Betting exchange sites offer a unique platform where you take on your fellow punters rather than the bookie. You can back or lay outcomes, setting your own odds. We’ve scoured the UK betting exchange market to bring you the top platforms for June 2024, helping you find the perfect exchange to place your bets.
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With a fair few options out there, let’s dive into our best betting exchange sites that UK punters can use to place their bets:
Now we’ve run you through our list of betting exchanges, let’s dive deeper into what each betting exchange site offers, looking at their unique selling points, pros and cons and more to help you make the right choice.
Betfair was the first to launch a betting exchange. It is still one of the very best and has become a major player in the UK market. It has an unparalleled range of markets across all major sports, from football and horse racing to cricket and tennis. The platform’s high liquidity ensures that you can usually find bets at your desired odds – especially on popular events.
Beyond its market coverage, the Betfair betting exchange offers loads of fantastic features, including live streaming, in-play betting, cash out, and the Betfair Exchange app for betting on the go. The platform also offers some educational resources for betting exchange newcomers.
What We Like: Room for Improvement:
Smarkets has carved a niche for itself by offering some of the lowest commission rates on the market compared to other exchange betting sites, making it a cost-effective option for regular traders. The platform’s sleek and easy-to-use interface is appealing, making it easy for both beginners and experienced bettors to navigate. It’s a great Betfair alternative if you want something different.
The Smarkets betting exchange also offers a range of features to boost the betting experience, such as live scores, detailed statistics, and a bet builder tool. The platform also has a strong focus on responsible gambling, with various tools and resources available to help users stay in control.
What We Like: Room for Improvement:
BETDAQ has established itself as a top horse racing betting exchange. The platform offers competitive odds and extensive coverage of horse racing events from around the world. The BETDAQ betting exchange also has specialised features for racing enthusiasts, such as live streaming, race replays and detailed form guides.
BETDAQ’s commitment to horse racing also shows in how its commissions work, with discounted rates on racing bets. They also offer a “Best Odds Guaranteed” promotion on UK and Irish horse racing, making sure that you always get the best possible price.
What We Like: Room for Improvement:
Matchbook has positioned itself as the go-to exchange for fans of US sports. The platform offers excellent coverage of American football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey, with competitive odds and low commission rates on these markets.
The Matchbook betting exchange also provides live streaming of select US sporting events and features a dedicated mobile app for betting on the go. The platform’s interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced punters.
What We Like: Room for Improvement:
Choosing the best betting exchanges UK sites depends on your individual preferences and betting style. Our table highlights the key features of our top picks and makes it easier to see which platform best suits you.
UK Betting Exchanges | Best For | Commission | Market Variety | US Sports | Horse Racing | Live Streaming | Mobile App | |
Betfair | Market Variety & Liquidity | 5% | Extensive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Smarkets | Low Commission & User-Friendly | 2% | Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | |
BETDAQ | Horse Racing Enthusiasts | 2% | Limited (Horse Racing Focus) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Matchbook | US Sports Fans | 2% | US Sports Focus | ✅ | ✅ | Select Events | ✅ |
The best betting exchange sites offer promotions and incentives to draw in new punters and reward loyal users. Let’s take a look at some of the best betting exchange offers:
Betfair’s rewards program is a great way for regular users to earn cashback on their commissions. The program has different tiers, with higher tiers offering greater rewards. As you bet more, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for cash or other rewards.
Smarkets offers an awesome refer-a-friend program where you can earn a bonus for each friend you refer who signs up and places a bet. It’s an ideal way to earn extra cash while introducing your friends to the benefits of betting exchanges.
BETDAQ often has welcome offers for new customers, such as free bets or deposit bonuses. Keep an eye on their promotions page for the latest deals.
Matchbook sometimes runs 0% commission promotions on select markets, allowing you to bet without paying any commission fees. These promotions are usually offered on popular events like major football matches or horse races.
When reviewing betting exchange UK sites, we consider a range of things (see How We Rate Boomakers) to make sure we only recommend the very best platforms to our readers. Here are some of the key features we look for specifically in exchange betting sites:
What is a betting exchange? Well, they’re a bit different from regular online bookmakers. Instead of betting against the house, you’re betting against other punters. It’s like a marketplace where you can back an outcome (bet on it to happen) or lay it (bet against it).
This concept kicked off in the early 2000s with Betfair and has become a massive hit. Why? Because it gives you more control and often better odds than traditional bookies. Plus, you can even become a bookie and lay bets yourself.
Here’s why people love exchange betting:
Lay betting is a unique feature of betting exchanges that allows you to bet against an outcome happening. It's like being the bookie and offering odds to other punters. It can be a bit confusing at first, but it opens up a whole new world of betting strategies. Here's how to lay a bet step-by-step:
And that’s it! You’ve successfully laid a bet. Remember, if the outcome you laid doesn’t happen, you win your stake. But if it does happen, you’ll lose your liability.
Betting exchange sites are a whole different ball game compared to traditional bookies, so you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve to make the most of them. Here are some tips to help you score big:
Ever heard of “greening up”? It’s the holy grail of exchange betting, where all your bets are showing a profit. It’s like having a winning streak on every bet, no matter what happens. To achieve this, you need to play both sides of the field, backing and laying the same outcome at different odds. It takes practice, but it’s a surefire way to boost your profits.
Think your bet’s a definite loss? Don’t panic! Cash-out lets you settle your bet early and either lock in a profit or cut your losses. Exchanges usually offer this feature, so use it wisely.
Exchange betting isn’t just about placing a bet and hoping for the best. You can trade bets like stocks, buying low and selling high. It’s similar to being a stockbroker, but with sports. Keep an eye on the odds and pounce when you see an opportunity. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it can be seriously rewarding.
Some markets are more popular than others, and that’s where the action is. Stick to the big events and markets where lots of people are betting. This means you’ll find more opportunities to trade and cash out, and you won’t get stuck with a bet that no one wants to take.
Betting exchanges aren’t confined to your desktop anymore. All major exchanges offer mobile apps or mobile-optimised websites, making it easy to lay or back bets wherever you are. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or tablet, you can access the same markets, features, and trading tools as on your computer.
Most apps are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and quick access to popular markets. Some even offer exclusive mobile promotions or features, so you might find even better value betting on your phone.
So, if you’re stuck on the train or just fancy a quick flutter while you’re out and about, grab your mobile and get betting.
So there you have it! Betting exchanges are a thrilling alternative to traditional bookies, offering more control, better odds, and the chance to explore new betting strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, exchanges can open up a whole new world of betting possibilities. Remember, it’s not just about luck. It’s about knowledge, strategy, and a little bit of daring. Now go and master the exchanges, and may your screen always be green!
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the “best” exchange depends on your individual needs and preferences. Betfair is a great all-rounder with vast market coverage, while Smarkets excels with low commission rates. BETDAQ is the go-to for horse racing fans, and Matchbook caters to US sports enthusiasts. Consider your betting style and priorities to find the perfect fit.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to make money on betting exchanges. However, it requires skill, knowledge, and a good understanding of the markets. Unlike traditional bookmakers, where you’re betting against the house, on exchanges, you’re betting against other users. This means you can profit from both backing and laying outcomes, but it also means you’re competing against other skilled bettors.
It depends on your betting focus. If you’re primarily interested in US sports, Matchbook might be a better choice due to its competitive odds and focus on those markets. However, Betfair offers a wider range of markets across various sports, making it a more versatile platform for diverse interests.
Ladbrokes previously offered an exchange powered by Betfair. However, as of 2024, it is no longer available. If you’re looking for similar liquidity and market coverage to exchange sites like Betfair, consider options like Matchbook or Smarkets.
Liam Austen-Rondi is a seasoned writer in the sports betting and gambling industry. After starting his career writing SEO content, Liam moved into copywriting roles with Bally's Interactive, where he spearheaded major rebranding and tone of voice projects and helped launch award-winning websites, as well as with industry-leading PR and marketing agencies. Joining Safestbettingsites.co.uk in 2024 armed with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for responsible gambling, Liam provides insightful perspectives on safe and enjoyable betting.
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