Betfair Review 2026
Betfair was founded in 2000 by Andrew Black and Edward Wray, revolutionising the betting industry with the world’s first major betting exchange where customers bet against each other rather than a bookmaker.
Founded
2000
Rating
4.6 / 5
Sports
30+
Markets
100–200+
Min Deposit
£5
Cash Out
Full
Overview
Parent Company
Flutter Entertainment plc
Headquarters
Hammersmith, London / Dublin, Ireland
UKGC Licence
39561
Founded
2000
Betfair was founded in 2000 by Andrew Black and Edward Wray, revolutionising the betting industry with the world’s first major betting exchange where customers bet against each other rather than a bookmaker.
Now part of Flutter Entertainment — the world’s largest online gambling company — Betfair offers both a traditional Sportsbook and the unique Exchange under one account.
The Exchange consistently provides better odds than any fixed-odds bookmaker, making Betfair the go-to for value-seeking punters.
Welcome Offer
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Place a min £10 bet on Sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0), get £50 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport.
Key Terms
- •Min deposit £10
- •Min odds EVS (2.0) for qualifying bet
- •Free bets for Bet Builders, Accas or multiples only
- •Rewards valid for 30 days
- •Cards or Apple Pay deposits only
- •No wagering requirements on free bet winnings
18+ T&Cs apply
Football Betting
- 100–200+ markets on major football matches
- Covers all top European leagues and lower divisions
- Bet Builder for same-game combinations
- Exchange odds typically 10–20% better than Sportsbook on popular markets
- Best Odds Guaranteed on UK & Irish horse racing
In-Play Betting
Comprehensive in-play offering across major sports with live odds updates. Strong heritage from Exchange live markets. Bet Builder available in-play on selected matches.
Odds Quality
Odds Rating
9.8 / 10
- •Exchange odds are the best in the market — peer-to-peer with ~2% margin
- •Sportsbook odds are competitive but not market-leading
- •5% commission on Exchange net winnings (negotiable for high-volume)
- •Daily price boosts on Sportsbook markets
- •Combination of Exchange + Sportsbook gives unbeatable flexibility
Live Streaming
Live streaming for horse racing, greyhounds, selected football, tennis, and other sports. Requires a funded account or a recent bet.
Mobile App
iOS Rating
4.6 / 5
Android Rating
4.3 / 5
Single app covering both Sportsbook and Exchange. Includes live streaming, Cash Out, Bet Builder, in-play, and push notifications. Supports biometric login.
Payment Methods
Min Deposit
£5
Withdrawal Speed
E-wallets: within 24 hours | Debit cards: 1–3 working days | Bank transfer: 2–5 working days
Customer Support
- •24/7 Live Chat
- •Email support via help form
- •Help Centre with FAQs
- •@BetfairCS on X for queries
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Betting Exchange offers the best odds in the market
- One account for both Sportsbook and Exchange
- Generous £50 welcome offer with no wagering on winnings
- Best Odds Guaranteed on horse racing
- Lay betting available (bet against outcomes)
Cons
- Exchange can be complex for beginners
- Sportsbook odds less competitive than Exchange
- 5% commission on Exchange winnings
- Customer support quality is inconsistent
Our Verdict
Betfair’s unique selling point is the Exchange — no other major UK bookmaker offers anything like it. Savvy bettors who learn to use both Sportsbook and Exchange will consistently find better value than anywhere else. The £50 welcome offer is among the most generous in the market, and there are no wagering requirements on free bet winnings.
Visit Betfair18+ T&Cs apply
More from WagerBase
Betfair is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (Licence 39561). Offers subject to terms and conditions. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only. BeGambleAware.org