Bodog Press Release - world cup soccer betting

May 27, 2002

24-Hour World Cup Phone Wagering @ Bodog!

The World's #1 Sportsbook Kicks Off 24-hour Toll-Free Phone Wagering May 31 for the 2002 World Cup!

Bodog Sportsbook, Casino and Poker's world-class Customer Service team is ready for the FIFA World Cup, and will be open for business 24 hours during the tournament, which kicks off May 31 and concludes with the Championship game June 30 in Yokohama. "We've had 4 years to prepare for this," says Rob Gillespie, Bodog's Operations Manager. "All systems are now a full go for 24-hour phone wagering and customer support.* Our players around the world will be able to get their bets in online or by phone, right up 'til kickoff! It's an especially huge advantage for US-based bettors."

"This is another first for us," Gillespie proclaims. "We recognize that the World Cup is the biggest sports event in the world, and with our 24-hour service,* we've stepped up to put all our players around the world on the same playing field. Starting May 31, anyone can call in a bet right up until each game kicks off, whether it's 6:00 am or midnight." Bodog's toll-free phone number, 1-888-263-0000, will be staffed 24 hours by both wager clerks and Customer Service for the duration of the Tournament.*

ONLINE OR ON THE PHONE

Gillespie points out that 24 hour wagering is always available at Bodog on the Internet (@ www.bodoglife.com), but notes that the unusual start times of this year's World Cup in Japan and Korea (between 1:30 and 7:30 am ET) have presented a unique challenge for sportsbooks on this side of the Pacific who cater to a largely North American player base.

"We're used to major sports events being geared towards network television audiences, usually for prime time viewing on the East Coast," Gillespie says.

"But the World Cup is different - it has huge fan bases on every continent. Japan and Korea are 13 hours ahead of New York and 16 ahead of Los Angeles, and as host nations, they determine the game schedules. In other words, soccer fans in North America should plan on a month of sleepless nights if they plan to watch all the games."

Terry B., a regular Bodog customer and soccer fan from a suburb of Chicago, is one such individual. He says that he is not concerned about the upcoming disruption to his regular schedule. "Bring it on!" he shouted, while requesting a payout on his latest winning MLS bets.

"I would give up sleeping, eating, drinking and sex for the World Cup. Who can sleep when England's playing Argentina (June 7 in Sapporo)? Gimme a break!" Terry also noted he will be following team USA closely (in Group D, with Korea, Poland and Portugal), as well as the usual favorites France, Germany, Italy and Brazil.

Fortunately for Terry and everyone else in North America, all games will be televised live in the USA, on ESPN and ABC (click here to see the complete schedule). The Championship game goes June 30, with live coverage at 6:30 am ET on ABC. Tape-delayed repeat broadcasts will also be aired for key games.

WATCH IT ON TV, BET @ BODOG!

"Anyone with cable or satellite TV can watch all the games," Rob Gillespie advises. "With this unprecedented amount of coverage, we're expecting a huge amount of interest in our wager offering, which is increasing daily as we add new props and specials."

Currently, Moneylines and Totals are posted at Bodog for all World Cup games bewteen May 31st and June 5th. Futures are also up for the Tournament winner, as well as winners of each group. Bodog's prop selection is, as usual, the most diverse and original in the world, and it will be expanded daily as the games progress. Team USA specials, Exact Score Props, and the Golden Boot winner are up now. You can also pick which round some of the favored teams will be "booted".

4 MORE YEARS

Soccer is not yet the most popular sport for betting at Bodog, but this year, as is common after every World Cup, a huge increase in player interest and wager volume is expected.

"In the coming months, we're planning to increase our soccer wager selection for both Major Soccer League here in the US, and of course all the big European and International action," says Gillespie.

"Our 20% Signup Bonus is a great way for soccer fans to try out betting on the World Cup, and they'll want to keep the ball rolling after the tournament's over. We'd like to keep their business, and plan to offer as much soccer as we can handle. Stay tuned!"

The 2006 World Cup will be played in Germany.

*The Bodog wager center will be open 24 hours on game days, and Customer Service will remain open until the last game of the day kicks off.