Wagering on Sportsbook.com Accurately Predicted Bush Victory in Presidential Election

Business Wire, Nov 3, 2004

LONDON -- Over $1 million bet on Sportsbook.com; betting patterns indicated outcomes in key battleground states

Sportsbook.com, America's sports betting destination and the flagship brand for the world's largest publicly traded online betting, gambling and gaming company, Sportingbet Plc (LSE: SBT.L), announces that betting on the U.S. Presidential Election on Sportsbook.com accurately indicated that President George W. Bush would win reelection. Nearly 11,000 bets were placed, totaling over $1 million.

"Based on the betting action we received on the election, we accurately predicted the overall winner even before the official pronouncement that Bush won," said Alex Czajkowski, marketing director, Sportingbet Plc Americas Region.

Key Battleground States

Bets placed on Sportsbook.com accurately indicated which candidate would win the battleground states. Democratic challenger John Kerry received the most bets in Pennsylvania, while Bush received the majority of bets in Florida and Ohio. Sportsbook.com also expects the unresolved states of New Mexico and Iowa will go to Bush.

By the Numbers

Results of the wagering indicated that Bush would prevail 53 percent to 47 percent in the popular vote, which closely mirrors the current numbers. Players placed 5,781 wagers on Bush, averaging $106.82 and 4,897 bets on Kerry, averaging $77.23.

About Sportsbook.com

Sportsbook.com, America's sports betting destination, is the flagship brand for the world's largest publicly traded online betting, gambling and gaming company, Sportingbet Plc. Sportsbook.com offers the largest online selection of sports betting, gambling and gaming. In Gambling Online Magazine's 2004 Reader's Choice Poll, Sportsbook.com was recognized with several awards including the Editor's Pick Gold Award.