by Nine Sportsbook - 11/03/2005
November 2, 2005 New York - When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein walks out the door at Fenway park later this week, he could be beating a path for south of the border to lush Costa Rica. Internet gaming company Nine Sportsbook extended an offer to Epstein following revelations that he was leaving the venerable sports club after a breakdown in salary negotiations.
Costa Rican-based Nine Sportsbook - an online sportsbook, casino and poker site with a considerable North American based clientele - extended a preliminary offer to Epstein to lead their baseball betting and analysis division. Betting on baseball games is one of the largest summer revenue streams for Nine Sportsbook and warrants a person such as Mr. Epstein who can provide invaluable match up insight to Nine Sportsbook players. He will be available to Nine Sportsbook players via email and live chat to offer his expert advice at no charge.
Nine Sportsbook is one of the world's largest online entertainment and gaming sites, providing a full range of gaming options from gambling to music downloads, sports information and lifestyle articles.
"We believe Mr. Epstein's insights into the sport, as well as his statistical analysis expertise, and risk taking management style is a good fit for Nine Sportsbook," said Nine Sportsbook president Robert Evans. "Also, working for Nine Sportsbook in beautiful Costa Rica is an excellent way to decide his next career move."
Although Epstein stated his intention to take a year off from working, executives at Nine Sportsbook encouraged him to spend that year at their base of operations in Costa Rica. Nine Sportsbook offered housing, transportation as well as a salary package comparable to what the Red Sox offered Billy Bean in 2002 - a sore spot for Epstein in his present salary negotiations with Red Sox president, Larry Lucchino.