Eredivisie Betting

The Dutch Eredivisie is the first of the major European leagues to start this season.

Both Ajax and rivals PSV Eindhoven are rated as 2/1 joint-favourites with Coral but it would be a mistake to write off Alkmaar as they are surely to put up a bold defence of their trophy.

AZ striker and Moroccan international Mounir El Hamdaoui, top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 23 goals, will spearhead Koeman’s side once more and his form will be crucial if they are to contend again.

PSV look strong in all areas and new recruit Orlando Engelaar could well prove a crutial signing. The powerful midfielder has impressed in recent seasons for both Twente and Schalke and will be expected to forge a partnership with the talented Ibrahim Afellay behind Danny Koevermans.

Champions League semi-finalists as recently as 2005, PSV will be keen to regain their status as the the number one side in Holland, having been crowned champions on seven occasions in the past ten years, but regardless of their fortunes it promises to be another highly exciting and competitive season in the Eredivisie.

Bookmakers Favor Schumacher

Michael Schumacher has been backed by bookmakers to make a winning return to Formula One.

Coral bookmaker saw money for the seven-times world champion to replace the injured Felipe Massa and cut the price to 4-1 (from 5-1), they have also trimmed the price about him winning a race and starting on pole.

Coral spokesman Gary Burton states: “Almost immediately after Massa’s unfortunate accident, all the talk was of a replacement at Ferrari, and the only name punters wanted was Schuey. Punters obviously feel the big man still has the skill needed.”

Fernando Torres Top Goalscorer Bet

The 2009/10 Premier League season is around the corner and bookmakers have odds for leading goalscorer up.

Liverpool’s Fernando Torres is leading the way priced at 4/1 (Blue Square) to win the Golden Boot. His team-mate Steven Gerrard looks a better each-way proposition at 20/1 (Bet365). Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka available at 12/1 (Paddy Power). However, his team-mate is priced at 8/1 chance (Blue Square) to be the top goalscorer.

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney is at 12/1 (SkyBet) and his new team-mate Michael Owen is available at 20/1 (Coral). Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie is at 20/1 (Bet365) while his partner Emmanuel Adebayor is at similar price 22/1 (Coral).

William Hill To Move Offshore

Ralph Topping, William Hill chief executive, mentioned that the bookmaker would be moving its telephone and internet operations offshore.

“We face worldwide competition from 400 or so English-language betting websites. In these circumstances, clearly we do not have the luxury of being parochial about our future or taking a simplistic stance on complicated issues,” Topping told the Financial Times.

Topping mentioned that the competitive pressures it found itself under were behind the bookmaker’s decision to close 20 betting shops in the UK this year and to freeze the pay of 16,000 staff.

According to figures released by the Racecourse Owners Association, the UK government could lose up to £45m a year in taxation if the three leading UK bookmakers, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral, relocated their online and telephone businesses offshore.

Gala Coral Prolongs Chartwell License

Gala Coral Group renewed its contract with online gaming software provider Chartwell Technology. Cooperation will go on till 2012.

Chartwell has been working with Coral and Eurobet for last 7 years and it seems that these betting operators are happy with the services. One month ago Bwin prolonged its cooperation with Chartwell for another 2 years.