Betfair is one of the top online betting exchanges available to punters in the UK.
As an innovative platform that allows you to both back and lay bets against other users, Betfair offers a unique betting experience that many bettors enjoy.
In this Betfair review, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the platform from our own experience as a user.
We’ll highlight the standout pros and cons, discuss the range of markets and odds on offer, and evaluate the usability and features of the site.
Our goal is to give you all the details you need to decide if Betfair is well-suited for your betting needs as a UK customer.
Throughout this review, we will evaluate the platform’s primary features using a qualitative, points-based scale. These points will be converted into star ratings.
For more information on how we test view here.
Overall Rating – 4.2 stars
Overall, we give Betfair a rating of 4.2 stars, based on an overall score of 76 and an average of 84.44%.
Betfair is an excellent platform that offers a unique peer-to-peer exchange betting experience alongside traditional sportsbook offerings.
The depth of betting markets is immense, with competitive odds across 25+ sports. Features like in-play betting with integrated live streams keep the action exciting.
While areas like customer service still have room for minor improvements, Betfair delivers a smooth user experience through its intuitive website design and reliable mobile apps.
We would recommend Betfair for the innovative exchange model that removes the bookmaker margin, allowing bettors to find better odds.
The total package provides immense flexibility for both recreational and serious punters seeking a modern, full-featured betting platform.
Here’s a breakdown of how Betfair performed:
Category | Points | Star rating |
|---|---|---|
Safety | 10 | 5 stars |
Mobile betting app | 8 | 4 stars |
Website | 8 | 4 stars |
Deposits & withdrawals | 8 | 4 stars |
Markets | 8 | 4 stars |
Pre-match betting | 9 | 4.5 stars |
In-play betting | 9 | 4.5 stars |
Welcome bonus | 8 | 4 stars |
Customer service | 8 | 4 stars |
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 considered one of the safest and most trustworthy betting platforms available to UK users.
With robust licences, strong security measures, an excellent track record, and a commitment to responsible gambling, users can feel confident in the site’s safety.
Licences
Betfair holds licences from two highly respected regulatory bodies – the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
These licences require Betfair to adhere to strict standards around protecting minors, ensuring fairness and transparency, providing problem gambling assistance, and more.
With dual oversight from UKGC and MGA, users benefit from enhanced accountability and compliance.
As a publicly traded company licensed in multiple jurisdictions, Betfair has established trust and credibility in the betting industry.
Security
Betfair utilises standard security technologies like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect user data and accounts.
As outlined on their security information page, they also secure servers in guarded data centres with surveillance systems.
For a company of its size, Betfair seems to follow industry best practices around infosec.
While no system is impenetrable, their multi-layered approach shows a commitment to investing in safety. Their transparency about policies and systems inspires confidence.
Track Record
In operation since 2000, Betfair has an extensive track record as an exchange and bookmaker.
They have over 4 million customers in 100+ countries without any major public controversies or complaints around trust.
Their longevity and market share indicate they are meeting or exceeding expectations around safety and responsibility in the gambling industry.
As a publicly traded company, Betfair is also accountable to shareholders and subject to regulatory filings.
Pros
Licensed by reputable gambling commissions
Cutting-edge security protections in place
20+ years of trustworthy operations
Dedicated to responsible gambling practices
Cons
None
Mobile Betting App – 4 stars
Betfair provides dedicated apps for its sportsbook and exchange platform.
This allows convenient access for betting on the go. While having separate apps is slightly inconvenient, the overall mobile experience remains robust.
Look and Feel
The Betfair apps showcase clean designs that translate the desktop experience. Icons, menus, and colour schemes look sharp across iOS and Android devices.
Screens load swiftly without lag. Within the apps, sections are well-organised to access markets.
Placing Bets
Thanks to thoughtful layouts, the Betfair apps enable smooth bet placement.
Selecting teams, leagues, and bet types is simple with screen tapping. Managing multiple open bets only requires screen swiping.
Entering stakes and verifying bets is also fast. Upon bet confirmation, wagers become instantly active. This supports live, in-play betting for cashing in on shifting odds.
User Experience
In testing, both Betfair apps performed excellently across metrics. Screens loaded rapidly without delays or bugs.
Button taps and menu responses were instant. Reliability stood out during numerous transactions.
Navigating the apps proves effortless between screens and markets. Layouts are intuitive with clear icons.
Finding desired sections takes seconds without hassle. For instance, toggling a football match’s market from spreads to totals requires just a tap. This bolsters the live betting experience.
Custom notifications and bet tracking further improve usability. Alerts update bettors on matches, while the bet slip menu organises placed wagers.
These features maximise punters’ control.
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 provides an easy-to-use platform for accessing its variety of betting options.
The clean interface makes navigation smooth while still offering depth in markets.
Look and Feel
Betfair’s website features a recognisable brand look with its signature yellow accents.
The layout effectively groups related sections to allow punters to easily access their preferred betting options – whether that’s the Exchange, Sportsbook, Casino, or other offerings.
Icons and menus indicate available matches, leagues and promotions.
The responsive design caters well to mobile users, while the overall layout maintains a balanced and user-friendly approach, befitting Betfair’s position as an industry leader.
User Experience
Navigating Betfair’s site feels smooth overall thanks to logically laid out menus and betting coupons simplifying wagers.
Bet slips conveniently track intended bets as markets update. Account tools assist with deposits, withdrawals and bet tracking.
The sportsbook holds ample markets year-round, especially for major sports. Live betting stands out with constantly updating odds but can feel overwhelming at times.
While casual bettors may need time to adjust, most should feel comfortable after exploring the different sections.
Pros
Slick interface design
Hundreds of betting markets
Strong mobile experience
Ongoing promos and offers
Cons
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 into 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 betting on over 25 different sports with great liquidity and better odds compared to traditional bookmakers.
There are ample opportunities for punters to find appealing odds and place wagers.
Sports
Football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, golf, boxing, MMA, motorsports, cycling, darts, snooker and more niche sports are covered.
Each sport has multiple leagues and competitions to bet on from the most popular matches down to obscure leagues.
The depth of betting markets is exceptional. All major events and many minor competitions are included with comprehensive odds.
For a Premier League football match, you’ll find hundreds of betting options like match results, both teams to score, correct score, handicaps, player props, etc.
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 lacking compared to some rivals
Pre-Match Betting – 4.5 stars
Betfair offers an amazing mix of a traditional sportsbook and betting exchange with pre-match betting.
You’ll find options for popular sports like football and horse racing as well as niche offerings like esports, virtual sports, and specials on entertainment and politics.
Coverage
The range of sports and leagues covered by Betfair is sensational with over 25 different sports. This includes major competitions worldwide as well as more niche sports.
The depth of betting markets is extremely impressive as well going beyond just the match-winner. You can bet on props like the next goal scorer or the total number of corners.
In terms of margins, Betfair offers competitive odds. They also offer live streaming of matches you’ve bet on for several major sports. This helps you follow along with your wagers.
Bet Builder
Betfair has a Bet Builder tool that allows you to combine different betting selections from a single match into one wager.
For example, you could pick the first goal scorer, total corners, and match result to create a custom bet.
This is great for recreational punters who want to have more fun combining different elements.
The Bet Builder functionality is still relatively new on Betfair so the depth of options needs more time to develop fully. But it’s an innovative feature that adds value.
Pros
Massive range of sports and betting markets
Competitive odds and margins
Live streaming available
Bet Builder innovation
Cash out 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 feature allows you to wager on sports events after they have already started.
This brings an exciting new element to sports betting.
Markets
In-play betting is available on a wide variety of sports on Betfair, including football, tennis, cricket, golf, and more.
Within each sport, you’ll find a great selection of betting markets to choose from.
For a football match, you can bet on outcomes like the next goal scored, correct score, total goals, Asian handicaps, and hundreds of player props.
The number of In-Play markets is immense, giving savvy bettors ample opportunity to find value.
As the match unfolds, the available betting markets will update in real time according to the changing dynamics of the game.
New markets will pop up to bet on, while suspended markets may reopen if the situation changes. The flexibility keeps things exciting.
Bet & Watch
One of the coolest parts of In-Play betting is Betfair’s integrated Bet & Watch stream.
This allows you to watch matches directly on Betfair’s site while simultaneously browsing In-Play odds and placing bets.
Whether it’s football, tennis, basketball or other sports, you can watch and wager seamlessly without missing any action.
The interface allows you to watch the stream next to the live odds feed so you can react quickly to betting opportunities as they happen.
You can even program bet triggers to place wagers automatically when certain conditions are met, perfect for trading on the exchanges.
Live Scores and Match Stats
To help inform your In-Play betting decisions, Betfair provides live scoring and a suite of match stats.
These include possession, shots on goal, passing accuracy, and more – helpful metrics for analysing the game’s flow.
As the match progresses, key stats update in real time so you can spot trends and capitalise on shifting momentum.
This data, combined with what you witness live, gives a strong analytical edge.
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.
2024 Bonus
New Betfair customers in 2024 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 spin in bonuses.
Comparative Offers
The £40 free bet amount compares well to competitors. But promotions forcing sportsbook bets when users prefer the exchange leaves 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 exchange
Short 30-day expiry on bonus funds
Customer Service – 4 stars
Betfair provides decent customer support, though there is room for improvement to match some competitors.
Their live chat is available 24/7 and response times are quick. However, they lack phone and email support channels.
Live Chat
The live chat feature on Betfair’s site connects you any time of day to a support agent. We've found the agents to be knowledgeable about both technical issues and betting questions.
They do a good job of solving problems in real time via chat. It’s great that this option is available 24/7.
Response Time
In our experience, Betfair delivers fast responses via live chat. We’ve never had to wait more than a minute or two to get connected to an agent.
They also actively monitor and respond quickly to queries on social media.
Lacking Channels
While live chat hits the main points, Betfair does not offer phone or email customer support. Those channels would allow them to better assist customers who prefer those options.
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 emerges as a clear industry leader, boasting an unmatched betting experience that sets it apart from the competition.
From intuitive website design to innovative features like Bet Builder and peer-to-peer exchange betting, Betfair delivers excellence across metrics.
The depth of betting markets, competitive odds, and dedication to responsible gambling cement its status as a top operator.
While areas like customer service still have room for refinement, the total package leaves little lacking for most punters.
We would recommend Betfair to bettors of all experience levels because the smooth interface and wealth of wagering opportunities make sports betting effortless and engaging.
For UK punters seeking a modern, full-featured and trustworthy platform, Betfair hits the mark on nearly every front.
