$10,000 Top 'Dog Contest Winner Announced

January 18, 2002

Bodog Sportsbook, Casino and Poker and Alatex Sports are pleased to announce that Bob Donahue has won a $10,000 cash 1st prize as "Top 'Dog" in the first annual Alatexsports / Bodog $18,000 Handicapper Contest; Steve Merrill and Marc Lawrence finish 2-3 and win $8,000 in Free Bodog Betting Accounts!

The contest, which kicked off at the start of the 2001 NFL season, saw 21 top handicappers from across the USA going head to head each weekend, making two picks each, on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Each Friday, all 21 of the double plays were then made available to the public from Alatex Sports. DONAHUE, MERRILL AND LAWRENCE "TOP 'DOGS" in 2001!

At the end of the season, the "Top 'Dog" 10 Grand cash prize went to the 'capper with the most points from all his picks (a winning Tuesday pick was worth one point, Thursday's winners were worth two). Bob Donahue scorched the competition by going a combined 22-10-2, for 38 points. Congratulations Bob!

In second place was Steve Merrill, who went 10-7 and 12-5 for 35 points. Steve scores a $5000 betting account at Bodog, just in time for the NFL Division Playoffs! Marc Lawrence's 20-13-1 overall record was good enough for 33.5 points, third place and a $3000 Bodog account.

A WORD FROM THE WINNER!

When notified of his "Top Dog" $10,000 payday, Mr. Donahue was naturally delighted, and offered these remarks: "It was with great anticipation that I accepted Brent Crowe's invitation to participate in the Bodog Top 'Dog Contest. Gazing over the list of invitees, I was quite impressed with the list of All-Star Handicappers that Brent had assembled. The list was a veritable who's who of the football sports handicapping world, and I knew my work would be cut out not to be embarrassed, let alone win!!!!"

"As expected, the competition was keen, but I was lucky enough to remain on the leader board throughout the year. The high percentage of winners posted by the participants, especially in their two point plays, must have caused sleepless nights to many a book. I was fortunate enough to have some breaks go my way, and posted a 14-3 mark in two point selections which was indeed the key to my success in the competition."

"Yet, looking over the weekly standings at Alatexsports, I was never able to shake off the competition, even though I garnered over 74% of the points available! I wish to thank both Brent Crowe of Alatex Sports, and of course Bodog Sportsbook for sponsoring the competition. I believe the format to be a true test of a handicapper's season, and look forward to defending my championship next year."

GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

Bodog's Operations Manager Rob Gillespie reports that the Top 'Dog contest was a great success for Bodog, as well as for the winners. "We're very happy for Bob," Gillespie said, "and we're also really encouraged that so many leading 'cappers became involved with the contest in its inaugural season. Thanks to all participants, and congratulations to the winners!"

EVERYBODY WINS!

Brent Crow of Alatex Sports echoed Rob's comments, adding "This year's contests were the best ever for Alatex Sports. It was a pleasure to work with the Bodog team all year. All of my clients that opened accounts with them were very pleased. It sure is nice to have a relationship with a sportsbook that does what they say they are going to do and makes everyone happy."

Final results for the Top 'Dog contest are available here.

For more information about Alatexsports.com, click here.