Verdict. Betfair is really two operators: a sportsbook that competes on price and an exchange where you set the odds and nobody limits a winner. If you understand lay betting, the exchange is the best value in this ranking.
What we liked
- The largest betting exchange: lay bets, better prices and no limits for winners
- Sportsbook prices boosted against the exchange on big events
- Cash out works on both products
- Withdrawals back to the deposit method inside a day
What we did not like
- Exchange commission of two to five percent on net winnings
- Two products, two apps and a learning curve
- The sportsbook menu is thinner than bet365
Quick facts
| Founded | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Group | Flutter Entertainment |
| Licences | UKGC, MGA, plus Italy, Spain, Romania and others |
| Sports | 30+ |
| Live streaming | Yes |
| Cash out | Yes, on sportsbook and exchange |
| Minimum deposit | 5 GBP or 10 EUR |
| Currencies | GBP, EUR, USD and more |
| Crypto | No |
| App | iOS and Android, separate exchange and sportsbook apps |
| Support | Live chat, email |
| Languages | 10+ |
Registration and verification
One account for both products; identity verified automatically in the UK, with documents requested for larger withdrawals.
Odds and markets
On the exchange the price is set by other users, which means liquid markets on football, racing and tennis trade at a margin close to zero after commission. The sportsbook is priced like a normal UK book, sometimes boosted to beat the exchange.
Live betting and streaming
In-play trading on the exchange is the reason many professionals are here; the sportsbook adds cash out and streaming.
Payments and withdrawal times
Cards, PayPal and wallets; every withdrawal we made returned to the source method the next day.
| Method | Minimum deposit | Withdrawal time recorded | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit card | 5 GBP | Next day | None |
| PayPal | 10 GBP | Within 24 hours | None |
| Skrill | 10 GBP | Within 24 hours | None |
| Neteller | 10 GBP | Within 24 hours | None |
Bonus
Free bets on the sportsbook, commission-free periods on the exchange. Sportsbook and exchange offers are separate; exchange winnings pay commission.
Mobile app
The exchange app is a trading tool, dense but fast; the sportsbook app is simpler and closer to its rivals.
Support
Chat answered in a few minutes; exchange questions reach an agent who knows the product.
Who is it for
Value bettors, traders and anyone tired of being limited. Casual bettors can stay on the sportsbook.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the sportsbook and the exchange?
The sportsbook is Betfair betting against you at fixed odds; the exchange matches you with other users and charges commission on winnings.
How much is the commission?
Between two and five percent of net winnings per market, depending on your country and activity.
Can I be limited on the exchange?
No, the exchange does not restrict winning accounts.
Compare with
Operators our readers weigh against Betfair.
Scores come from our test with a real account. Some links are affiliate links; sponsored boxes are labelled and never affect the score.