* Please note - Our star ratings are based on our personal opinion of the gambling sites we work with. We also take customer feedback into account in our rankings.
A UK-based sportsbook since the 60s, Betfred is new to the United States but no stranger to sports betting. Betfred was such a well-established service in the UK that it won the bid to purchase the government-run betting service in the 2010s. Now, this well-rounded and feature-heavy sportsbook is expanding its offering in the U.S.
Whether you’re new to the world of sports betting or an experienced bettor, the promos and extras offered by Betfred make it an operator worth checking out. Users new to the site can benefit from a nice welcome offer, while existing users should be checking out the Promotions tab on the regular for extras, betting bonuses, and more. We’ll cover the whole Betfred product here.
Betfred officially launched in Ohio on January 1, 2023! As a way of celebrating its debut, Ohioans can register with Betfred Ohio today using this link to unlock a special Bet $50, Get up to $1,111 in Fred Bets welcome offer.
Upon signing up through the link above and placing your first wager of $50+ with Betfred Ohio, all sign-ups will automatically take home a $111 Fred Bet credit. After that, you will begin a five-week stretch where 50% of your net losses will be returned in the form of Fred Bets, capped at $200 per week!
Those who take full advantage of this promotion can earn up to $1,000 in Fred Bets during that five-week window, totaling $1,111 in potential bonuses.
Betfred Sportsbook Welcome Offer
Betfred Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, and Iowa bettors can claim up to $1,111 in bonuses when they wager just $50 bucks with the sportsbook. (*Note: offer is temporarily paused in Colorado)
The Betfred Sportsbook welcome bonus that’s available in Virginia, Arizona, Colorado (see above), and Iowa grants customers up to $1,111 in Fred bets. Here’s how you can claim the full amount…
First, place an initial wager of $50+ with Betfred in one of the qualifying states and earn a $111 ‘Fred Bet’ after the wager settles.
Next, you will have five weeks to complete the rest of the promotion. In addition to the bonus of $111, Betfred is allowing all new users to take back 50% of their net losses each week, up to $200. Within the first five weeks of signing up with BetFred, place as many wagers as you’d like and get back some Fred Bets if things don’t work out!
Fred Bets must be used on wagers with minimum -200 odds, and must be used within 7 days of being credited. When wagered, fred bets will only return the winnings – not the initial stake. For example, a successful $50 fred bet wager at +100 will return the bettor $50 in cash, the profit, instead of $100 ($50 stake + $50 profit).
Where can I use Betfred Sportsbook?
Betfred Sportsbook is currently available in seven U.S. states, with more on the way. Coloradans already have access to this exciting product, and Pennsylvania has a modified version under a slightly different name. There are more states to come for Betfred.
All U.S. states have to carve out their own sports betting laws, so the industry as a whole can look quite a bit different in each state. Keep in mind the following info when betting with Betfred in its legal areas:
Iowa
Betfred originally launched in the Hawkeye state in July 2020, but went offline temporarily at the end of 2021. After a brief hiatus, the brand relaunched in Iowa in the summer of 2022. The Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort serves as the company’s licensing partner.
Colorado
Betfred has paired with the Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk to provide online sports betting in Colorado. As a state, CO has extremely liberal betting laws meaning users will find more markets and available bet types than in other states.
Pennsylvania
Betfred is now available in Pennsylvania, though the product looks different. In lieu of using the Betfred branding, the PA sportsbook is labeled as Sportsbook at Wind Creek, due to the company’s in-state association with the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. There are labels that indicate the product is “powered by Betfred”, so you know it will deliver the same elite performance. Keep an eye out for promotions and offers in PA that you may not be able to find in other states.
Arizona
Betfred has partnered with the Fort McDowell Yavapi-Apache Nation and their popular We-Ko-Pa Casino as the tribe’s online partner. The app officially went live in the state on March 7, 2022.
Maryland
The Betfred mobile sports betting app launched in Maryland in February 2023. The brand offers retail betting in Maryland through Long Shot’s BBQ restaurant and off-track betting site in Frederick, MD.
Virginia
Betfred partnered with Loudoun United, a USL soccer team that plays in the far suburbs of Washington, DC. Sports teams have access to a sports betting license in Virginia, and while Loudoun United may not be a household name, they are indeed a professional sports team, and this partnership with Betfred allows the sportsbook to operate in the state.
Ohio
A team that is a bit more of a household name, the Cincinnati Bengals, is the Betfred partner in Ohio. This is a big step up for Betfred and is definitely the company’s highest-profile partnership to date. Ohio is a big market for many sportsbooks, and Betfred is determined to gain a sizable market share in the state.
Betfred Summary of Play Store & App Store Reviews
We pulled a selection of comments from bettors that have used Betfred sportsbook from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. We’ve compiled their thoughts into one big section so that you can see how they thought about this app.
Here’s what people thought:
The ideas expressed from our review sample were overall positive, especially when it comes to customer service. There were some issues that people experienced with not receiving their promotional bonus, but they were pleased with the customer service they received when they contacted the company. They also expressed satisfaction with the competitive lines, promos, and a quick withdrawal process. Another instance of appreciation was when the customer service helped rectify a wager recorded as a loss when it should have been voided. They also mentioned that the customer service is the best in the industry compared to other books and that they trust their money and bets with Betfred because of it.
How to Get Started with Betfred Sportsbook
Getting started with sportsbooks in the U.S. is a pretty straightforward process, but you’ll need to prove your identity, location, and age to continue to use the Betfred services. First off, head over to the Betfred website using your computer or mobile device and create an account.
If you’d like all that Betfred has to offer within a single app, go ahead and download one of the stellar mobile applications from the website or the App Store. Android users will have to download the APK, or Android Package File, from the Betfred website directly and follow on-screen instructions to allow the download from that source before continuing. Don’t worry, all of Betfred’s apps are safe, secure, and licensed.
Betfred will ask for your SSN or other verifying details in order for you to continue.
The Iowa Betfred product is licensed and regulated by the Iowa Gaming Association, whereas the Colorado version is licensed and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. You’re in good hands. Your data is safe, but necessary to prove your ID.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to sign up with the Betfred Sportsbook:
Head to the Betfred website or app of your choice. Be sure to use one of our links.
Click the green “Register” icon at the top right.
Enter your personal details to register your account, including email, preferred password, contact info, and security questions.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Provide the last 4 digits of your SSN.
Make your first deposit. Check out the “Banking Options” section of this review for more information on that process.
When you’re ready, place your first wager.
Geolocation
A special note on any licensed betting service in the U.S.: you will need to allow location services on your app or install a third-party geotagging plugin to your desktop’s browser in order to ensure you are playing within the boundaries of a state with legal sports betting. Simply download the GeoComply plugin on desktop and enable it on your browser whenever logged on to Betfred. You will be automatically prompted to install the plugin.
You also can’t cross state lines using the app– for example, if you’ve registered for Betfred Colorado, you can only place wagers in Colorado. This is due to federal laws prohibiting gambling revenue from crossing state lines.
Betfred Mobile App
The Betfred mobile app does a pretty good job of replicating the experience of the desktop site in a mobile package. Having a dedicated mobile sportsbook app is a great way to offer your users a one-stop betting experience, and the Betfred mobile app does just that. It doesn’t offer anything extra in the way of functionality, but is a good way to access your sports bets with a single tap.
Fans of betting on the fly will particularly enjoy the Betfred app, as it offers in-play betting and all the bets you could want out of a platform. When you’re on the go, you can place bets as the play progresses right from your device. Mobile wagering is an essential part of online sports betting, and Betfred knocks it out of the park.
Remember, the Betfred app is available within the App Store for iOS devices. For Android devices, users should navigate to the Betfred website on their smartphone or tablet and tap the “Download for Android” button. Your device will warn you about installing any third-party apps, so don’t worry– enable this download in your settings when prompted. Then, simply register according to the steps above and start playing!
Betfred Desktop Experience
The Betfred desktop app has everything you could want in a browser-based sportsbook. Interface, functionality, and user experience are all important aspects of a good sportsbook, and Betfred’s desktop site performs well in all three categories.
One of the more favorable aspects of the Betfred desktop version is simply how well organized it is. From one screen, users can make bets, assemble parlays and other complex bets, tab over to their bet slip or in-play betting, and access other useful features. Unlike other sports betting apps, Betfred doesn’t shy away from giving you all the information you need on one screen.
To be frank, we enjoyed the betting with Betfred from a full-screened browser more than its mobile app, but that’s just a matter of real estate– you can only fit so much on a smartphone’s screen. The app does do a good job of making use of the limited space, but there could be a bit more innovation when it comes to how that information is displayed.
To the new bettor, the desktop interface might seem a bit busy, but a few moments of playing with the features will lead to a more streamlined betting service for both new and experienced bettors. Especially interesting is the ability to pin categories to the top of your window, keeping all your favorite sports markets and bets in one place.
What Types of Bets Can I Make with Betfred?
Before taking a look at bet types, let’s examine available markets. Betfred offers all the sports a modern American sports fan could want, and more. All the classically “American” sports are here, including gridiron football, hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer.
Fans of a bit more exotic fare will be excited with the presence of additional markets, like motor racing, rugby, tennis, and MMA. In some areas, you can even bet on ping pong and golf!
When it comes to types of bets, Betfred offers a decent selection that includes totals/moneyline bets, parlays, and more. Don’t worry, experienced bettors will find complex bets that work for their play style as well. Parlays and teasers are always on the table.
For example, it’s easy to assemble your perfect parlay– simply click multiple lines on the matches of your choice and Betfred will do the rest. If you’re looking for more ways to adjust your spread, you also have the option to bet on teasers, or build the bet of your choice. Versatile bets are made easy on Betfred, which has made them a favorite of bettors both in the U.S. and across the pond.
Pricing and Value
Overall, Betfred offers solid pricing and value. Generally speaking most offered wagers fall in the 20 cent range. -110 is pretty standard for your totals and spread options. We did see some games offered at +100/-120. As far as the lines are concerned, while most books may have a football game at -7.5, Betfred might list it at -7. There’s some variability with its moneylines, too. If you’re looking for a great price on a specific bet, its worth taking a peak to see where Betfred has it.
In-Play Betting
Betfred Sportsbook also has a feature that we love to see on a modern sports betting provider– In-Play betting. This enables users to make on-the-fly bets that resolve as a match progresses. For example, wagering on a 4th down conversion, the success of an onside kick, the next hole for Tiger at the Masters, etc.
In-play props are also a lot of fun– essentially, these are seemingly random bets that are associated with the primary event. You may also be tasked with picking “which player will make the next first down” or “who will be the games MVP”, etc.
At any rate, in-play betting is a great way to add some extra spice and challenge to your sports betting experience. Watch the matches on your favorite livestream or sports broadcast and bet on the next play, then see your winnings tally up in real time.
Banking options at Betfred Sportsbook
Betfred users will need to fund their accounts before they can place wagers, secure bonuses, and more. At the moment, bettors have access to a relatively limited selection of banking options, but as Betfred expands, so too will their cashier section.
The following deposit/withdrawal methods are commonly found with Betfred:
VIP Preferred E-Check
Play + Card
Skrill
PayNearMe
Additionally, Iowa users can do their banking in person at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, while Colorado users can bank in person at Saratoga Casino Black Rock. While these choices work, and are convenient, this isn’t the most well-rounded offering of payment options we’ve ever seen. The fledgling Betfred-U.S. service is working to offer more options to its users. We’re hoping to see choices like PayPal and Credit Cards available soon.
Support
It’s not the most expansive customer support set up out there. Betfred offers support via:
Phone
Text
Email
Customers should check their local Betfred sportsbook support page for the appropriate phone numbers and email addresses in their area. They will vary from state to state.
While the “text” option is a nice, unique addition, there is a glaring omission. Live Chat support has become a standard option that bettors have come to expect on legal iGaming sites. Being able to instantly load up a chat window and ask an agent your question is an excellent service, and we miss it here. Similarly, support isn’t available 24/7, nor is there a FAQ page. While they offer quality service, there are a few easy areas for improvement that we hope they will capitalize on.
Review Summary
Bottom Line
Betfred is an adaptable gaming service that works for new and experienced bettors alike. There’s a good selection of gaming markets, and the interface offers just enough info to keep users engaged without being overwhelming. Both the app and the desktop version function well across multiple device types, offering a quick and streamlined betting experience. Don't miss the welcome offer, too.
Nick began working in the iGaming industry in 2009 and has been an active member of the community since. He is a regular contributor for a number of publications including the USBets Network, RotoGrinders, and ScoresAndOdds.
Valid May 2023
Betfred Sports OH (Pre-Launch)
