Betfair Review
The name is synonymous to the greatest innovations in the online betting industry. They were the first exchange to launch the “lay” bets, the cash out option and other features that have now become a staple for everyone else to follow. Especially after the merging with Paddypower in 2016, they are by far the number 1 of the business, despite the legal controversies that have risen in the past
How it works
The Exchange works through “matching”. Every bet, either “back” or “lay” must be matched by 2 players willing to place opposite bets, before it gets accepted. The Sportsbook side works just like any other fixed odds’ establishment. Bets are placed at predetermined offers.
Betfair has included almost every sport and market conceivable in their list. However, players can make their own offers on an event (including the odds), even if they are not included. As long as another player is willing to stake on the opposite offer, the bet is acceptable.
Usability
The way the site is laid out is a template for many other sites. Everything is easily accessible, while the interface is perfectly user friendly. For those who want to use other devices than personal computers with access to the internet, there are apps for all operating systems available.
However, the characteristic that defines Betfair as the absolute top is its integration with trading software. In fact, most manufacturers need to make sure that their software is approved and listed as compatible, before they launch it out on the market. For even further integration, there’s an API that is available.
Playtech
The name refers to the industry leader in the production of online casino games. Betfair has struck a deal with this provider for this popular sort of entertainment that can be found in its slot, card and table options in the relevant section.
A separate part is devoted to Poker affording all sorts of selections and promotions to be taken advantage by all those that are thrilled with the game that has been dubbed as “the art of civilized bushwhacking”.
Restricted countries
While Betfair has acquired licenses to operate in many countries, there is a list of nations whose residents, for various reasons, cannot access the bookmaker. The most updated catalogue reads as follows:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Cyprus, France*, Germany, Greenland, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, Namibia, North Korea, Papua, New Guinea, Portugal, Poland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain**, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, the U.S.A.***, Yemen, Zimbabwe
* Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Martin and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon are also restricted
** Paddypower.com
*** Except the Betfair branded operation in New Jersey, the restriction includes: American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island.
Conclusion
While there are other companies that can be considered as rivals, they can only be that for various parts of what Betfair offers. There is no other establishment in the industry that covers so many needs as this one. This is why more than 4 million people have selected it as their bookmaker providing a turnover of over 50 million pounds per year.