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By Calvin Ayre standards, the ubiquitous swashbuckling founder has been mighty quiet of late. Then again, when a tree falls in the forest, chances are you won't hear it. And in the European online gambling forest, comprised of big name firms such as William Hill, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, Ayre is like one of those annoying Australian Pines that were planted throughout Miami Beach during the early part of the century. They are not indigenous to the region. They grow slowly. But as their roots begin to spread out, these trees destroy everything around them. The Canadian billionaire who made his fortune catering to online gambling aficionados in the US and runs digital media giant Bodog (see website here), is now poised to pollinate much of Europe. His private firm is in an enviable position as he does not need to answer to shareholders. This allows Bodog to operate in a more expedient fashion. Bodog also works in unison with Gambling911.com, which already enjoys a rather large readership throughout Europe. "We were the most followed odds monitoring website during the 2007 Cricket World Cup," commented Payton O'Brien, Senior Editor of the Gambling911.com website. "Likewise, we enjoyed massive readership during the British Open Golf Tournament and the recent boxing match between Manchester, England fan favorite Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, Jr." European punters have an incentive to join companies like Bodog. Unlike many of their counterparts, companies like Bodog offer top of the line bonuses and flimsy betting lines. Likewise, their oddsmakers are less inclined to have a true pulse on the European sports scene, hence, allowing for terrific value. Even in American sports, Bodog has been featuring some mouth watering odds And Bodog has other revenue streams that can help them flow through the European market like the famed Thames River. In addition to the Bodog Music label (which just acquired rapper DMX) and its Mixed Martial Arts arm, Bodog's North American facing betting business is really about to get into full swing. Balancing out the college basketball betting frenzy will be American Idol wagering and the potent US Presidential betting props, which have taken on a life all their own. But Bodog is focusing in a big way on Europe, even incorporating a new blog for the affair with experts contending that the hunky 40 something year old can better market himself than some bloke at Ladbrokes. Think Richard Branson, for whom Ayre is a long time admirer. A long time Richard Branson associate will be attending the much ballyhooed Gambling911.com party next week, incidentally. "He's charming, sophisticated, savvy and sensual," commented Gambling911.com's own internationally renowned reporter and party host, Jenny Woo, referring of course to Richard Branson. "That Calvin is a cad! Oh, but I admire him for his brilliance, good looks, unequivocal generosity to the human race and his brawn pig bathing upbringing. Oink oink!" "2008 is going to be a great year for us and a great year for our industry," a new more prim and proper Calvin Ayre told Gambling911, looking more and more like Bono, trying to save the world. Needless-to-say, not everyone is impressed with Ayre and his antics. Commented one British bookie, who wished not to have his name revealed. "Must be ad renewal season at Gambling911." Find Middlesbrough v Liverpool Betting Odds Here ----- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com Originally published January 11, 2008 1:42 pm ESt
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Not
Fayre! Bodog
Founder Calvin Ayre
Makes Move to
Conquer European
Online Gambling
Market