Betfair Review 2025 & Expert Rating

Betfair is one of the UK’s top online betting platforms, offering a standout peer-to-peer exchange experience alongside a traditional sportsbook.

This dual offering makes it ideal for bettors who want more flexibility and control over their wagers.

In this Betfair review, we’ll share our first-hand experience and break down key features like safety, markets, in-play betting and more.

We’ll give each section a star rating to help you decide if Betfair is right for your betting needs.

For more information on how we test view here.

Overall Rating – 4.2 stars

Betfair earns a strong 4.2-star rating, with an overall score of 76 and an average of 84.44%.

The Exchange feature—where you can back or lay bets against other users—is what sets Betfair apart.

Combined with a competitive sportsbook, in-play markets and live streams, the platform provides a rich betting experience.

Minor drawbacks include limited support channels and the split between the Exchange and Sportsbook apps.

However, Betfair remains one of the most flexible and innovative betting sites in the UK.

We’d recommend Betfair for punters seeking sharper odds, more control, and a wider range of market options.

Here’s a breakdown of how Betfair performed:

Here’s a rundown of the overall pros and cons of Betfair:

Pros

• Unique peer-to-peer betting exchange

• Wide range of markets and competitive odds

• User-friendly interface and reliable mobile apps

• Strong security measures and commitment to responsible gambling

Cons

• Separate apps for exchange and sportsbook

• No phone or email support for customer service

Safety – 5 stars

Betfair is one of the most secure and regulated platforms available to UK bettors.

Licences

Betfair is licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, two of the most respected bodies in the industry.

These licences require strict compliance with rules on fairness, transparency and customer protection.

Security

Betfair uses industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure data centres.

Their detailed privacy and safety policies show a clear investment in user protection.

Track Record

In operation since 2000, Betfair has over 4 million users and an excellent industry reputation.

There are no major safety controversies on record.

As part of a publicly traded company, Betfair is held to high accountability standards.

Pros

• Licensed by reputable gambling commissions

• Cutting-edge security protections are in place

• 20+ years of trustworthy operations

• Dedicated to responsible gambling practices

Cons

• None

Mobile Betting App – 4 stars

Betfair offers separate apps for its Exchange and Sportsbook platforms.

Both are available on iOS and Android.

Look and Feel

The apps are cleanly designed and closely mirror the desktop layout.

Navigation is fast, with quick links to key markets and in-play events.

Placing Bets

Markets are easy to browse, and betting is quick.

The bet slip is clear and responsive, even when juggling multiple live markets.

User Experience

Performance is consistently strong across both apps.

Features like custom notifications, live odds tracking and bet management tools work well.

While having two separate apps is slightly less convenient, the overall mobile experience remains smooth and dependable.

Check out our roundup of the top betting apps in the UK to see how Betfair compares.

Pros

• Intuitive mobile interface

• Quick bet placement

• Reliable performance

• Efficient navigation

• Helpful customisation

Cons

• Separate sportsbook and Exchange apps

Website – 4 stars

Betfair’s website is modern and well-structured, catering to both casual and experienced bettors.

Look and Feel

The black-and-yellow colour scheme is instantly recognisable.

Navigation is intuitive, with clear menus for Sportsbook, Exchange, Casino and more.

User Experience

Menus are logically arranged, markets are easy to filter, and the responsive design works well on desktop and mobile browsers.

Bet slips update in real time, and the account dashboard makes managing deposits, withdrawals, and bets hassle-free.

Some users may need time to get used to the Exchange interface, but it’s simple once familiar.

Pros

• Slick interface design

• Hundreds of betting markets

• Strong mobile experience

• Ongoing promos and offers

Cons

• It can seem cluttered for big events

• Excessive scrolling on some pages

• Live betting moves quickly during events

With strong design and usability alongside its vast betting options, Betfair offers an excellent website experience for varied punters.

Convenient access to markets and account tools makes it a top choice.

Deposits and Withdrawals – 4 stars

Betfair provides users with several convenient options for depositing funds and withdrawing winnings.

The cashier system makes transactions straightforward and secure.

Deposits

Users can add money to their accounts through:

• Debit/Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)

• PayPal (2% fee)

• Neteller

• Skrill

• Paysafecard

• Bank Transfer

• Cheque

Most deposit methods are instant and have low minimums between £5 - £10.

Cards and e-wallets allow deposits up to £20,000, providing flexibility for bigger bettors.

Making a Deposit

Depositing is simple:

• Log in to your Betfair account

• Click “Deposit”

• Select payment method

• Enter amount

• Funds appear instantly in the account balance

Withdrawals

Withdrawals carry a £10 minimum, but there is no maximum limit.

Timeframes range from:

• Instant (e-wallets)

• Up to 5 days (cards)

• Up to 10 days (bank transfer, cheque)

Making a Withdrawal

Withdrawing follows a similar process:

• Visit the “My Account” section

• Click “Withdraw Funds”

• Choose a method and enter the amount

• Funds are processed based on payment type timelines

Betfair offers an excellent cashier system.

Convenience and security make transactions simple, though improvements could still be made around withdrawal speeds.

Pros

• Instant deposits available

• Numerous deposit and withdrawal options

• Reasonable limits for most users

Cons

• Some methods have fees or slow processing times

Markets – 4 stars

Betfair offers odds on over 25 sports, with great depth across both major and niche categories.

Sports

You can bet on football, horse racing, tennis, golf, cricket, boxing, MMA, darts, snooker, eSports and more.

Market depth is excellent.

A single Premier League match, for example, offers hundreds of betting options, from match result and goal scorers to player props and team stats.

Odds are competitive—especially on the Exchange, where there’s no bookmaker margin.

Odds

Across its many sports markets, Betfair provides excellent odds that are highly competitive industry-wide.

They often match or beat the prices offered at other top UK betting sites.

The odds depth even extends to obscure leagues.

One reason is that on Betfair Exchange, the odds are set by bettors wagering against each other peer-to-peer.

This eliminates the traditional bookmaker margin, allowing for better returns.

Pros

• 25+ sports covered

• Great liquidity even in niche markets

• Better odds through the Betfair Exchange

• In-play betting and live-streaming

Cons

• The website can be complex for new punters

• Match previews are lacking compared to some rivals

Pre-Match Betting – 4.5 stars

Betfair’s pre-match betting experience combines the value of an exchange with the simplicity of a sportsbook.

Coverage

Expect betting options across 25+ sports, with deep markets on everything from top-tier football to virtual sports and political events.

Bet Builder

The Bet Builder tool lets you combine multiple selections from the same match into a single wager.

Options include goal scorers, corners, cards and more.

While the feature is still developing, it’s easy to use and adds value for recreational bettors looking to customise their wagers.

Pros

• Massive range of sports and betting markets

• Competitive odds and margins

• Live streaming available

• Bet Builder innovation

• Cash out is available on many markets

Cons

• Bet Builder needs more time to develop depth

In-Play Betting at Betfair – 4.5 stars

Betfair’s in-play betting is fast, detailed, and loaded with features.

Markets

Live betting is available for football, tennis, cricket, basketball and more.

Markets update in real time, with hundreds of outcomes to choose from as the match unfolds.

Odds shift instantly, and new markets pop up based on the game’s progress.

Bet & Watch

Betfair’s Bet & Watch service allows you to stream matches while placing live bets. Sports include football, tennis, horse racing and more.

The stream sits beside live odds, so you can track and react without switching screens.

Live Scores and Match Stats

Real-time stats include shots, possession, corners, cards and more—vital data for judging momentum and spotting in-play opportunities.

Combined with live streams, it gives you an edge during fast-moving events.

Pros

• Exciting way to bet during matches

• Huge variety of In-Play markets

• Integrated live streaming

• Real-time scores and stats

• Automated bet triggers

Cons

• Can be addictive

• Requires quick decision-making

Welcome Bonus – 4 stars

Betfair offers a generous welcome bonus to new UK users, and claiming it is easy.

2025 Bonus

New Betfair customers in 2025 can earn a £40 free bet bonus + 10 free spins after placing an initial £10 bet at minimum odds of 2.0.

The free bet amount is generous and on par with competing welcome deals. However, the sportsbook limitation is disappointing for exchange-focused users.

Redeeming the free bet bonus is straightforward – place a £10 bet and receive £40 + 10 free spins as a bonus.

Comparative Offers

The £40 free bet amount compares well to competitors. But promotions forcing sportsbook bets when users prefer the exchange leave something to be desired.

Ultimately, the Betfair deal remains competitive. But the confusing terms push customers towards sports betting against their wishes.

Pros

• Generous £30 free bet amount

• Easy to redeem the welcome bonus

Cons

• Forces sportsbook bets over the exchange

• Short 30-day expiry on bonus funds

Customer Service – 4 stars

Betfair offers solid customer support, though there’s room to expand their contact options.

Live Chat

Available 24/7, Betfair’s live chat connects you to an agent quickly, usually within a minute or two.

The support team is knowledgeable and efficient.

Response Time

Live chat is fast, and their Twitter account is also responsive for general queries.

Lacking Channels

There’s no dedicated email or phone support.

While chat handles most issues, some users may prefer other contact methods.

Pros

• 24/7 live chat with fast response

• Knowledgeable support agents

• Active social media monitoring

Cons

• No phone support

• No email support

Final Thoughts

Betfair stands out as one of the most flexible and feature-rich betting platforms in the UK.

Its Exchange model allows you to bet against other users for better odds.

The Sportsbook offers convenience and coverage.

Live betting, streaming, and strong security all add to the appeal.

Customer service and app usability could still be slightly improved, but these are small drawbacks for an otherwise outstanding product.

We highly recommend Betfair to any UK punter looking for sharp odds, advanced features, and an innovative betting experience.

FAQs