Youbet.com names new board member

OODLAND HILLS, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Youbet.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBET) announced today the election of Michael D. Sands to the Company's Board of Directors. Sands, an original member of the Orbitz management team, previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Consumer Travel Americas division within Cendant Travel Distribution Services (CTDS), where he was responsible for overseeing the operations and management of travel sites Orbitz, CheapTickets, Away.com, Lodging.com and The Neat Group.

Sands brings to Youbet's Board a deep knowledge of Internet marketing and transaction-based business models, along with expertise in delivering an exceptional online customer experience and driving operational efficiency. Sands' experience at Orbitz in balancing the interests of the company's airline and hotel partners with that of its customers will provide a valuable model to Youbet in its efforts to secure racing content and provide further handle growth to its partners. Sands was engaged by Youbet this past summer to consult on these and other issues, and as a result, is familiar with the company's management, employees and operations. He was nominated to serve by the Board's nominating and corporate governance committee to fill one of the Company's Director vacancies, and the Board unanimously approved his election.

Jack Liebau, President of Bay Meadows and Hollywood Park and a Youbet Director since 2005 commented, "Michael's unique understanding of e-Commerce will provide an important perspective to Youbet's Board and management team. We hope to leverage Michael's experience from Orbitz and believe he will bring valuable insights into building a mutually productive relationship with our track partners and horsemen that will provide long-term benefits for Youbet and the industry as a whole."

Sands is currently Managing Partner of Ascenda Partners, a consulting firm he co-founded in June 2007. Prior to Ascenda and CTDS, Sands worked for General Motors Corporation where he was one of a select group of external marketers brought in to improve the auto company's North American marketing efforts. Before joining General Motors, Sands was part of advertising agency Leo Burnett Co., where one of his projects was the first-generation launch of United Airlines' website, United.com. He received a B.S. in Communications from Northwestern University and an M.M. from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.