May 25, 2010

How To Fix The World Cup.: A new book reveals where billions are gambled, matches are fixed and some end up dead.

posted by owlhouse to soccer at 09:18 AM - 5 comments

I'd just like to add that in order to celebrate my 100th post on SportsFilter, I chose a story that received zero comments.

/wipes away tear.

posted by owlhouse at 01:54 AM on May 27, 2010

This is a compelling story. Once I started to read it, unfounded fear took over, and I thought that I might put myself in possible peril by posting.

To the great relief of my wife, I finally agreed to stop rearranging the bedroom furniture, and went to seek protection. Federal agents are allowing me to send this post from a secure location.

All kidding aside, it is a hell of a story. I bookmarked it and have to go back and finish reading it. After a beverage.

posted by beaverboard at 08:21 AM on May 27, 2010

That is an interesting article. I can't believe the fixers just came up to him and offered insights to what they are doing. This part near the end puzzled me:

The Daily Telegraph in Britain reported: "Internet users on UK-based Mandarin websites have identified Mr Yang as a recruitment agent for a gambling racket which relied on the results of live Premier League football games being shown a couple of minutes later in China to beat the bookmakers."

Do I understand correctly that this kid in Britain is calling people in China with live results of matches on a tape delay and they have some way of using this knowledge to place bets and win money? If it's just a couple minutes behind, how many matches could possibly change outcomes in that time. If, on the other hand, the match is delayed by a significant time, how stupid are the bookies?

posted by bender at 12:31 PM on May 27, 2010

If it's just a couple minutes behind, how many matches could possibly change outcomes in that time.

You've heard of scripting and Internet betting?

posted by billsaysthis at 04:25 PM on May 27, 2010

So are people placing bets during stoppage time? Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'm not seeing how this knowledge could be used to win money unless the bookies are incredibly stupid.

posted by bender at 01:08 PM on May 28, 2010

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