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    betfair
    online gambling

    betfair

    "The world's first betting exchange"

    Founded 2000 London
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    About

    Andrew Black and Edward Wray launched Betfair in 2000 with a radical idea: let people bet against each other instead of the house. This betting exchange model flipped the traditional bookmaker script by letting users set odds based on supply and demand while the platform took a commission on net winnings. The approach quickly gained traction among serious punters who wanted better value than standard fixed-odds markets could offer.

    Today the brand operates as a core pillar of Flutter Entertainment after the parent company acquired it for roughly £9.7 billion in 2016. The London-headquartered giant runs a diverse portfolio that includes its flagship exchange, a traditional sportsbook, online casino, bingo halls, and poker rooms. Recent strategic shifts in September 2026 saw Flutter migrate UK Betfair poker players to the PokerStars Network to streamline operations across its global gaming ecosystem.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Betfair ExchangeBetfair SportsbookBetfair CasinoBetfair BingoPokerStars Network (UK)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Betfair?
    Flutter Entertainment owns Betfair. The multinational group acquired the British operator in 2016 for approximately £9.7 billion.
    Is Betfair still in business?
    Yes, Betfair remains fully operational as a leading sportsbook and casino brand. Its poker division migrated to the PokerStars Network in September 2026 as part of a consolidation strategy.
    What is the difference between Betfair and a normal bookmaker?
    Traditional bookmakers act as the counterparty to your bet. Betfair functions primarily as an exchange where users bet against one another, often resulting in better odds and lower margins due to market competition.
    How much is Betfair worth?
    As a private subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, Betfair does not have a standalone public valuation. The 2016 acquisition deal valued the brand at approximately £9.7 billion at that time.
    Is Betfair safe and legitimate?
    Betfair holds licenses from major regulators including the UK Gambling Commission. The operator faces ongoing legal scrutiny regarding duty of care but remains a licensed entity in multiple jurisdictions.

    Keywords

    betting exchangesports bettingonline casinopoker networkFlutter Entertainmentgambling regulationhorse racing tips

    Sources

    WikipediaOfficial WebsiteThe GuardianPoker Industry ProBitBrowser Blog

    Company Info

    Founded
    2000
    Founder
    Andrew Black
    Headquarters
    London
    Industry
    online gambling
    Parent Company
    Flutter Entertainment
    Acquisition Price
    £9.7 billion
    Poker Migration
    September 2026

    Official Website

    www.betfair.com/

    Links

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