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By: Lynda Collins
Sports wagering is the meat and potatoes at BoDog, no doubt about it. If you're looking for some nice little appetizers and deserts, however, the Costa Rican-based sports book can provide those also. Right now, BoDog clients can wager on several non-sporting events such as the Golden Globes and 2004 Democratic White House race, as well as the 2004 World Handicapping Championship, hosted anually by The Professional Handicappers League. BoDog president Rob Gillespie notes the sportsbook's participation in these events revolves around fun as much as anything.
The idea to post odds on the annual league championship germinated last fall, when BoDog put up a line on the popular Stardust Invitational in Las Vegas. It was won by long shot David Stratton, managing editor of Gaming Today. According to Gillespie, the event drew minimal action.
"We had several put money on themselves," Gillespie said. "My personal belief is if you are buying the guy's picks, you should be happy he's confident enough to bet on himself. As long as you're not Pete Rose, there's no problem. I think it's neat how players at the British Open can walk into Ladbroke's and bet 20 pounds or so on themselves. Nobody would give it a second thought. I guess the PGA players can do it when the tour is in Las Vegas, but it'd probably draw more attention than it would in Great Britain."
This year BoDog formulated a line on the 2004 World Handicapping Championship, a contest held annually online, making it more compatable with BoDog's online audience. All participating handicappers are documented at The Professional Handicappers League and standings updated daily.
The favorite in 2004 is five-time World Champion Brian Gabrielle who opens as a 4/1 favorite. Gabrielle snared his fifth championship in seven years on New Year's Eve 2003 with a net unit gain of +83.3 units picking everything from NASCAR and the WNBA to the three major sports -- oh, yes, and pro hockey, too.
While he's delighted to nab another all-around title and the cash prize that accompanies it, Gabrielle is even more upbeat about 2004 race which includes handicappers such as Tony George (5/1) and Doc's Sports (5/1), who are likely to make the 2004 race even more of a chase.
"I like winning as much as anyone else, but for the league I think the more competitive things are, the better," Gabrielle said. "I expect things to be a lot more competitive with Tony and Doc in there, and I'm going to have to work extra hard to beat them."
Ron McCoy finished second overall after winning the college football contest. McCoy is listed as 5/1 to capture the 2004 title.
Only handicappers who were league members when the New Year's Baby checked in are eligible to participate in the overall championship.
Gabrielle, George, Doc's and McCoy are the favored 4, followed by Ron Raymond at 8/1, Steve Zukiel and Tony Danato Jr. at 10/1, Russel Joseph at 12/1, Buzz Levere and Windy City Sports at 15/1, Joe Chater at 20/1 and Mark Moretto and Slade Henning at 25/1. All others, including current leader Gregg Dunn of Oklahoma, are bunched in a field bet at 5/2.
Sports wagering is the meat and potatoes at BoDog, no doubt about it. If you're looking for some nice little appetizers and deserts, however, the Costa Rican-based sports book can provide those also. Right now, BoDog clients can wager on several non-sporting events such as the Golden Globes and 2004 Democratic White House race, as well as the 2004 World Handicapping Championship, hosted anually by The Professional Handicappers League. BoDog president Rob Gillespie notes the sportsbook's participation in these events revolves around fun as much as anything.
The idea to post odds on the annual league championship germinated last fall, when BoDog put up a line on the popular Stardust Invitational in Las Vegas. It was won by long shot David Stratton, managing editor of Gaming Today. According to Gillespie, the event drew minimal action.
"We had several put money on themselves," Gillespie said. "My personal belief is if you are buying the guy's picks, you should be happy he's confident enough to bet on himself. As long as you're not Pete Rose, there's no problem. I think it's neat how players at the British Open can walk into Ladbroke's and bet 20 pounds or so on themselves. Nobody would give it a second thought. I guess the PGA players can do it when the tour is in Las Vegas, but it'd probably draw more attention than it would in Great Britain."
This year BoDog formulated a line on the 2004 World Handicapping Championship, a contest held annually online, making it more compatable with BoDog's online audience. All participating handicappers are documented at The Professional Handicappers League and standings updated daily.
The favorite in 2004 is five-time World Champion Brian Gabrielle who opens as a 4/1 favorite. Gabrielle snared his fifth championship in seven years on New Year's Eve 2003 with a net unit gain of +83.3 units picking everything from NASCAR and the WNBA to the three major sports -- oh, yes, and pro hockey, too.
While he's delighted to nab another all-around title and the cash prize that accompanies it, Gabrielle is even more upbeat about 2004 race which includes handicappers such as Tony George (5/1) and Doc's Sports (5/1), who are likely to make the 2004 race even more of a chase.
"I like winning as much as anyone else, but for the league I think the more competitive things are, the better," Gabrielle said. "I expect things to be a lot more competitive with Tony and Doc in there, and I'm going to have to work extra hard to beat them."
Ron McCoy finished second overall after winning the college football contest. McCoy is listed as 5/1 to capture the 2004 title.
Only handicappers who were league members when the New Year's Baby checked in are eligible to participate in the overall championship.
Gabrielle, George, Doc's and McCoy are the favored 4, followed by Ron Raymond at 8/1, Steve Zukiel and Tony Danato Jr. at 10/1, Russel Joseph at 12/1, Buzz Levere and Windy City Sports at 15/1, Joe Chater at 20/1 and Mark Moretto and Slade Henning at 25/1. All others, including current leader Gregg Dunn of Oklahoma, are bunched in a field bet at 5/2.