The opening of group stage matches is set to get underway in one of the world’s most popular soccer (or football) leagues, the UEFA Champions League. In Europe soccer clubs have to earn the right to advance through the different leagues. Good play brings promotion into the better leagues, while bad play brings demotion. It is not an easy system, and those who go on to play and win at the Premier and Champion level are considered to be some of the best soccer teams on the planet. As mentioned before the group play stage is ready to start in the middle of September. With it brings exciting soccer action, and possibly even more exciting gambling action.

Online sports gambling sites and casinos are ready to release their odds for the teams they think will have the best chance at capturing the Champions title. Soccer fans in Europe are crazy about their support of their teams and are just as dedicated to picking their favorites to win in the gambling parlors. Gambling on soccer tournaments and teams has become so popular that some online gambling sites have bought advertising and sponsorship rights with the teams.

Back to the upcoming tournaments, several online sports gambling sites are predicting Barcelona’s team to take the championship at 3 to 1 odds. Barcelona made it to the semi-finals last year, and they have shown significant improvement. Their in country rivals from Real Madrid are next in the odds at 11 to 2. English teams (and rivals) Chelsea and Manchester United come in third and fourth at 6 to 1 and 8 to 1 respectively. Last year’s champ InterMilan is pulling 14 to 1 odds to repeat as the trophy grabbers.

Many of the online sportsbooking sites are offering comparable odds. This is one of the most exciting times of the year for online sports gambling sites. With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa being the most heavily wagered World Cups in history they are expecting to ride the wave of excitement.

Tags: casino, gambling, online