Free backgammon is a term most internet savvy players will be familiar with, due to the amazing growth of online backgammon gaming sites. But for anyone not familiar with the world of backgammon online a little explanation is in order. What is generally meant by “free backgammon” is not a distribution of actual backgammon games free of charge, nor is it a reference to free membership at the local backgammon club. What we’re referring to is the backgammon software downloads that are available at no charge to the player from internet backgammon sites. With a basic Internet connection and a computer that can support the high-quality 3-D video backgammon software the player can download and play the game as often as they like for free. It’s a great way to learn the game, practice your strategy and just play non-competitive backgammon for free.

The vast majority of the players who download the free backgammon software are not simply interested in free gaming. In fact the main reasons for accessing backgammon Internet sites and downloading their software isn’t necessarily the interest in backgammon gambling but the ability to simply play for free, have fun and meet other avid players from all around the world. It’s like the world’s biggest backgammon club right at your fingertips.

But other players also see free games as a chance to practice for the big tournaments. The online backgammon industry has developed a reputation for hosting regular backgammon tournaments with high value prizes. These competitions are arranged at all levels, and even a player that doubts they have the skills to get to the final round and win the main prize, can hope for winning a substantial secondary prize if they are eliminated from the tournament in one of the higher qualifying rounds.

In addition to the skilled games, or those who hope to join their ranks, the business person who looks forward to play backgammon for relaxation, or to make a small gamble now and again, also finds the online sites a valuable resource. These players find it hard to find the time to go to their local backgammon club and they appreciate the chance to play the game when it fits in with their schedule. For example, if you finish a busy meeting in the early hours of the morning and wish to unwind over a game of backgammon, you will find someone to play against online or, if you prefer, you can play against a backgammon computer.

Another important group of online backgammon players are the new players to the game. A good proportion of these will want to access the backgammon articles and instructions available online to learn the backgammon rules. They will also look forward to the chance to practice how to play backgammon against one of the powerful backgammon computers where you can select a game at a level that suits your skills. Later they can find human opponents of a similar or slightly high skill level to further improve their play.

THE X Factor is odds-on to smash its own viewers record this week, according to Ladbrokes for online betting.

The reality TV show, which pulled in a peak of 16.6 million watchers last Sunday, is expected to benefit from Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle’s appearance as well as the ongoing Jedward saga.

As a result, the firm quote 1/ 2 about an audience of 16.7 million or more viewers.

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: “Jedward plus Susan Boyle can only equal a record breaking show.”

Olly Murs is 2/1 favourite for the contract, whilst Ricky Whittle is 4/6 to claim the Strictly Come Dancing crown.

Jimmy White is 9/2 market leader for I’m A Celebrity.

LATEST BETTING

X Factor specials

Peak audience on X Factor November 22nd (Sunday’s Program)

16,7m or more viewers 1/2
16,6m or less viewers 7/5

Jedward to be UK Christmas number one 2009 without winning the X Factor 50/1

Winner

Olly Murs 2/1
Stacey Soloman 11/4
Joe McElderry 10/3
Danyl Johnson 4/1
John and Edward 12/1
Lloyd Daniels 66/1

Winning manager

Simon Cowell 10/11
Cheryl Cole 11/4
Dannii Minogue 11/4
Louis Walsh 12/1

7th elimination

Lloyd Daniels 4/6
John and Edward 9/4
Danyl Johnson 7/1
Joe McElderry 14/1
Stacey Solomon 16/1
Olly Murs 25/1

Strictly Come Dancing

Winner

Ricky Whittle 4/6
Ali Bastian 15/8
Chris Hollins 10/1
Jade Johnson 20/1
Laila Rouass 20/1
Natalie Cassidy 25/1
Ricky Groves 66/1

I’m A Celebrity

Winner

Jimmy White 9/2
Gino D’Acampo 5/1
Kim Woodburn 6/1
Lucy Benjamin 6/1
Sam Fox 6/1
George Hamilton 8/1
Katie Price 8/1
Colin McAllister 14/1
Stuart Manning 14/1
Justin Ryan 20/1
Camilla Dallerup 25/1
Sabrina Washington 50/1

First Eviction

Sabrina Washington 9/4
Camilla Dallerup 7/2
Justin Ryan 5/1
Colin McAllister 7/1
Stuart Manning 8/1
George Hamilton 16/1
Kim Woodburn 16/1
Sam Fox 16/1
Lucy Benjamin 20/1
Gino Dacampo 25/1
Jimmy White 25/1

HAVING OFFERED 7/4 that Scotland boss George Burley would lose his job before the qualifiers for the next Euro tournament get underway, William Hill closed the book once it became obvious that he is likely to be sacked before the end of the week. And punters have already poured cash on Kilmarnock manager Jim Jeffries succeeding Burley, forcing his odds down from an opening 20/1 to 5/1 joint favourite, along with Craig Levein and Walter Smith. Hills also offer 6/1 Gary McAllister; 7/1 Owen Coyle; 8/1 Billy Davies; 10/1 Darren Ferguson; Joe Jordan 12/1 Kenny Dalglish; Mark McGhee. ‘This is likely to be a very volatile market in the early stages, but the very fact that we are already seeing plenty of interest in Burley’s successor pretty much guarantees that he won’t be seeing the week out’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

CRAIG Levein is the new favourite to succeed George Burley as Scotland manager, according to Ladbrokes.

The Dundee United boss has been cut to 11/4, from 5/1, following a run of money. Former front-runner Jim Jeffries is out to 4/1, from 3/1.

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: “The vast majority of early wagers have been for Levein. Punters are clearly impressed with the start the Terrors have made to the current SPL campaign and are backing him to get the nod from the SFA.”

LATEST BETS

Next permanent Scotland manager

Craig Levein 11/4
Walter Smith 7/2
Jim Jeffries 4/1
Jimmy Calderwood 6/1
Gary McAllister 10/1
Billy Davies 12/1
Ally McCoist 14/1
Gordon Strachan 14/1
Mark McGhee 14/1
Graeme Souness 16/1
Joe Jordan 20/1
Alex McLeish 25/1
Colin Calderwood 25/1
David Moyes 25/1
Alex Ferguson 33/1

The Jackpot Factory’s flagship casino features over 400 download and over 150 flash games. All Slots Casino is the leader in online slot tournaments, and has hosted several big-ticket tournaments, including the $100,000 Beach Party and the $500,000 World Series of Slots tournaments.

All Slots Online Casino offers more than 400 online casino games, including lots of online slot machines as well as keno, blackjack, online poker, video poker, baccarat, roulette, craps, Sic Bo, scratch card, and casino war, with more online casino games being added every month. New players receive a 100% match bonus, up to 200 credits, with their first purchase. Plus, 10% cash back on every purchase, up to 450 bonus credits per month! This means you receive over 5000 bonus credits a year!

Viper download software is available in 9 languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, and players may deposit with US and Canadian dollars, Euro or Sterling using a wide selection of payment options including NETeller and Click2Pay.

Casinorip.com is proud to announce that it will host online qualifiers for the £25,000 London Blackjack Open Tournament in the exclusive Empire Casino in Leicester Square on January 30, 2010. Lovers of Blackjack have an opportunity to win one of 32 spots in an exclusive blackjack tournament that has a total guaranteed prize pool of £25,000 and all players will be competing for the first prize of £10,000.

Qualify for this event at Casinorip.com, where daily qualifiers will be taking place beginning on the 14th Nov , and 2 seats awarded each Saturday for the next 10 weeks.

“This is an exciting tournament and we are thrilled to host the online satellites for our players”, said Gilberto Nieto,  at Casinorip.com. “In addition to our regular exciting promotions, hosting the Blackjack tournament will allow us to provide our an unparallel advantage to attract gaming enthusiasts.”

The main offline tournament will take place at the fabulous Empire Casino in the fabled “Shadow Room.” Online players will have a chance to do battle in person with the other finalists. The top eight players in the offline tournament will share the prize pool with the first place winner taking home £10,000, 2nd place earning £5,000, 3rd and 4th getting £2,500 each and the remaining players will each take home £1,250.