 Betting
on the 2008 US
Masters Grows in
PopularityIf your desire is to start betting on the 2008 US Masters this week, you are in good company. The activity has drawn extensive interest, more so than in any past years. While not on par (excuse the pun) with the likes of the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby or even the Academy Awards, US Masters Golf betting has its legions of supporters. Then again, with a few days leading up to the event, traffic was really starting to explode. "Traffic inquiries for this event have gone into the thousands," explains Gambling911.com Senior Editor, Payton O'Brien. "This is looking to become one of the top 10 most bet on events of 2008." It is also one of the easiest and profitable. While many see Tiger Woods as a "sure" bet to win the 2008 US Masters, the larger payouts come with the rest of the field of golfers. Much of the popularity related to betting on golf tournaments began when Gambling911.com started reporting on huge payout odds posted on Angel Cabrera for the US Open Golf and Padraig Harrington's British Open victory. Both men paid some lucky gamblers thousands of dollars for a mere hundred dollar wager. In Great Britain, where the British Open already ranks among the most bet on events annually, Harrington's win alone helped contribute to massive losses posted by Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power. "People are beginning to understand the wealth potential associated with betting on the 2008 US Masters and other golf tournaments," O'Brien acknowledged. Everyone except for Tiger Woods has the potential of paying $1000 and up on a $100 bet. Even Tiger pays even money for the most part. At Bookmaker.com Phil Mickelson pays $1000 for every $100 bet; Vijay Singh $1600; Geoff Ogilvy pays out $2000 for every $100 bet. Someone like Justin Rose would pay $3300 for every $100 wagered. Bookmaker.com was also offering betting on various group winners from individual regions (i.e. Australia 2008 Masters Group Winner Odds, South Africa, UK/Ireland and Europe 2008 Masters Group Winner Odds. O'Brien believes there is a chance that Betting on the 2008 US Masters could really turn some heads and provide some much needed revenue for online bookmakers (especially those North American facing bookmakers) whose peak betting season traditionally closes once March Madness ends. "It is events like the US Masters that will offer some fillers for what is supposed to be the 'slow' period even though the wisest of online gambling operators now have a keen understanding that the Kentucky Derby can bring in enough money to sustain them throughout the month of May, coupled with the Preakness." Baseball is considered one of the least bet on sports, it should be noted. --- Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher CCostigan@CostiganMedia.com Originally published April 8, 2008 11:44 am EST
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