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Liam Austen-Rondi

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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[17111,17083]
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Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Football Bet Builders

05/01/24

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Football Bet Builders

  • Comprehensive coverage of sports worldwide
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  • Betting Exchange lets you bet like a bookie
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New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly

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22/03/24

Bet £10, Get £40

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18+ begambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1/2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. Free bet stakes not included in any winnings from the free fixed odds bets. Free bets expire in 28 days if unused.

Top Betting Exchanges in the UK

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:

  1. Betfair: The UK’s first-ever betting exchange is still leading the way, with a huge market selection and high liquidity across most sports.
  2. Smarkets: This exchange has low commission rates and a great interface, making it a favourite for both beginners and experienced traders.
  3. BETDAQ: Renowned for its focus on horse racing, BETDAQ offers competitive odds and a range of features suited to racing fans.
  4. Matchbook: This exchange is definitely for a more niche audience, particularly those interested in US sports, with competitive commission rates on those markets.

The Best UK Betting Exchanges in Detail

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.

1. Betfair: Best for Market Variety and Liquidity

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.

Betfair betting exchange

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:

  • Massive selection of markets across all major sports
  • High liquidity, especially on popular events
  • Great features like live streaming and cash out
  • Excellent mobile app for betting on the go

Room for Improvement:

  • Higher commission rates compared to some competitors
  • Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Customer support can be slow to respond

2. Smarkets: Best for Low Commission and User-Friendly Interface

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.

Smarkets betting exchange sites

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:

  • Industry-leading low commission rates
  • User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
  • Range of features like live scores and bet builder
  • Strong focus on responsible gambling

Room for Improvement:

  • Lower liquidity on some less popular markets
  • Limited range of sports compared to Betfair
  • Customer support options could be improved

3. BETDAQ: Best for Horse Racing Enthusiasts

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 betting exchange

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:

  • Extensive coverage of horse racing events
  • Competitive odds and discounted commission rates on racing
  • Specialised features like live streaming and race replays
  • “Best Odds Guaranteed” promotion on UK and Irish racing

Room for Improvement:

  • Limited market variety outside of horse racing
  • Interface could be more user-friendly
  • Could offer more customer support options

4. Matchbook: Best for US Sports Fans

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.

Matchbook betting exchange sites

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:

  • Excellent coverage of US sports
  • Competitive odds and low commission rates on US markets
  • Live streaming of select US sporting events
  • User-friendly interface and mobile app

Room for Improvement:

  • Limited market variety outside of US sports
  • Lower liquidity on some markets compared to larger exchanges
  • Customer support could be more responsive

Best Betting Exchange Sites Compared

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

Best Betting Exchange Offers

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 Rewards

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 Refer-a-Friend

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 Welcome Offer

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 0% Commission

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.

What Makes a Top Betting Exchange Site?

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:

  • Liquidity: High liquidity is ideal for a smooth betting experience, so that you can find bets at your desired odds and make trades quickly. We look at the volume of matched bets across various markets to gauge an exchange’s liquidity.
  • Commission Rates: Lower commission rates mean more profit for bettors. We compare commission structures across different platforms and prioritise exchanges that offer competitive rates or unique commission models.
  • Market Variety: A wide range of markets across different sports and events is essential for offering diverse betting opportunities. We consider the breadth and depth of markets offered by each exchange, looking for those that cater to different types of punter.
  • Features and Tools: Innovative features like live streaming, cash out, in-play betting, and bet builders can significantly boost your betting experience. We take into account the availability and quality of the features on each platform.
  • User Experience: A user-friendly interface, easy navigation and responsive customer support are needed for a positive user experience. We test each platform’s interface and assess the quality of its customer service channels.
  • Security and Reliability: We only recommend licensed and regulated betting exchanges that stick to the top security standards, ensuring the safety of your funds and personal information.
  • Mobile App: Finally, in today’s world, well-designed betting apps are essential for betting on the go. We evaluate the functionality and user experience of each exchange’s mobile app.

Exchange Betting and How It Works

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:

  • Better Odds: Exchanges cut out the middleman (the bookie), so betting exchange odds are usually better.
  • Lay Betting: Bet against something happening – it’s a game-changer!
  • Trading: It’s like playing the stock market, but with sports. You can change your bets as the game goes on.
  • No Restrictions: Win too much at a regular bookie? They might limit you. Exchanges welcome everyone.
  • Transparency: The odds reflect what other punters think, not what the bookie wants to offer.
In a nutshell, exchange betting is all about flexibility, potentially bigger wins, and trying out different betting strategies. It might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a whole new world of betting fun.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Lay 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:

  1. Choose Your Market

    Browse the best lay betting sites, choose one and select the betting exchange markets you want to bet on, such as a football match or horse race.
  2. Find the Lay Odds

    Look for the "Lay" section of the market, which will display the available lay odds for different outcomes.
  3. Enter Your Stake

    Decide how much you want to risk on the bet and enter it in the stake box.
  4. Calculate Your Liability

    Your liability is the amount you could potentially lose if the outcome you laid happens. It's calculated by multiplying your stake by the lay odds minus 1. For example, if you lay £10 at odds of 3.0, your liability would be £20 (10 x (3.0 - 1)).
  5. Place Your Bet

    Click the "Lay" button to confirm your bet. Your bet will then be matched with someone who wants to back the outcome you laid.

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.

Exchange Betting Tips

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:

Go Green

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.

Cash Out Like a Pro

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. 

Be a Trading Master

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.

Stick to the Big Leagues

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.

Exchange Betting on Mobile Devices

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.

The Green Screen

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!

FAQs

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Liam Austen-Rondi

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.