Betfair Review - pROS & cONS

Compare our Betfair Review with all UK Top 20 Betting Sites:

1. Bet365 2. Betfair 3. SkyBet 4. Ladbrokes 5. PaddyPower

6. WilliamHill 7. Coral 8. Unibet 9. Betfred 10. Betvictor

11. Virgin Bet 12. Livescore Bet 13. Boylesports 14. 32Red 15. Midnite 

16. BetUK 17. Betdaq 18. ThePools 19. Tote 20. BetGoodwin

Tip: Read our betting guides about bookies offers and bonus codes.

Betfair.com has established itself as a global giant in the online betting and gaming world, and for good reason. More than just a traditional sportsbook, Betfair offers a diverse and innovative platform that caters to both seasoned punters and those new to the scene. This in-depth UK bookie review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Betfair, covering its key features, betting options, user experience, promotions, and overall value proposition. We’ll dissect the strengths and weaknesses, providing sports fans with the information needed to make an informed decision about whether Betfair is the right betting platform for them.

Betfair’s unique selling point lies in its dual offering: a traditional sportsbook and a revolutionary betting exchange. This combination provides users with an unparalleled level of flexibility and control over their betting experience.

The Sportsbook: Betfair's sportsbook functions much like any other, offering fixed-odds betting on a vast array of sports, leagues, and events. From football (soccer) and horse racing to tennis, basketball, and even niche sports, the sportsbook covers an impressive spectrum. You can find competitive odds, a wide selection of markets per event, and various bet types like singles, multiples, and system bets. Special features include acca insurance, price boosts, and enhanced odds offers, designed to sweeten the pot for sportsbook bettors.

The Betting Exchange: The Game Changer: This is where Betfair truly distinguishes itself. The betting exchange allows users to bet against each other, rather than against a bookmaker. This peer-to-peer betting environment removes the traditional bookmaker margin, often resulting in better odds compared to the sportsbook. Here's how it works:

Backing: You can "back" an outcome, just like placing a bet in a traditional sportsbook. You're betting for something to happen.

Laying: This is the truly unique aspect. You can "lay" an outcome, essentially acting as the bookmaker. You're betting against something to happen. You're offering odds to other users who want to back that outcome.

The exchange charges a commission on winning bets, a percentage of the net profit. While this commission might seem like a drawback, the potentially better odds often outweigh this cost, especially for more experienced bettors. The exchange also encourages strategic thinking and allows for complex betting strategies, such as trading out of positions to lock in profits or cut losses before an event concludes. This feature alone makes Betfair a compelling option for serious players.

Betfair's website and mobile app are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Website: The website is well-organized, with clear sections for the sportsbook, exchange, casino, and other gaming offerings. A search function allows for quick access to specific events or markets. Live betting is prominently featured, with real-time odds updates and in-play statistics. The site is responsive and loads quickly, ensuring a smooth and efficient betting experience.

Mobile App: Betfair's mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) replicates the functionality of the website in a streamlined format. It's optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to place bets, manage their accounts, and track their results on the go. Push notifications keep users informed of important updates, such as bet settlements and promotions.

Betfair excels in providing a comprehensive range of betting options across a wide variety of sports.

Football (Soccer): From major leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga to more obscure international competitions, Betfair covers virtually every football match imaginable. Market depth is impressive, with options ranging from traditional match result bets to more specialized markets like Asian handicaps, corners, cards, and player props.

Horse Racing: Horse racing is another area where Betfair shines. They offer coverage of races from around the world, including the UK, Ireland, the US, and Australia. In addition to standard win and place bets, Betfair offers unique markets like "Betting Without" (betting on a horse to win excluding the favorite) and "Placepots" (a multiple bet on horses to place).

Other Sports: Beyond football and horse racing, Betfair covers a wide range of other sports, including tennis, basketball, cricket, golf, boxing, and American football. The depth of coverage varies depending on the sport, but generally, you can expect competitive odds and a good selection of markets.

Betfair offers a variety of promotions and bonuses designed to attract new customers and reward existing ones.

Welcome Bonus: New customers are typically offered a welcome bonus upon signing up and making their first deposit. The specific terms and conditions of the welcome bonus vary, so it's essential to read the fine print carefully.

Existing Customer Promotions: Betfair also offers a range of promotions for existing customers, including:

Acca Insurance: Get your stake back as a free bet if one leg of your accumulator bet lets you down.

Price Boosts: Enhanced odds on selected events.

Best Odds Guaranteed: On UK and Irish horse racing.

Free Bets: Awarded for specific betting activity or during special events.

It’s crucial to note that all promotions come with terms and conditions, including wagering requirements and expiry dates. Always read these carefully before participating in any promotion.

Betfair offers a variety of convenient and secure banking options for depositing and withdrawing funds.

Deposit Methods: Common deposit methods include:

Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)

E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)

Bank Transfer

Withdrawal Methods: Withdrawals are typically processed using the same method as the deposit. Processing times vary depending on the method used. E-wallet withdrawals are usually the fastest, while bank transfers can take several business days.

Security: Betfair employs industry-standard security measures to protect user data and funds. This includes SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits. They are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, ensuring fair play and responsible gambling practices.

Betfair provides customer support through a variety of channels, including:

Live Chat: Available 24/7, live chat is the quickest and most convenient way to get in touch with a customer support agent.

Email: Email support is available for less urgent inquiries. Response times can vary.

Help Center: Betfair's comprehensive help center provides answers to frequently asked questions and detailed information on various topics.

Conclusion: Is Betfair Right for You?

Betfair is a powerful and versatile betting platform that caters to a wide range of sports fans. The dual offering of a traditional sportsbook and a betting exchange provides unparalleled flexibility and control. While the sportsbook offers a familiar betting experience, the exchange is the true differentiator, offering the potential for better odds and more sophisticated betting strategies.

Pros:

• Unique betting exchange offering
• Competitive odds, especially on the exchange
• Wide range of sports and markets
• User-friendly website and mobile app
• Variety of promotions and bonuses
• Secure and reliable platform
• Licensed by UK Gambling Commission

Cons:

• Commission on winning exchange bets
• Bonus terms and conditions can be complex
• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the exchange complexity
• Customer service response times could be improved
• Ultimately, whether Betfair is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're a seasoned punter looking for the best possible odds and the ability to trade your positions, the betting exchange is a game-changer. If you're a beginner, the sportsbook provides a more familiar and straightforward betting experience. Regardless of your level of experience, Betfair offers a dynamic and rewarding betting environment for sports fans of all kinds. However, it's crucial to understand the intricacies of the exchange before diving in, and remember to always gamble responsibly.

Betfair offers a compelling dual platform for sports enthusiasts, encompassing both a traditional sportsbook and its innovative Exchange. The sportsbook provides a solid foundation with a wide range of sports and markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly interface. Punters will find familiar betting options and access to various promotions.

However, the true differentiator lies in the Betfair Exchange. This peer-to-peer betting platform allows users to both back and lay selections, effectively becoming the bookmaker. This unique feature unlocks unparalleled control over odds and potential payouts, appealing to experienced bettors seeking greater flexibility and value.

While the Exchange can be intimidating for beginners, Betfair provides comprehensive resources, including tutorials and FAQs, to ease the learning curve.

Our Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. 

In conclusion: Betfair earns high marks for its innovative Exchange and robust sportsbook. While the Exchange's complexity might deter some, its potential rewards are significant. Betfair is a highly recommended choice for seasoned bettors and those willing to explore a new dimension of online wagering. Whether you prefer fixed odds or the dynamism of the Exchange, Betfair offers a comprehensive and engaging betting experience.