention and custom. Most of them offer deals for new customers and if you do a little research, you can find some great ways to profit.
If you’re not an experienced punter, you may think of bookies as shady, dodgy characters inhabiting a shadowy world down at the race track. Times change and betting is now much more mainstream and respectable. The people who offer the odds as well as the people who gamble has changed beyond all recognition. The biggest growth area? Betting online. It’s quick, easy and convenient.
As this form of betting has grown in popularity, many organisations have stepped in to offer this service to people. Which the increase in competition, bookies need to stand out from the crowd to persuade you to bet with them. Hence the ease with which you can claim free bets in the UK. It goes without saying that they want you carry on betting once you’ve benefited from the introductory offer.
If you’re interested in signing up and taking advantage, it’s a really simple process. You follow a series of on screen prompts and supply your personal and financial information so an account can be set up. The most common offer is a matched bet. Deposit say, £25, and you will receive the same amount from the site. Whatever the offer, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to double check exactly what you are signing up to.
Stipulations can include things like minimum odds or rollover, plus you’ll probably have to use your free bet within a given time period or lose it once you reach the expiry date. In many cases this is usually 30 days. So have a good look around and check out a few different sites. Find the offer that’s right for you and have some fun. Who knows how much you could win?
Free Bets Online – Have Fun But Be Sensible
Rather than using traditional high street bookmakers, more and more punters are betting online. Yes it’s convenient to bet from the comfort of your own living room, but the other big draw for anyone betting online are the free bets you can claim. They come in several different forms, but the most common is a matched stake. Typically you open an account deposit £25 and receive the equivalent sum.
It’s easy to be tempted by these offers, but before you rush to sign up, think about what you are actually getting into. Is the site trustworthy and secure? After all you’re handing over personal and financial information. What will happen to those details once you’ve handed them over?
If you’ve found an online bookmaker you can trust and you’ve picked up your free bet, remember to gamble responsibly and read the terms and conditions of use thoroughly. Gambling online is easy, so exercise caution. Be sensible and you’ll have fun. Betting on sports on a Saturday afternoon can really liven up waiting for the results to come in, but don’t overstretch yourself and don’t chase losses hard to try and cover them. Remember that even with your sporting knowledge, there are still plenty of factors outside of your control and your stake is at the mercy of the gods of chance.
Online gambling goes far beyond betting on sports. It’s easy to access online casinos where you can play games like craps, poker, roulette and blackjack. The same rules apply as it you were gambling in a bricks and mortar establishment. Set a limit, be sensible and have fun. Check out all the different deals, options and odds before you make your choice. Again go with a reputable site. Free bets can be a great way to get started and with a bit of luck you might well win a bit of extra cash. Good for you, but don’t get carried away and never ever gamble to attempt to pay off a debt or with money you don’t have.
Bookies Tip England Over Russia for World Cup Bid
Bookies have been favouring England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup ahead of rival country Russia.
Both nations have been putting their all into campaigns designed to woo the Federation Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) ahead of an announcement to be made later this year.
The organisation, which was founded in 1904 and is based in Zurich, is set to make its decision known on December 2nd.
And it seems bookmakers believe England may have the edge over its eastern European counterpart, with many such firms lowering their odds for an Anglo victory.
Of course, bookies are providing odds on the other competitors too, including Spain and Portugal. The two nations have put together a joint bid and are currently third favourites to be chosen as hosts.
Meanwhile, another joint bid has been put together by Belgium and Holland, but they are not hotly tipped at present.
Bookmakers gave their prediction that the tournament will be hosted in England after comments made recently by Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
In a statement to the media, he said: “The easiest way to organise the World Cup is to go to England. Everything is there – fans, stadiums, infrastructure – it’s easy.”
However, adding an element of confusion, the official went on to remark: “You cannot deny Russia if they bid for something. They are more than a country. They are a big continent, a big power.”
According to England 2018 bid chief executive Andy Anson, the country’s proposal is strong and is based on stadiums and facilities that are already in place and being used on a regular basis. For this reason, there is minimal construction and planning required.
He added: “We believe we are presenting the best of English facilities and an honest reflection of what we are offering across the length and breadth of the country.”
Bookies Surprised by Race Outcome
Bookies are normally good at predicting the outcome of races. However, a number of bookmakers were surprised recently when a horse that was not tipped to place well came home in first position.
In the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, which took place on the final day of York’s Ebor meeting earlier in the season, Sole Power shocked punters and bookies alike by romping home in the lead.
The beast had been on at 100/1 when the race began and he managed to fend off Starspangledbanner to score by a by a length and a quarter.
The animal was trained in Co Meath by Eddie Lynam, who commented: “The last time I trained a Group 1 winner, someone woke me up!
“We were hopeful but we didn’t think he would win – if he had finished fourth we would have been pleased. He’s been disappointing since the spring but they go too slow for him in the sprints in Ireland. He broke the track record at Dundalk.”
Next year, the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes will run a day later as the Ebor is to be staged on Saturday as the feature race.
Bookmakers at this year’s race meet were busy and two further events are set to take place at the race track this year.
Fans and jockeys will be heading to location for the October Finale stakes, which are set to occur on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th.
The racecourse has a history dating back many years. Indeed, the first detailed records of a race meeting go back over three hundred years to 1709.
It is also highly regarded among many in the sport. Recently, it won a Flat Racecourse of the Year Award and also came out in first place in a survey carried out by the Times newspaper of all Britain’s racecourses.
Bookmakers Falls Victim to Theft
While online gambling and free bets are becoming more and more popular in the UK, the traditional bookies seen on high streets around the UK are still doing brisk business. Because of the amount of money stored in such premises, they are often targeted by thieves.
One such company to fall into this category recently was Chisholm Bookmakers, Hartlepool Today reports.
An employee at the firm who was struggling to pay off debts he had amassed devised and carried out a plan which involved taking over £3,000 from a safe.
Michael Heath had been working at bookies in Mulberry Rise for two years before he committed the crime.
The 20-year-old went to the shop in the early hours of the morning and used his own personal code to deactivate the alarm system located on the safe before making off with the cash.
Following this, he dumped the clothes he had been wearing while he perpetrated the act and took the money back to his house.
It was here that police discovered the loot and Mr Heath admitted the theft when confronted with the evidence.
The authorities had been alerted when store manager Martin Cook opened the shop the next day to find the alarm off and money missing.
Prosecutor Alan Davison said: “It later transpired that £3,240 recovered by police from [Mr Heath's] home during a search was money from the safe.”
He added that the accused “honestly and graphically” gave admissions in police interviews.
Meanwhile, David Dedman, mitigating, remarked: “This is a man of completely good character who is from a good family. The offence came completely out of the blue.”
Consumers who do not wish to travel to their nearest bookies to indulge in a flutter often head online for free bets. This can be a convenient and cheap alterative.