Last updated:
September 6, 2021
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Betfair reviews

Betfair is one of the famous brands in the world of sports betting. The brand is actually a betting exchange where punters go up against each other rather than against the bookie. Betfair is one of the two exchanges that started this concept in the early 2000s. This revolutionary concept has turned out to be a hit, and Betfair is now one of the largest betting exchange in the world. Even after the merger with a traditional sportsbook, Paddy Power, in 2016, Betfair has still retained the magic of a betting exchange.

Betfair Pros and Cons

PROS
Odds are very competitive.
The choice of markets to bet upon is tremendous.
A ton of security measures
A reputed name in the business
CONS
Many countries are on the restricted list.
Betting limits can be difficult to handle for many individuals.
Verdict of Betfair

Welcome Bonus

As part of the welcome bonus, a new player has the potential to get £20 as a free bet when they make five bets of at least £10. One can repeat the step a maximum of five times. Thus, new customers stand eligible for receiving up to £100 in this welcome bonus package. There are a few criteria to stand eligible for this offer, and it primarily involves placing the bets on markets that have odds of 1.50 or more. Surprisingly, this welcome bonus is not available when players try to place exchange bets. Instead, a different welcome bonus is applicable in the exchange section, where users will get a refund as a free bet worth £20 if the first exchange bet loses. As part of the terms and conditions of this offer, new customers can qualify for this welcome bonus by placing the first bet within seven days after creating the account.

Opening Account

One can create an account on Betfair exchange using the desktop site or mobile access. The registration process involves two steps. Most of the information required for creating an account will have to be provided by the end of the first step. This information involves personal details like the first name, last name, date of birth, country, address, nationality, and more. The punter also has to choose the email address and password that has to be associated with the account. A security question and answer also have to be provided to be used effectively to prevent being locked out of the account due to reasons like forgetting passwords and more.

During the first stage of account creation, a user will also be requested to choose the preferred account currency. A certain degree of caution has to be exercised while making the currency choice, as it cannot be altered at a later stage, as seen by this Betfair review. A deposit limit or deposit frequency setting can also be set at this stage.

Once the first stage has been completed, users will progress to the second stage, which is all about adding funds into the account and placing the bets.

Adding or Withdrawing Funds

Betfair exchange has a reasonable quantity of deposit options available to punters, but the list is certainly not the largest around. Many users are unlikely to have any issues with the choices at their disposal. Following the recent removal of credit cards as an accepted mode of payment in the United Kingdom, the choices are certainly limited for the UK punter. The list of payment options that can be used for depositing are:

Payment Method
Name
Deposit Amount
Withdraw Time
Visa
VISA
Min: £10, Max: £3,000
3-5 Days
MasterCard Logo
MasterCard
Min: £10, Max: £3,000
3-5 Days
Neteller Logo
Neteller
Min: £10, Max: £10,000
Instant
Skrill Logo
Skrill
Min: £10, Max: £10,000
Instant
Paysafecard
Paysafecard
Min: £10, Max: £1,000
3-5 Days
Trustly Logo
Trustly
Min: £10, Max: £3,000
3-5 Days
Maestro
Maestro
Min: £10, Max: £1,000
3-5 Days

One should be aware that some of these payment options may incur some fees. This fee can have a decisive role to play in the selection of a payment method.

The choice of the deposit method also has to be chosen based on the limits that are allowed and the time is taken for processing a deposit request. The cards and e-wallets are almost instantaneous in adding funds into the account, while a bank transfer will take around 2 to 5 days. The minimum limit varies from just £5 in some payment options to a maximum of £12 when using NETELLER. In terms of fees, the likes of Skrill, NETELLER, bank transfer, and debit cards will not charge users for making deposits.

Just like in the deposit section, there are differences between each withdrawal method offered by Betfair. The cheaper options like debit cards, PayPal, and Skrill will go with a minimum figure of £1, and they can finish the withdrawal process within 24 hours. A punter has to keep an eye on the limits supported by each of these options. Meanwhile, the options like a bank transfer will take a decent amount of time – around five days – to make the transfer possible.

User Experience on Desktop and Mobile

Any online betting experience needs to be reliable and intuitive for punters to make the most of the markets offered. Betfair exchange features a loaded site that provides easy access to its different portfolios. For example, users can switch seamlessly between the Betfair casino and sportsbook sections without any trouble. Since the site is quite heavy on graphics and other data, it can take longer to load than competitors who employ simpler designs. On the flip side, this results in a rich browsing experience irrespective of the device used. The browsing experience is undoubtedly better on the desktop and app. At the same time, the mobile site is more for users who want the convenience of accessing the platform from anywhere without performing any installs.

The app from Betfair can be installed on iOS and Apple devices without any issues. The app provides all the features on the desktop to make the transition a lot smoother.

Markets Offered by Betfair

Betfair's market coverage is up there with the best names in the business. The brand has certainly got the hang of covering almost every sport, and they have perfected the betting options available to a punter over the two-decade existence. One can choose markets from more than 30 different sports, and this extensive coverage includes all popular sports like football and horse racing. Even the sports that do not enjoy widespread popularity are also featured to make the coverage comprehensive.

As one would expect from any UK bookmaker, this Betfair review found a higher degree of interest towards football from this bookmaker. One can come across simple Moneyline markets on almost every professional football match around the globe. Popular competitions like the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Spanish La Liga have a high interest. It would not be a surprise to witness 100+ markets at each event in these competitions. 

Football punters are not limited to the vanilla betting markets like match results, but they also have the option of wagering money on total goals, goals in each half, total cards, first player to score, hattrick specials, and more.

If punters want to focus on horse racing, there is excellent coverage of the races in the UK and Ireland. On a global scale, the coverage from Betfair exchange, unsurprisingly, includes the top events like Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup Classic, Melbourne Cup, and more.

Betting Limits

Betfair is thankfully generous when it comes to the betting limits. The maximum limits set on the winning bets on most sports would be £1 million, but this can differ from one sport to another. If the punter is going to bet on multiple fronts and markets simultaneously, they will be subjected to a minimum earning limit to the specific bet. The punter will get comprehensive information about limits on each sport on the Betfair site.

Does Betfair do best odds guaranteed?

Betfair.com is a leader when it comes to the odds offered on most markets. This is due to the inherent nature of the betting exchange that brings a punter against another. The competitive odds are a hallmark of Betfair exchange, and this is an ideal destination for punters irrespective of their experience in the world of sports betting. There is no major distinction and favouritism when it comes to odds offered in sports. This would particularly appeal to a section of punters who deal with niche sports, which other bookmakers do not cover in great numbers. Since there are very few betting exchanges around, Betfair predominantly ends up high on the list when odds alone are considered.

Even if there is a case for better value in some markets, the promotional offers will make up to a great extent, as seen by this Betfair review.

Betting Features Available for Punters

The most significant advantage of Betfair is the availability of an exchange and the sportsbook simultaneously. This is a key feature for the brand. The exchange makes it possible to witness the amount of funds that come into a certain market and the change in odds caused as a result. If a punter can follow the money, they can make this a reality.

Many top bookmakers are now providing the option of watching live sports, and Betfair exchange is no different, with a live streaming section being one of the key marketing assets of the platform. One can witness a decent amount of sports action throughout the year, courtesy of the live streaming section. The live content is predominantly free on Betfair, with the users only having to create a bet on a particular event to be eligible for watching the service. The bet size differs from one sport to the other. Most of the coverage from Betfair is on horse races that take place in the UK, Ireland, and other countries. Users have the opportunity to watch live streaming content with just a funded account.

Betfair also has a blog/hub that is an excellent destination for punters to gain more knowledge in the world of betting. The HUB is contributed by experts in the specific sport, and one can find tips regarding various sports, including horse racing and football. This should not come as a major surprise considering that Betfair excels in these two sports. There is little need to look away from Betfair HUB for statistical resources concerning the race for punters who deal with horse race odds.

The in-play betting section at Betfair exchange is very comprehensive. Almost any bet available in the pre-match segment can be seen in the in-play section, which also brings many new options to the fore. The process of accessing the in-play odds section and the various markets presented is straightforward. A user should face no trouble when using the in-play section to access live streams of that specific event. If watching the event is not a priority, users can also get many statistics and data regarding the match directly from the live section. It is not a surprise that Betfair has given a lot of priority to the live betting section, which has seen a robust increase in popularity.

Interesting Features from Betfair

There are several touches thrown in by Betfair exchange in different segments. These can enhance the overall user experience one can get from the platform. A vast restructuring of the in-play betting section has happened in recent times. Now, a punter gets the option of planning the day with events from 'today' and 'tomorrow'. One can also place bets directly without having to enter into a specific market. There is also an option to place multiple live bets on certain sports like football and tennis. Aware that different punters have different needs for their betting interests, Betfair offers the ability to customise the interface as per preference. The display can be modified so that features like Cash Out, Market Depth, Profit/loss, and more can be turned on or off. The customisation features are to make sure that the platform remains easy to use.

Other Products from Betfair

Betfair is undoubtedly more than just a sportsbook and a betting exchange site. It also possesses other products in its portfolio that might interest users in the online gambling industry.

Betfair Casino

Just like the sportsbook and exchange, the casino section of Betfair is massive. This Betfair casino review witnessed a substantial selection of games in various sections like Vegas Slots, casino, and live casino. Betfair casino works with many software providers like NetEnt, Playtech, IGT, and more. This permits the brand to cover the complete spectrum of titles that new customers – and experienced – would expect when they sign up with an online casino. As it is the norm with an online casino, new customers can expect to be rewarded with a decent welcome offer, which is in the form of free spins or cash rewards.

Screenshot Betfair Casino
Betfair Casino offer 50 Free Spins for new players!

Promotional Offers from Betfair

Unlike many other bookmakers, Betfair exchange is not huge in terms of ongoing promotional offers. An excellent welcome offer is available from the site, but a Betfair customer will also want to look at the ongoing offers. Every punter should maximise the number of times that they can get decent value out of the system. Despite football being one of the key portfolios of Betfair, the brand still comes up with a decent set of offers. A punter dealing with Premier League matches will be able to get a £20 free bet offer when making a £20 bet on Saturday matches. This free bet can be used only for seven days after it has been awarded, which happens when the bet is settled. If the bet has been cashed out, it does not qualify for this offer.

Betfair also has a partnership with Rewards4Racing to reward loyal punters. In a situation where a punter places a £1 bet on any of the sportsbook offerings from Betfair, they will pick up a point on the Rewards4Racing platform. Once a minimum threshold of points has been collected, users will be able to redeem the same for various advantages like ticket upgrades, experiences, and more.

Responsible Gambling Options

Betfair has been supportive of responsible gambling since its inception. The rules just got better with the arrival of many organisations that tried to limit the incidences of gambling addiction. Betfair offers several tools in the effort to aid punters who are trying to avoid excessive gambling. These tools range from a simple deposit limit option to even taking a break from accessing the account for a short period. There are also reality checks that provide users with reminders about the time spent on the site. Those who have a major problem with gambling can opt for more powerful tools like self-exclusion. If users are not sure about a gambling problem, they can start a self-assessment test that is made available courtesy of GamCare.

Customer Service

Betfair is quite extensive when it comes to the support options provided to customers. The key openings are available through live chat, which the brand bills as the fastest way to initiate help. However, this Betfair review did encounter some problems with the load times. A benefit of doubt can be given to the brand in this regard, as the response from the support team is good once contact has been established. The FAQ section features most of the common queries faced by users, which are likely to be on sectors like deposits, withdrawals, player protection, sports promotions, login, registration, account verification, and more.

For those who seek an innovative way of getting in touch with the customer service team, Betfair offers support through social media. A punter can use the Betfair Twitter handle to solve issues from 8 am to 11 pm (UK time). All the support options are available even on mobile devices. Those using email support expect a response within 24 hours of placing the query, and this time frame is in line with the competition.

Security and License Information

The choice of any betting operator is made only after making sure that they comply with all the rules and regulations. Betfair is a betting exchange with a lot of history. Its operations in various parts of the globe are monitored by a license from the Malta Gaming Authority. For UK customers, the license application would be from the UK Gambling Commission. There are still punters who are likely to question 'Is Betfair reliable?' and the answer for such questions will be a resounding yes.

The Betfair exchange manages to use many security measures like encryption of the highest standard. The security protocol on the platform is also reviewed regularly so that punters who regularly back and lay will feel confident when using this platform.

Verdict of Betfair

Betfair is undoubtedly a strong bookie in the United Kingdom. The vast strength of the platform is undoubtedly the excellent odds that are available in almost every sport. There is no major favouritism on the part of Betfair, as seen by the Betfair reviews. The free bets bonus might not be the strongest reason to try out this platform. Purely in terms of numbers, several platforms provide better offers, but Betfair manages to get an advantage courtesy of the other products in its line-up. The live streaming service is a positive of the platform as it can be used to catch the live action of sports events and use the same knowledge in the in-play betting section. Even though Betfair does seem to have a robust set of customer support options like live chat, it could have been much better. The banking options also have a few shortcomings that can be improved. Even with the weaknesses, Betfair is an exchange that can prove to be advantageous for all punters.

FAQs about Betfair

Is Betfair reliable?

Yes, it's the world's largest betting exchange, and it has been in business for over 20 years and is still expanding. Betfair holds a license from the UK Gambling Commission to offer sports betting and casino games. It has a reputation for being reliable, and you can trust it to keep your money safe with its 128-bit SSL encryption. Their customer service agents are available 24/7 to answer any questions that arise. If you're looking for an alternate place to wager your bets or want another option, then check out what Betfair offers.

How long does it take for Betfair to pay out?

Different methods of withdrawing money take different amounts of time, but it's important to note that any withdrawal will safely make its way back. Debit cards like Visa and Mastercard have a 2-5 day waiting period for withdrawals, while Fast Funds allows you to withdraw your funds in seconds with no wait at all, available only in the UK, Spain, and Ireland.
Another quick way to see your money is through online e-wallets. PayPal, QiWi, Neteller and Skrill are the best places if you're looking for speediness. You can have your money back in your account in four hours or less!

How long does it take Betfair to verify?

As soon as you join Betfair, they attempt to verify your identity electronically. If this happens successfully, then it's likely that their system will let you know within 24 hours (usually much sooner).
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