Bet on It: March Madness Season Starts Early; Fans Wagering on Selection Sunday.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- As the annual month-long March Madness basketball frenzy begins, basketball fans and fanatics are placing their bets before teams are even selected.

"Wagering on the games has become an integral part of the overall fun and entertainment of March Madness," said David Carruthers, CEO of BETonSPORTS.com, one of the world's leading online sports book, casino and poker operators. "It is just another way for fans to be part of the action."

And, increasingly, the real action is on-line. For example, in 2004, BETonSPORTS.com recorded a "handle" (total dollar amount of online bets placed) topping $96 million dollars during the NCAA tournament alone.

"With so many games being played at once and so many teams involved, March Madness is the busiest month for online betting," said Carruthers. "As with many things, it pays to be early. Those who place bets at the start of the tournament can take advantage of better odds."

During the tournament, bettors will be able to wager on nearly 1,000 props (or betting propositions) at BETonSPORTS.com, Carruthers noted. In fact, basketball followers are already betting on props such as:

--Which conference out of the major conferences will win the most games (Big 10, SCC, Big East, ACC, Pac 10)?

--Which region's #1 seed will be the first to drop out of the tournament?

--Which 16th seed will go the farthest in the tournament?

--Which region will have the highest free throw percentage in the Final Four?

--How many four-legged mascots will end up in the Final Four?

When people bet during March Madness, they tend to bet slightly more than on other sporting events. The average bet placed on the BETonSPORTS.com site during March Madness last year (in 2004) was $90, compared to the average bet on regular season basketball events, which was $80.

Editors' Note:

David Carruthers is available to discuss a variety of topics, including:

--March Madness Gambling Trends and Bettor Profiles

--Responsible Gambling Tips and Advice

--Why Regulation of the Online Gambling Industry is Essential - for bettors and for the industry

If you would like an interview with David Carruthers or additional information on BETonSPORTS.com and/or trends surrounding March Madness and the online gambling industry, please contact:

Debra Kanter at 312-255-3120 ([e-mail]);
or Elizabeth Berglund at 312-255-3129
([e-mail])

About BETonSPORTS plc

BETonSPORTS plc, one of the world's leading online sports book, casino and poker operators, is committed to providing its clients with the most value for their wagering dollar with the highest quality customer service capabilities. Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, the company is licensed in the Caribbean and the UK, where gambling has been a legal and respected tradition for over forty years. The company trades under the symbol BSS.L on the London Stock Exchange's Alterative Investment Market. Visit www.BETonSPORTS.com for more information.