Odds are it's a good bet

The Easyodds.com site makes sure punters always have the best odds when they place a bet.

It has the support of William Hill, Ladbrokes, Corals' online division Eurobet and Littlewoods internet arm 24/7.

Dan Garner, managing director of the New Media Workshop in Seddlescombe, near Hastings, was so impressed by the idea for Easyodds he agreed to provided his web expertise in return for a slice of the new firm.

He has been given the position of chief technical officer in the venture by founders David Gross and Anthony Plaskow.

Mr Garner said: "They asked 'can this be built and will you build it?'

"We helped them develop the idea."

Mr Garner was well-placed to help the young web entrepreneurs, having created a website for The Racing Post.

"We thought we could make a great site as these were things we had already done.

"There's a lot that firms which have grown organically have to offer."

Mr Gross, the joint chief executive of Easyodds, said: "When we came to New Media Workshop in November we had formed the business plan and needed someone to develop the site.

"They were good on technology but they also understood gambling."

Web firms which invest in new ideas and provide business guidance are known as incubators.

They waive design fees and take shares in new ventures in the hope their investment will pay off if companies float on the stock exchange or get bought by larger rivals.

These firms have been accused of leaving the company founders with little of their firm but Mr Garner rejected the claim.

He said: "I'd rather have a small piece of something massive than a big piece of something small."

He would not say what percentage of Easyodds he had taken.

Other firms would be considered for support by New Media Workshop but Mr Garner stressed the firm had rejected many approaches.

www.easyodds.com
www.newmedia-works.co.uk