April 29 2007

Gambling without total loss

Loyalty shopping site InternetCashback.co.uk has announced new partnerships with Ladbrokes, Bet Fred and William Hill, taking the number of online bookmakers that are featured on the site to 34. Internet Cashback enables online shoppers to earn monetary rewards for becoming members of the various online betting sites (and e-other retail sites), so they can place bets on upcoming events such as the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and The UEFA Champions League final.

There are a number of online schemes offering shoppers cash, or points, in exchange for part of the affiliate fee they earn as internet users click through to retail sites from their own site. The value of the cashback varies depending on the site and the level of spend. Do these sites encourage loyalty to the retailers or just to the scheme though?

Chris Nolan, Project Manager at InternetCashback.co.uk commented: "We have over 2,700 members that are now signed up to the website and many of those regularly visit one of the online betting sites. Internet Cashback gives those consumers that would not necessarily feel comfortable visiting a casino or bookmakers the chance to get involved in online betting - whilst earning cashback at the same time."

Without wanting to get into a debate about gambling ethics, does someone who has just lost money on a bet feel better for earning back some on their original bet?

Emma Herrod