Betfair is one of the best-known betting brands in the UK, offering both a traditional sportsbook and the world-famous Betfair Exchange.
Founded in 2000, the platform has built a strong reputation for its innovative betting products, competitive odds and huge range of sports markets.
Betfair provides access to thousands of betting markets across more than 30 sports, alongside features such as live streaming, in-play betting and Bet Builder wagers.
In this in-depth review, I’ll take a closer look at everything Betfair has to offer.
Betfair is owned and operated by PPB Counterparty Services Limited, a Malta-based gambling operator.
They are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) - licence no. 39439.
New players at Paddy Power can claim £30 in free bets.
You don't need a promo code to claim this bonus.
This simple but generous welcome bonus is a great way for new players to get started.
Place a £10 bet and you’ll receive five £10 free bets to use on Bet Builders, accumulators or multiple bets.
✔️ Low Minimum Spend - Simply wagering £10 will entitle you to receive this bonus
✔️ £50 in Free Bets - Eligible players will receive five £10 bets
✔️ This bonus is ideal for smaller-stakes sports bettors who prefer to place multiple bets
Ongoing promotions are somewhat limited at Betfair, although the site still offers a small selection of regular promotions.
My Betfair Rewards is Betfair’s main loyalty scheme, giving players the option to choose from reward packages that best suit their betting style. Rewards can include free bets, cashback on losses, Beat the Drop entries and reduced exchange commission.
Betfair also offers an exclusive VIP scheme for high-stakes bettors. This invite-only program provides a range of premium perks, including dedicated customer support, free bets, higher betting limits and invitations to special events.
Betfair accepts a wide range of payment methods, including debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, Paysafecard and bank transfer.
When it comes to withdrawals, Instant Bank Transfer and Visa Fast Funds are the quickest options, with payments often processed instantly.
E-wallet withdrawals typically take a few hours, while standard debit card withdrawals can take up to three working days to be completed.
New Betfair customers must complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process before requesting their first withdrawal.
To verify your account, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
When I tested the site, my account was verified within four hours.
Betfair is a premium betting site that offers a wealth of unique and innovative features.
Bet against other users instead of the bookmaker by backing or laying selections, offering greater flexibility and potentially better odds.
Bet on more than 30 sports, with a huge range of pre-match and in-play betting markets available every day.
Betfair is known for its strong pricing across major sports, whether betting on the Betfair Exchange or through traditional sportsbook markets.
Enjoy pool betting on major horse racing events, where winnings are shared among all successful bettors in the pool.
This includes popular bets such as Jackpot, Placepot and Quadpot.
Watch a wide range of live sporting events, including football, tennis and horse racing, directly through the Betfair platform.
Betfair offers a large selection of live betting markets with frequently updated odds, allowing bettors to place wagers as events unfold.
The Cash Out feature allows bettors to settle a bet before the event has finished.
Betfair offers both full and partial cash out, giving you greater control over your bets during live events.
This 'request a bet' feature allows bettors to ask Betfair to create and price a custom betting market.
Bet Builder allows you to combine multiple selections from the same match into a single bet.
This lets you create custom wagers and is one of the most popular bet types on the Betfair Sportsbook.
Betfair has a sports betting mobile app that can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices.
Both apps boast very strong ratings, with users frequently praising their ease of use and the wide variety of betting markets available.
Betfair offers all the standard customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, email support, telephone support, social media support and a detailed FAQs section.
When compiling this review, I tested the live chat service and was impressed with the support provided. After answering a few questions to help direct my query, I was quickly connected to a real agent who efficiently resolved the issue I raised.
Betfair takes responsible gambling very seriously and provides a wide range of safer gambling tools to help players stay in control.
These tools include deposit limits, loss limits, profit and loss tracking, a budget calculator, time-out options, gaming time checks and self-exclusion.
Betfair also provides links to several gambling support organisations, including GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous and Gordon Moody, for players who may need additional help or advice.
There are a few things to consider before you join Betfair:
Deposits made via e-wallets are not eligible to receive the welcome bonus.
Ongoing promotions for existing players are quite limited at Betfair.
Unlike many UK bookmakers, Betfair does not offer Best Odds Guaranteed on horse racing.
If betting via the Betfair Exchange, commission and other fees may apply, including transaction charges or fees for high-winning accounts.
Betfair is arguably the best-known betting site in the UK, offering players a premium and feature-rich betting platform.
The welcome offer provides a solid starting point, with new players able to claim £50 in free bets simply by wagering £10 on the site.
Beyond the iconic Betfair Exchange, the platform offers a wealth of unique features, including Tote betting, extensive live streaming and hundreds of in-play betting markets. These features are supported by thousands of betting markets and some of the most competitive odds available in the UK.
There are a few drawbacks worth noting. E-wallet deposits are not eligible for the welcome bonus, and the lack of ongoing promotions, such as Best Odds Guaranteed, may deter some players. It should also be noted that those using the Betfair Exchange may incur commission and transaction fees.
Overall, Betfair remains an excellent betting site and one that I can confidently recommend to our players.
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