Betfair

About Betfair

Launched in June 2000, online gambling platform Betfair runs a regular sportsbook plus the biggest web-based betting exchange in the world, with more than a million customers globally. It’s headquartered in both London and Dublin, as well as being licensed in the UK and Malta.

A betting exchange, by the way, is a marketplace for betting on events and is different from a regular bookmaker. For a start, you’re betting against fellow punters, rather than the bookmaker itself.

You can also determine the odds, with other customers able to bets on the odds you’ve chosen. There’s also a commission you need to pay the operator.

A Comprehensive Sportsbook at Betfair

Many punters use both Betfair’s regular sportsbook and the betting exchange, but your decision will depend on your own preferences.

At Betfair’s exchange, you can take your pick from nearly 30 different sporting activities and occasions, with a vast number of markets available every day, far outshining the competition in terms of choice, particularly for football. You’ll also find great-value odds, although don’t forget that commission on all winning bets.

As well as footer, you can take a punt on horse (and greyhound) racing, US sports, esports and political events. Not to mention cycling, golf, darts and handball, among numerous other activities. (Meanwhile, the regular sportsbook offers an equally varied portfolio.)

Markets include Match Result, Both Teams to Score, Handicap, Total Goals, Top Scorer, First to Score and more, available on everything from the Premier League to La Liga, Indian football and the Bundesliga.

There’s also a good choice of things you can watch via live-streaming, from footie and snooker to racing and tennis, as long as you have a funded Betfair account.

Equally, the live betting offering outstrips what is offered elsewhere. Odds are updated during play, making it possible to see what others are backing in real-time. Live betting is also offered via the app and mobile site.

Big Bonuses

Promos coming soon.

A Safe Bet

Betfair provides the usual range of secure payment methods, including debit cards, PayPal and bank transfers, although some come with a transaction fee.

Customer support is available via live chat, social media and the website, while phone bets are also accepted.

It’s true that both the sportsbook and exchange home pages look somewhat cluttered and ‘busy’ initially, so that can take some getting used to.

Summing Up

Betfair offers punters a strong all-round experience, with a superb choice of markets. It’s also a good place for novice betters to get started – although some would like to see free deposits and withdrawals, a more lucrative welcome offer and lower commission rates.