Betfair App Review – Mobile Sportsbook Betting & Betting Exchange App

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Betfair's reputation precedes itself, as the company is one among the very few online bookies that offer a unique version of their software for both Android and iOS users. Google has issued pretty specific guidelines that concern publishing gambling-related apps on the Play Store, but it is indeed an advantage that users can download the Betfair Android app straight from the official store. For those who can't access the Android app on the Play Store, we would advise you to get in touch with your account manager, who will be able to point you to an external download link for the app installation.

The Betfair iOS app, on the other hand, is available for download at the Apple App store without any regulatory restrictions, as the sports betting apps for the iOS platform do not suffer the same fate as its Android counterparts. Apple is much more lenient in its policies towards betting platforms, which means that almost all betting operators have an iOS app for their online sportsbook. The iOS sports betting app can be installed on an iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Betfair adopts the same software layout for both smartphones and tablets. While we are aware that smartphones are the more common access points for mobile punters, we feel that large-screen tablets offer the best betting interface in terms of screen size. Nonetheless, both apps may have their distinct merits and demerits according to the users' preferences, and it is up to the punter to choose an app that is best suited to his/her needs.

Can You Use the Website App on Your Mobile Device?

Yes, the default web browser platform is developed as a responsive interface, which makes it compatible with most popular mobile web browsers in the market. It makes financial sense for bookmakers to create a browser-based sportsbook for all users, as such a platform gives them the much-needed flexibility to cater to devices with different specifications. Under normal circumstances, Betfair will automatically detect the nature of the web browser and the device that is accessing the company's official website, which will then deliver a custom-tailored interface that is the best suited for that particular screen. Users need not make any changes to their platform, web browser, or the URL, as the application will load as per the default conditions.

The Betfair Exchange App

The bookmaker's exchange app is the most desired betting platform among seasoned punters, as it is undoubtedly the most advanced exchange betting interface available in the market. The exchange platform witnesses a betting turnover of around $1 million on regular sports categories, while some of the high-profile games can witness up to $100 million in betting volumes change hands during a match.

A betting exchange is merely a platform where punters wager against each other, and Betfair only acts as an intermediary to facilitate the betting transaction. In this concept, Betfair does not generate any odds or create a market, as all odds are generated by the punters. The company makes its profit by adding a margin to the market or by deducting a certain percentage from the winner's payouts. Such a profit margin can have no impact on the final result, which means that there is no conflict of interest between the bookmaker and the punter.

Betfair offers the mobile exchange app for both Android and iOS users, which is different from the sportsbook app. Unlike the website interface, where the Exchange platform is offered as a part of the sportsbook's navigation menu, the Betfair exchange mobile app is provided as a standalone interface alongside the regular sportsbook app. Although the layout is similar to the standard sportsbook, the odds market, the matched amount for a bet, the wagering options, and the bet slip are all different. Professional bettors may find it easy to navigate the interface and get straight to the action, but newbie punters are advised to spend some time with the interface and get familiar with the options, before placing a wager. You should also have a clear idea about the pros and cons of exchange betting, as it is vital to understand the risks that are present in the exchange betting market.

Betfair Sports App – The Sportsbook Version

The Betfair's sportsbook is merely an alternative to its exchange platform, which pales in comparison to the exchange app. Bet fair is primarily a betting exchange that also operates a sportsbook, which means that punters choose the bookie for their incredibly popular exchange interface. Nevertheless, the bookmaker has created an elaborate sportsbook to include a large variety of games, tournaments, and other sporting events to keep their punters interested.

As we had previously mentioned, the Betfair sportsbook app is offered as a separate version and is not clubbed with the bookmaker's exchange platform. Therefore, if you prefer wagering on both markets, you will have to download the two different apps and switch between them as per your betting preferences. Although there are two versions on offer, punters only need to sign up once, as the same account provides access to both markets without any restrictions. In fact, a single account can be used to access the bookie's other services as well, including the online casino and video poker.

Opening an Account via the Betfair App

You can download the app to register for an account, or you can sign up through the bookmaker's official website. Both options are quite similar, and you can complete the entire signup process within a couple of minutes. Regardless, if you are planning on using your mobile device for your online betting needs, we would certainly recommend you to download the platform first and then register for an account, as you may be eligible for mobile app-specific bonuses. You may be required to verify your email address and your identity, which can be done by sending all the verification documents such as your identity document, proof of address, or credit card/bank statement through the app itself. However, we have realised that Indian punters are no longer accepted by the bookmaker, which implies that Indian users are currently unable to register for a Betfair account.

Betfair Payment Methods & Withdrawing your Money

You can use the app to fund your account, change your account settings, withdraw money, and even opt-in for a bonus offer by accepting the bookmaker's terms and conditions. You can easily deposit money by choosing any of the accepted payment methods, including wire transfer, e-wallet deposit, or credit/debit card payment. Online payment methods such as NETELLER, Skrill, PayPal, Web Money, and paysafecard are some of the most secure instant payment options, which allows you to place a stake as soon as you make a deposit. For withdrawals, you can always place a withdrawal request within the app, which will be processed after the mandatory 24 hours verification period. Betfair is known for their fast withdrawal policy, which ensures that the withdrawals are processed within a few days.

Bonuses for Mobile App Users

The bookie offers only a trivial bonus for its exchange users, which provides around $5 for new players, but mobile customers do stand a chance to sign up for seasonal promotions that can provide a pretty handsome reward for signing up. The company also offers a 100% deposit match bonus of up to €200 for its sportsbook, but there are several wagering conditions associated with the bonus. If you have availed a bonus, you can't make a withdrawal unless you meet the minimum wagering requirements; otherwise, you are free to initiate a withdrawal as you please. The minimum wagering requirements may be specified in terms of wagering volumes, such as 50x, which means that you must complete a minimum of 50 times of your deposit amount on different wagers.

Our Betfair Sports Odds App Analysis

The Sportsbook offering at Betfair leaves a lot to be desired, as a majority of the odds for major matches are below the market average. The odds are not extremely low to cause any anxiety for new or existing punters, but overall, some bookmakers offer slightly higher odds for the same outcome. Regardless, we feel that the bookmaker's exchange option is the real masterpiece offering from the company.

In exchange terms, the odds market in a sports betting exchange has two sides, one side that 'backs' the odds, and the opposite side that 'lays' the odd. An important aspect of exchange betting is that punters can create different odds for the same outcome, but there must be both sides of the transaction to create a market. Therefore, professional punters may prefer a sports betting exchange, due to the better flexibility in generating the odds and enjoy reduced conflict of interest with the bookmaker. However, amateur punters must consider the various wagering implications, betting strategies, variable odds, and other market conditions in exchange sports betting, as it can certainly be riskier than a traditional sportsbook.

A Summary of the Betfair Sports App

If you are looking for a leading betting exchange, look no further; the Betfair sports app should be able to offer you the best interface in the market. The availability of a dedicated sportsbook also sweetens the deal, despite the odds being slightly lower than other bookmakers. We would certainly recommend the bookmaker's mobile platform, mainly due to their reputation and the choice of markets. However, you must be aware of the fact that the bookmaker offers two distinct apps for its exchange and its sportsbook. Therefore, you should carefully consider your betting needs before choosing the app that suits your preferences.