This review will take a detailed look at their operation, with a specific focus upon their sportsbook. Covering everything from markets and odds to customer support and banking, we will start by outlining the pros and cons of Betfair, based on our experiences.
Pros & Cons of Betfair
- Excellent variety of sports betting markets
- Competitive odds
- Live streaming on selected events
- 24/7 customer support
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Sports Betting Markets – Fantastic Selection
Some 30+ sports markets are available at Betfair, with pre-match, in-play and outright options being available to customers in all. Markets include American football, baseball, basketball, boxing, cycling, football, greyhounds, horse racing, motor racing, rugby union, rugby league, tennis, Aussie Rules, cricket, darts, Gaelic football, handball, ice hockey, snooker, volleyball, badminton, bowls, golf, MMA and Winter sports. Meanwhile, markets surrounding politics and entertainment can also be found. It is not only high profile events and tournaments that are covered either, with regional competitions from a host of sports being available to bet on. As such, punters will rarely be short of options at Betfair.
Live Betting at Betfair
Meanwhile, the vast majority of sports markets will also be available when it comes to live betting at Betfair. Clicking on the “In-Play” tab on their sportsbook top menu opens up a host of new opportunities, with odds being updated constantly. Sports including football, tennis and basketball feature heavily, with selected markets being accompanied by live streaming, something we will touch upon in greater detail later on in this Betfair review. Meanwhile, there are also ongoing promotions specific to live betting at Betfair, which offer free bets.
Betting Odds – Hugely Competitive
Odds at the Betfair sportsbook are very competitive, with betting margins being better than many of their rival bookies. Prices are especially appealing when it comes to less high-profile events, such as Championship football or a tennis match from the ATP Challenger Tour. A quick look at odds comparison sites shows that Betfair regularly offer greater odds than many other bookies in the UK, with odds being available to view in either fractional or decimal formats.
Bonuses & Promotions
Whether it be their sportsbook or betting exchange, both bonuses and promotions are available to new and existing customers at Betfair. Those signing up at the Betfair sportsbook can claim up to £100 in free bets, with punters having to place 5 bets of £10 or more to get a £20. This process can be carried out five times in total. The promo code “ZBBC01” must be entered, while qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/2 or greater. Free bets will be distributed within 24 hours of qualifying bets being settled, however it is worth keeping in mind that only deposits made via debit card or ApplePay will be eligible. Free bets claimed will be available for 30 days. Meanwhile, those signing up on the Betfair exchange can claim a risk-free bet worth £20. Should your opening bet on the exchange be unsuccessful, your stake will be refunded, up to £20, with qualifying bets having to be placed within 7 days of registering.
Meanwhile, ongoing promotions range hugely at Betfair. Firstly, a loyalty scheme is in place for customers placing horse racing bets. For each bet placed, points will be awarded, which can be used to place additional wagers on selected markets. 1 point is received for every £1 bet. Speaking of horse racing, best odds guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse races is available at Betfair too. There is also a specific promotion surrounding ITV racing, where those backing a runner at odds of 3/1 or greater will receive a risk free bet up to £25. Horse racing fans are certainly well catered for, with daily price boosts being available too.
On top of this, an accumulator insurance offer is available to sportsbook customers, with punters receiving their stake back in the event of just 1 selection letting down your 3+ acca bet. The best thing about this promotion is that there is no maximum refund, unlike other bookies. As part of this promotion, customers can earn up to 20% in boosted winnings.