Menu Close

Betfair App Review

The latest Betfair mobile app comes from a brand that was industry leading at one point, but is now going rapidly downhill. You can still make both back and lay bets using their online betting apps. These are available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and all other types of smartphone devices.

The question is, does anyone still want to bet here?

Our Rating: 2.1 out of 5 stars (2.1 / 5)

The world’s biggest betting exchange. Once upon a time Betfair used to be great, but then they merged with Paddy Power and started putting profits before punters. Now it’s nothing more than a glorified arcade . Steer clear.

In this Betfair mobile review, you’ll learn about all the features that you can access through your phone, and how to install the app and access them. We’ll also explain why we rate it as one of the betting apps you should avoid at the moment. Prepare to be disappointed…

It’s true that In-Play betting is still supported on thousands of events. This means you can place your bets as the action unfolds in front of your eyes. You can also use the Betfair cash out facility. This feature lets you lock in a guaranteed profit on your bet, whatever happens for the rest of the game!

But on the downside, the way they have been treating customers recently is shabby at best. That’s why punters have been moving away from Betfair recently and joining other exchanges, or better sports betting sites like bet365 instead.

Betfair Alternatives

If Betfair’s low rating has put you off, then to be honest I’m not surprised! You might wish to consider some alternatives instead. Check out these reviews of some alternative betting apps which you might prefer instead.

Any mobile app / betting site that gets 4* and above is usually a great choice…

Betfair Mobile App: Key Features

Still interested in finding out more about the Betfair apps? No problem – read on.

I’ve personally had a Betfair account since 2004, when they’d only recently launched, so I reckon I’m in quite a good position to review Betfair. Back then, they launched the first ever betting exchange which was only available on their desktop site. This was before the days of the mobile app. As you might expect, they’ve evolved a lot over the years.

But ever since they merged with Paddy Power, most changes have been for the worse.

As one of the biggest online gambling sites in the world in 2023, Betfair really should be in a position to provide a world class service. But it’s very much a case of profits and shareholders come first, customers come a distant second.

In fairness, there are a few useful features that they do offer on the Betfair app.

  • Live Betting with Cash Out in play
  • Live Streaming on horse racing, greyhound racing, football & more…
  • Good range of sports betting markets
  • Better Odds than some online bookmakers
  • Use the betting exchange to bet against other people
  • Free Betfair Mobile App for Android & iPhone

Betfair offers sports betting on sportsbook and exchange as well as casino, poker, arcade, and slots. But let’s be honest, 99% of punters are only here for sports betting. Why would anyone play casino or slots at Betfair when there are so many other casino sites that do a much better job.

Anyway, they’re there if you want them. When using the desktop version, it’s a simple case of flicking between the tabs at the top. But on mobile, it’s not quite so straightforward.

Which Betfair App Do You Need?

Betfair exchange app on Android The Betfair app is different to using the mobile site. You need to download separate mobile apps for each section of the Betfair site. So if you want them all, that’s at least 5 apps you’d need to download, install and keep updated.

This is just dumb to be honest. Considering how much effort they spend ramming their casino and arcade down player’s throats, then then expect them to go and download yet another mobile app to use these products. So here’s what you need:

  • Sportsbook App – Use this to access the Betfair sportsbook. Allows you to place bets and watch live streaming of horse racing, football and other sporting events.
  • Exchange App – This app gives you access to the Betfair betting exchange. Place back and lay bets and bet against other people, and get better odds.
  • Casino App – Play slots and table games.
  • Arcade App – The arcade app features instant play games for real money.
  • Bingo App – Play Betfair bingo on your phone.

All of the apps can be used with the same Betfair account, you don’t need to sign up separately for each one.

If sport is your preference, you should go for the sports betting app (remember you also need a separate one for the exchange). If you enjoy a flutter on the bingo or play some of the games titles occasionally, then you can get that mobile app as well as a back-up, meaning it’s always there to use when and where you fancy.

The Betfair mobile app is far more convenient than using a desktop computer at home. You’ll get all the features of the full-site, including pre-match markets, in-play betting, live streaming, customer services and promotions. What’s more, you can even use the Betfair mobile website to sign-up for a new account.

Betfair Android App

Android logo As soon as you start using the Betfair Android app, you’ll probably notice how slow and limited it is when compared to the website. When remembering online betting is all about speed and convenience, I was surprised by just how slow the Android app is. For better options, check out the top gambling apps on Android in 2023.

I found out in testing it took severalminutes to get our bet on the next horse race going off or the current in-play Champions League match. That’s going to turn a lot of users away, myself included.

If you place a real money bet, you can watch the horse race or match on your phone through the live streaming feature. The pictures on Betfair are grainy and the quality is very low compared to the live streaming on bet365 for example.

How To Download and Install on Android

If you’re really, really sure you want to do this, then I’ll explain in simple terms how to download and install the Betfair app for Android. It’s worth noting that at the time of writing, the apps can’t be downloaded through Google Play. So you need to get them direct from Betfair.

  • Go to the Betfair mobile website, create an account and log in.
  • On the homepage you’ll see a download button
  • Click the button and the download will begin, taking just a few seconds to complete
  • The app will then automatically unpack itself to your phone, meaning you are ready to go

Betfair iOS App

Apple logo There’s no real difference between the Betfair app for Android and the equivalent iOS app in terms of how easy they are to use. Both mirror each other in that respect and, regardless of the device in your hand, you’ll be able to open this mobile app, find an exciting market and get your bet on quickly.

We’ve made a big deal about how quick and easy the app is and that’s what mobile betting is designed for, but if you have a little more time on your hands you could also relax and have a dig around. If you do, you may well discover some betting options you didn’t know existed, including reality TV, politics and other specials.

If you’re new to all this, it’s worth having a look around the Betfair forums – this can be done through the app – and chatting with other members. You will find it a helpful, friendly community of like-minded fans who are more than happy to give their advice. Who knows, you may even pick-up a winning tip during your visit.

How To Download And Install On iOS

Ready to get started? There’s no need to go to the App Store, simply follow the quick step by step guide below. You won’t believe just how simple it is and after a day using it you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it in your life.

  • Open the Betfair mobile website and create an account
  • Once you’ve registered you will see a download button
  • Choose between the different apps, and select download
  • The app will then take over, downloading and installing itself in under a minute
  • Once installed you can enter your login details and get started.

A Look At The Betfair Mobile Site

If you’re already a bit pushed for space on your mobile device or would rather not install another app for whatever reason, worry not. Betfair’s mobile site does as good a job and there’s no need to save it to your mobile. Simply visit the Betfair mobile website. It does everything the app and desktop site does, so you lose nothing.

If you are familiar with how the betting exchange works having used Betfair on your laptop in the past, then you’ll pick this up straight away. It’s a fair representation of the original, with a similar layout and theme. It helps speed up the process for some and the fact it’s not using any of your devices memory leads to a quicker service if space is at a premium.

The different sports are all set-out in a logical manner. You can flick between soccer, horse racing, tennis, cricket and the numerous other sports betting options. Live betting is supported. There’s even the option to change to the poker or roulette sections of the service here. Further down the page you’ll see the quick links to major sporting events taking place over the next few days.

Sports Betting At Betfair

Betfair sportsbook app on Android While we’re on the subject of sport, it’s only right we mention just how many sports betting markets are available at Betfair. All the major types of sport are there, along with plenty of niche opportunities too, such as reality TV, but it’s the different ways to bet on each fixture that really blew us away.

Looking at horse racing or greyhound racing also reveals a number of betting options. You can choose between the race winner – ante-post and on the day – each-way, exacta, trifecta, or multiples such as Lucky 15, Yankee and Heinz bets. All UK and Irish horse racing is covered while followers of the international scene can have their say on American, South African, French and German tracks, to mention just a few.

Football betting is one area where Betfair used to be much better than it is now. Yes, you can still pick your outright winner of the top leagues such as the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga or click on any match from around the world to reveal a choice of betting markets.

You can bet on the match winner, first goal scorer, total goals, both teams to score, win both halves, half-time/full-time, corners and booking points. There are also standard features such as Acca Edge and various cash out options which are similar to those found at other mobile betting sites.

The problem here is that the sportsbook odds are now much worse than competing betting sites, and the integration with the exchange is ropey. So where you used to get better odds, it doesn’t really pan out too much any more.

They’re much more keen on pushing their casino and arcade options down your throat at any opportunity, rather than deliver a good sports betting product. Like I said earlier, it’s profits over customers at Betfair time and time again.

Differences Between The Betfair App And Mobile Site

Although they do pretty much the same job – allowing you to bet on the go – there are a couple of differences to using each service. So there are positives and negatives attached to each option which you should be aware of. Some of these are described in general on our homepage.

The developers have found a way around that, by breaking the tabs down and giving each section of the Betfair website its own mobile app. This allows you to focus entirely on your favourites and there’s no lotto to deal with if you’re never going to use it. It’s convenient and doesn’t flood you with options or take up too much space.

Remember don’t go to google Play or App store to download the Betfair mobile app. Just go direct to their mobile site, sign up as a new customer and download the app direct from Betfair.

Betfair Exchange

A betting exchange is different from a traditional sportsbook in that it puts punter against punter, taking the bookmaker out of the equation. In doing so you also take the bookies’ profit slice out of the picture and that leads to better odds for all concerned.

In the Betfair exchange you can back selections to win – as you would with standard sportsbook – or lay selections, in other words, bet on them to lose. Be a punter or take on the role of being the bookie for the day.

Via the exchange, Betfair offers you the opportunity to make a guaranteed profit regardless of the outcome of an event. This is where you can stop online gambling and start trading instead. Hundreds of traders around the world use Betfair for just that purpose every day. It takes a bit of practice, but the rewards are worth it!

Again, the site covers everything you need and its kept very simple. There is a lot of information here though and it could be daunting for newcomers. Lay betting could also be expensive if you lose, so make sure you have a full understanding of how it works before you start.

When looking at markets on the betting exchange you’ll see two options, back – with a price attached – and lay – with a price attached, both in decimal form. Many exchange betting markets also offer cash out, which is a nice added benefit.

It’s worth noting that profit made from exchange bets has a commission deducted. This starts at 5% but can be reduced the more bets you place. The commission is how the betting exchange makes its money. But even taking this into account, the odds are usually better than you’d find at any bookmaker.

Mobile Bonuses & Promotions

Betfair are always running attractive incentives to get you to choose them over the competition. It’s a jam-packed marketplace, so punters have the choice and bookies are fighting for your attention. It’s great.

You’ll already have seen details of the Betfair new customer offer at the top of the page. The Betfair welcome bonus is only awarded once, when you open a new Betfair account.

If you need a reminder, here are the details of the current offer again:

Betfair Welcome Bonus

It’s not just new customers who can benefit though. There’s also a range of bonuses which are open to both new and existing customers. You’ll find details of this on the Betfair Mobile promotions page, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on.

Take Acca Edge, for example. This applies to accumulator bets with three or more selections and pays a refund in cash – most of the competition do free bets – if your accumulator loses by just one leg.

There are individual bonuses for the sports, casino, lotto and bingo, designed to appeal to that particular type of player.

System Requirements

Like any other software on your mobile, the Betfair app will need to receive updates occasionally, to make sure it’s working to the best of its capabilities. That means you must have a required standard of system and your device must be fully compatible or you won’t get as much out of the mobile app as others.

Android

This is always being updated so it may be worth checking the site for full details but, on looking, we found that android users can have a wide range of handsets, including Lollipop, KitKat, Nougat and Marshmallow. Check your version is compatible before attempting to use any of the apps listed.

iOS

The same applies on iOS, and iPhone app users will know they are regularly being asked to update. This applies to pretty much anything you download from the App Store. It can be done in a matter of seconds and is just a case of clicking update, so it’ll take nothing away from your overall experience.

The oldest version that can support the app is the iOS 7 and you can use your native browser or the latest Safari edition to access the mobile website. If you have an earlier version of iOS you can always upgrade it first.

Payment Methods Accepted

Deposits & Withdrawals There are lots of ways to securely manage your money when using the Betfair app, allowing you to instantly upload funds or collect winnings. Bank transfers and e-wallets are two of the most popular deposit options.

Below are a selection of the payment methods available via the Betfair mobile app.

Bank Transfer, Debit Card, EntroPay, Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill

Transfer times and daily limits apply to each so it’s worth reading the small print on these methods before deciding on which one best suits you. You should also be aware some payment methods don’t allow you access to the welcome bonus due to past misuse, this includes Paypal. Also due to a change in the law, customers from the UK are not allowed to deposit via Credit Card.

FAQs

If you have a question, chances are someone else has asked it before. Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Betfair App.

How Long Does A Withdrawal Take To Reach Your Bank?

Withdrawal times vary depending on your method of banking. Payments can be requested from the banking section within the Betfair app. Below are a few examples of what customers can expect…

  • Debit/Credit card – 3 working days
  • Skrill -12 hours
  • Paypal – 12 hours
  • Neteller – 12 hours
  • UK Express Transfer – next working day
  • Web Money – 12 hours

Remember that according to the T&Cs, if you are betting with the free bets that are awarded to new customers, you can normally withdraw any profit you make with them, but not the free bets themselves.

How To Complete KYC Identity Verification Process

Under government legislation known as KYC, Betfair (and other companies) are required to verify every customer they have. Therefore you may have to provide some identification to prove you are who you claim to be. This safeguards against underage users, money laundering and fraud. It’s simple to do and you can email a picture of any of these forms of ID…

  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • National Identification Card
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement

Where Are Betfair Licensed?

security Betfair are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission or UKGC (for players in the United Kingdom) and by the Malta Gaming Authority or MGA (for players in the EU).

Both licenses are completely clean with no sanctions or other actions recorded. This is something I always check and it’s reassuring to see they are playing by the rules and treating people fairly.

What Is Time Out And How To Use It

This is an option open to customers who think they may have a problem with gambling and would like to take a break from betting with Betfair. In other words, your login will be suspended for an agreed period – usually a month – and this should allow you time to consider your next move.

When the month is up you can go back to normal following the cooling off period or extend the self-imposed ban for another month. To do this simply follow these steps…

  • Login with your username and password
  • Go to the “My Account” dropdown menu
  • Select player protection
  • Choose the action that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Overall, there’s not a lot to like about the Betfair mobile apps any more, no matter which device you have. The features aren’t as good as they used to be, the customer service is the pits and the overall experience is just getting worse all the time.

It sucks that you have to download a separate mobile app for each product, although I can’t really see anyone downloading more of their apps after they’ve tried the first. But still, it should be designed much better than this.

So here’s our review score, which has been downgraded recently based on our latest tests.

Our Rating: 2.1 out of 5 stars (2.1 / 5)

Overall, I think Betfair used to provide a good betting experience. But it’s got steadily worse over time to the point where now I just don’t want to bet with them any more. This is one of the mobile betting apps I’ve deleted from my phone recently, and it won’t be coming back any time soon.

Last Updated on March 16, 2021

Izzy Yates
Latest posts by Izzy Yates (see all)