The Online Sports Bettor

Bodog.com has introduced its list of wagers, including the online gamblíng world's largest selection of proposition bets, for the 2006 FIFA World Cup of Soccer, set to begin Friday in Germany. With millions of Americans expected to join the rest of the world in following this popular sporting event, the online gaming giant has loaded up on wagers for Team USA.

"With the immense publicity that surrounds the U.S. players as they attempt to make an impact on soccer's biggest stage, we anticipate betting action for this year's World Cup will set a record," says Calvin Ayre, Founder and CEO of Bodog.com. "With our large slate of innovative proposition wagers, Bodog.com is once again adding that extra bit of entertainment that sports fans crave. The result is an enhanced wagering experience that makes a cool event like the World Cup even more thrilling."

Four years ago, the United States - long considered the sleeping giant of the global soccer scene - awoke. In Japan/South Korea, Bruce Arena's charges knocked off group favorites Portugal and Mexico before dropping a 1-0 decision to tournament runner-up Germany in the quarterfinals. The Americans, it seemed, had finally arrived.

This year, the U.S. will attempt to do it again, despite being placed in what many are calling the "Group of Death" - also known as Group E - with European powers Italy and the Czech Republic. The top two teams in each of the eight groups move on to the round of 16. Will the U.S. advance to the second round? Bodog.com bookmakers have listed the U.S. at 4/1 odds to wín Group E and 5/2 to advance to the round of 16. The Americans are at 40/1 to wín the tournament and bring home the nation's first World Cup title.

The World Cup kicks off with host Germany facing tiny Group A rival Costa Rica. Bodog.com bookmakers have Germany sitting as heavy favorites at -440. On Saturday, the Group B round robin begins with Paraguay taking on England, which has David Beckham at the helm. England is at -180.

Looking to wager on which team is going to walk away as world champion? Bodog.com bookmakers have Brazil as an 11/5 favorite to wín the World Cup while Germany is the second choice at 7/1. Who will walk away as the top scorer for the tournament? Bodog.com bookmakers list Ronaldinho Gaucho (Brazil) as the 7/1 favorite, followed by teammate Ronaldo Nazario at 9/1.

Missed a day of bets yesterday. I went to the Yankees game last night and didn't have time to bet...

Today's action:
Toronto Blue Jays/Baltimore Orioles 6-June-2006 4:05 PM PST
Total Points OVER 11 for Game +106
T. Taubenheim must start E. Bedard must start

New York Yankees 6-June-2006 4:05 PM PST
Spread -1 for Game -110
D. Pauley must start C. Wang must start

LAA Angels/Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-June-2006 4:15 PM PST
Total Points OVER 9 for Game +102
E. Santana must start S. Kazmir must start

Good Luck.

- The Online Sports Bettor

2-1 today, but still struggling this season.

Record on posted baseball bets year to date: 58-74-6, -14.37 units

Good Luck.

- The Online Sports Bettor

1-1-2 yesterday. I tied two because I sold the 1/2 point... and they played the full Mets game (after a few hour delay). Anyway, it would have been a winner too. Oh well.

Today's Bets:

San Diego Padres/Pittsburgh Pirates 4-June-2006 10:35 AM PST
Total Points OVER 9 for Game +104
C. Young must start V. Santos must start

Washington Nationals/Milwaukee Brewers 4-June-2006 11:05 AM PST
Total Points OVER 10 for Game +100
T. Armas must start J. De La Rosa must start

New York Yankees/Baltimore Orioles 4-June-2006 10:35 AM PST
Total Points OVER 11 for Game -105
A. Small must start R. Lopez must start

Updated record coming today. Good Luck.

- The Online Sports Bettor