This Week in Gambling – For football (soccer) fans in Europe the summer months can be a long, slow wait for the action to start. With no major international competition to sustain them over the summer of 2013 it has been particularly bad but we are now, finally, getting close to kick-off time.

There are so many betting options when it comes to the Premier League that there really is something for everyone. A great season-long bet can provide nine months of excitement and interest – assuming you make a decent bet – whilst those looking for some faster action have a huge range of in-play bets to choose from.

The first round of matches starts on the 17th August, with Liverpool v Stoke City getting us underway at 12.45.  FreeBetsFreeTips.com will be providing the latest betting odds, tips and relevant free bets and promotions for all the live televised games in the Premier League so if you fancy watching a game and having a bet be sure to check their excellent match previews out first – especially if you’re looking for a free bet to improve your chances of winning.

With ever-increasing amounts of money coming into the league – the latest TV deal represented a 70% increase on its already-lucrative predecessor – all of the top teams look to be spending heavily in the summer. Man City have already spent almost £100m and Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United and Spurs are all still looking to buy. It could well be the closest title race in years, with little to separate Chelsea and the two Manchester sides at the top of the betting odds.

Of course, at the other end of the table the relegation betting is also sure to be fierce, with many tipping the three newly promoted sides – Crystal Palace, Cardiff and Hull – to go straight back down. There are around 100 betting markets offered on each individual match and with loads of season-long specials, such as top goal scorer and handicap betting, as well as management and transfer specials, you certainly won’t be short of something exciting to bet on in the Premier League.

Now all we need to do is wait for the 17th August…

By Bob Cohen, Chief Sportswriter at Free Bets Free Tips