Betfair is a unique gaming site that aims to give you an extra degree of flexibility in placing your bet. Not only are you allowed to bet on a specific outcome, you can also bet specifically against it. So instead of only being able to bet whether your pick will win the event, you can also make a bet that a particular team won’t. You are also allowed to choose the odds you want to play at. Plus you have the option of betting while a game is underway.
 

Betfair banks more on its special features than promotions to draw new customers. There were no ongoing promos for new sign-ups when we visited the site. However, special promos are offered from time to time to existing clients depending on the season.
 

First timers need to open an account and deposit money into it in order to place a wager. Secure account access is emphasised, ensuring that your personal info is not misused in any way. Basically, opening an account and filling in the necessary details takes just 5 minutes to complete. After which you’re ready to start playing.
 

Betfair uses frames on it’s main page—which may or may not be to your liking. In fairness, there’s more information available immediately in comparison to other sites where you have to dig through several links. For first-time clients, a helpful animated Flash-based guided tour takes you through the basic ins and outs of the site, as well as the special features that are available.
 

You have different options when it comes to choosing your “style” of market betting:

1        Odds Betting

2        Coupons

3        Asian Handicap Betting

4        Single Line Variant Odds Betting

5        Line Betting

6        Range Betting

7        In-Play Betting

To get started, you need to choose your betting “market”: Fastlinks – these are shortcuts to the most popular featured markets on betfair. All Markets – this refers to the list on the left-hand side of the main page that gives a rundown of the various events that you can place a bet on. My Markets – after you have made your initial choice, “My Markets” keeps track of this and subsequent markets so that you can easily go to the ones you play most often.

Technical support is handled mainly via direct e-mail. Promised response time is 2 hours if you email during Helpdesk hours. You also have the option of calling the company directly or sending them a fax. A mailing address is also supplied for written correspondence.
 

Features galore distinguish betfair from the rest. Also, the name of the site gives them something to live up to. The unique betting process also helps to give you a fresh experience if you’re already a jaded online gamer.

Total score 88/100