Studs Up

Betfair’s new product, Taikai, is based on a bet-your-friend kinda-sorta-social-networking concept. You create whatever bet you want and then your friends come join… or something.

But what got my attention is their latest marketing ploy. Offering Premier League players a 10,000 quid reward to ‘Do The Taikai‘ goal celebration will get them a bit of viral buzz at worst, and nationwide (if not worldwide) recognition if a top level player actually takes them up on it. 10K is nothing to sneeze at, but I would assume that the FA would be ready to step in and impose a fine if anyone was to take Betfair up on their offer.

The idea of this coming off is ridiculous, but I really can see some enterprising young lad scoring and giving it a go even if semi-ironically. And that’s job done for the Betfair marketing folks (although in truth, simply offering the reward should prove enough).