Betfair Review 2025 & Expert Rating
Author
Reviewed By
Last Updated: 29 July, 2025
Overall Rating
Safety
Mobile App
Website
Deposits and Withdrawals
Markets
Pre-Match Betting
In-Play Betting
Welcome Incentive
Customer Support
Betfair is one of the UK’s top online betting platforms, offering a standout peer-to-peer exchange experience alongside a traditional sportsbook.
This dual offering makes it ideal for bettors who want more flexibility and control over their wagers.
In this Betfair review, we’ll share our first-hand experience and break down key features like safety, markets, in-play betting, and more.
We’ll give each section a star rating to help you decide if Betfair is right for your betting needs.
For more information on how we test view here.
Overall Rating – 4.3 stars
Betfair earns a strong 4.3-star rating, with an overall score of 76 and an average of 84.44%.
The Exchange feature, where you can back or lay bets against other users, is what sets Betfair apart.
Combined with a competitive sportsbook, in-play markets and live streams, the platform provides a rich betting experience.
Minor drawbacks include limited support channels and the split between the Exchange and Sportsbook apps.
However, Betfair remains one of the most flexible and innovative betting sites in the UK.
We’d recommend Betfair for punters seeking sharper odds, more control, and a wider range of market options.
Here’s a rundown of the overall pros and cons of Betfair:
Pros
Unique peer-to-peer betting exchange
Wide range of markets and competitive odds
User-friendly interface and reliable mobile apps
Strong security measures and commitment to responsible gambling
Cons
Separate apps for exchange and sportsbook
No phone or email support for customer service
Safety – 5 stars
Betfair is one of the most secure and regulated platforms available to UK bettors.
Licences
Betfair is licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, two of the most respected bodies in the industry.
These licences require strict compliance with rules on fairness, transparency and customer protection.
Security
Betfair uses industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure data centres.
Their detailed privacy and safety policies show a clear investment in user protection.
Track Record
In operation since 2000, Betfair has over 4 million users and an excellent industry reputation.
There are no major safety controversies on record.
As part of a publicly traded company, Betfair is held to high accountability standards.
Pros
Licensed by reputable gambling commissions
Cutting-edge security protections are in place
20+ years of trustworthy operations
Dedicated to responsible gambling practices
Cons
None
Mobile Betting App – 4 stars
Betfair offers separate apps for its Exchange and Sportsbook platforms.
Both are available on iOS and Android.
Look and Feel
The apps are cleanly designed and closely mirror the desktop layout.
Navigation is fast, with quick links to key markets and in-play events.
Placing Bets
Markets are easy to browse, and betting is quick.
The bet slip is clear and responsive, even when juggling multiple live markets.
User Experience
Performance is consistently strong across both apps.
Features like custom notifications, live odds tracking and bet management tools work well.
While having two separate apps is slightly less convenient, the overall mobile experience remains smooth and dependable.
Check out our roundup of the top betting apps in the UK to see how Betfair compares.
Pros
Intuitive mobile interface
Quick bet placement
Reliable performance
Efficient navigation
Helpful customisation
Cons
Separate sportsbook and Exchange apps
Website – 4 stars
Betfair’s website is modern and well-structured, catering to both casual and experienced bettors.
Look and Feel
The black-and-yellow colour scheme is instantly recognisable.
Navigation is intuitive, with clear menus for Sportsbook, Exchange, Casino and more.
User Experience
Menus are logically arranged, markets are easy to filter, and the responsive design works well on desktop and mobile browsers.
Bet slips update in real time, and the account dashboard makes managing deposits, withdrawals, and bets hassle-free.
Some users may need time to get used to the Exchange interface, but it’s simple once familiar.
Pros
Slick interface design
Hundreds of betting markets
Strong mobile experience
Ongoing promos and offers
Cons
It can seem cluttered for big events
Excessive scrolling on some pages
Live betting moves quickly during events
With strong design and usability alongside its vast betting options, Betfair offers an excellent website experience for varied punters.
Convenient access to markets and account tools makes it a top choice.
Deposits and Withdrawals – 4 stars
Betfair provides users with several convenient options for depositing funds and withdrawing winnings.
The cashier system makes transactions straightforward and secure.
Deposits
Users can add money to their accounts through:
Debit/Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)
PayPal (2% fee)
Neteller
Skrill
Paysafecard
Bank Transfer
Cheque
Most deposit methods are instant and have low minimums between £5 - £10.
Cards and e-wallets allow deposits up to £20,000, providing flexibility for bigger bettors.
Making a Deposit
Depositing is simple:
Log in to your Betfair account
Click “Deposit”
Select payment method
Enter amount
Funds appear instantly in the account balance
Withdrawals
Withdrawals carry a £10 minimum, but there is no maximum limit.
Timeframes range from:
Instant (e-wallets)
Up to 5 days (cards)
Up to 10 days (bank transfer, cheque)
Making a Withdrawal
Withdrawing follows a similar process:
Visit the “My Account” section
Click “Withdraw Funds”
Choose a method and enter the amount
Funds are processed based on payment type timelines
Betfair offers an excellent cashier system.
Convenience and security make transactions simple, though improvements could still be made around withdrawal speeds.
Pros
Instant deposits available
Numerous deposit and withdrawal options
Reasonable limits for most users
Cons
Some methods have fees or slow processing times
Markets – 4 stars
Betfair offers odds on over 25 sports, with great depth across both major and niche categories.
Sports
You can bet on football, horse racing, tennis, golf, cricket, boxing, MMA, darts, snooker, eSports and more.
Market depth is excellent.
A single Premier League match, for example, offers hundreds of betting options, from match result and goal scorers to player props and team stats.
Odds are competitive—especially on the Exchange, where there’s no bookmaker margin.
Odds
Across its many sports markets, Betfair provides excellent odds that are highly competitive industry-wide.
They often match or beat the prices offered at other top UK betting sites.
The odds depth even extends to obscure leagues.
One reason is that on Betfair Exchange, the odds are set by bettors wagering against each other peer-to-peer.
This eliminates the traditional bookmaker margin, allowing for better returns.
Pros
25+ sports covered
Great liquidity even in niche markets
Better odds through the Betfair Exchange
In-play betting and live-streaming
Cons
The website can be complex for new punters
Match previews are lacking compared to some rivals
Pre-Match Betting – 4.5 stars
Betfair’s pre-match betting experience combines the value of an exchange with the simplicity of a sportsbook.
Coverage
Expect betting options across 25+ sports, with deep markets on everything from top-tier football to virtual sports and political events.
Bet Builder
The Bet Builder tool lets you combine multiple selections from the same match into a single wager.
Options include goal scorers, corners, cards and more.
While the feature is still developing, it’s easy to use and adds value for recreational bettors looking to customise their wagers.
Pros
Massive range of sports and betting markets
Competitive odds and margins
Live streaming available
Bet Builder innovation
Cash out is available on many markets
Cons
Bet Builder needs more time to develop depth
In-Play Betting at Betfair – 4.5 stars
Betfair’s in-play betting is fast, detailed, and loaded with features.
Markets
Live betting is available for football, tennis, cricket, basketball and more.
Markets update in real time, with hundreds of outcomes to choose from as the match unfolds.
Odds shift instantly, and new markets pop up based on the game’s progress.
Bet & Watch
Betfair’s Bet & Watch service allows you to stream matches while placing live bets. Sports include football, tennis, horse racing and more.
The stream sits beside live odds, so you can track and react without switching screens.
Live Scores and Match Stats
Real-time stats include shots, possession, corners, cards and more—vital data for judging momentum and spotting in-play opportunities.
Combined with live streams, it gives you an edge during fast-moving events.
Pros
Exciting way to bet during matches
Huge variety of In-Play markets
Integrated live streaming
Real-time scores and stats
Automated bet triggers
Cons
Can be addictive
Requires quick decision-making
Welcome Bonus – 4 stars
Betfair offers a generous welcome bonus to new UK users, and claiming it is easy.
2025 Bonus
New Betfair customers in 2025 can earn a £40 free bet bonus + 10 free spins after placing an initial £10 bet at minimum odds of 2.0.
The free bet amount is generous and on par with competing welcome deals. However, the sportsbook limitation is disappointing for exchange-focused users.
Redeeming the free bet bonus is straightforward – place a £10 bet and receive £40 + 10 free spins as a bonus.
Comparative Offers
The £40 free bet amount compares well to competitors. But promotions forcing sportsbook bets when users prefer the exchange leave something to be desired.
Ultimately, the Betfair deal remains competitive. But the confusing terms push customers towards sports betting against their wishes.
Pros
Generous £30 free bet amount
Easy to redeem the welcome bonus
Cons
Forces sportsbook bets over the exchange
Short 30-day expiry on bonus funds
Customer Service – 4 stars
Betfair offers solid customer support, though there’s room to expand their contact options.
Live Chat
Available 24/7, Betfair’s live chat connects you to an agent quickly, usually within a minute or two.
The support team is knowledgeable and efficient.
Response Time
Live chat is fast, and their Twitter account is also responsive for general queries.
Lacking Channels
There’s no dedicated email or phone support.
While chat handles most issues, some users may prefer other contact methods.
Pros
24/7 live chat with fast response
Knowledgeable support agents
Active social media monitoring
Cons
No phone support
No email support
Final Thoughts
Betfair stands out as one of the most flexible and feature-rich betting platforms in the UK.
Its Exchange model allows you to bet against other users for better odds.
The Sportsbook offers convenience and coverage.
Live betting, streaming, and strong security all add to the appeal.
Customer service and app usability could still be slightly improved, but these are small drawbacks for an otherwise outstanding product.
We highly recommend Betfair to any UK punter looking for sharp odds, advanced features, and an innovative betting experience.
FAQs
Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and tipster specialising in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf. His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication. Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO. With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL. Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends. His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.