Well a big hello from me, NatLou, here in Cyprus, where Lucy will be thrilled to hear, it’s very warm now! Anyway, I have a review of a very traditional British bookmaker this week – BetFred.
1. Aesthetics & Navigation
BetFred is a bookie that really focuses on the needs of the Anglo-Irish punters, no doubt about that. The way this bookmaker came into existence is, according to my little research is, that in 1967 a bloke called Fred Done simply decided to open up his own betting business and if you bet with Fred, well… it’s Betfred then, isn’t it? 
Today they employ 5,000+ employees and have got 700 odd shops on British and Irish high streets. But what about the layout and first impressions? Well, the landing page gives you the option to access the various services; and the sports site, with all those blue shades is easy on the eyes. And the same can be said for the layout. The design is simple and uncluttered and you find all major sports events highlighted, including a slide show for the specials and coupons for various events.
The navigation bar on the left allows you to access the various sports and betting highlights, and the one on the right provides an overview of scheduled horse and greyhound races, including the prizes for the four legged friends, and footie stuff of course! Actual In-Play and scheduled events are in the centre.
Aesthetics Score out of 10 – 8.
2. Services
Sports – Betfred cares, as I might have mentioned in my short introduction already, especially for the needs of the British and Irish… in fact, they appear to offer everything that British and Irish punters could ever want! A huge range of sports, including various betting options are available for Football, American Football, Athletics, Aussie Rules Football, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowls, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, Gaelic Games, Golf, Greyhound Racing, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, Ice Hockey, MMA/UFC, Motor Sports, NBA, NFL, Olympics, Pool, Rugby, Snooker, Speedway, Tennis – the lot, really.
And you may have noticed that the sports your cousins in the US of A love so much are present, too!
In-Play –After the flash-based In-Play betting interface is loaded, you’ll notice all kinds of betting options right in the centre of the screen for whatever event is listed at the top of the navigation bar on the left. If you fancy a different match or race, then pick the one you want from the same list on the left, and it all changes; it’s very intuitive and efficient. The layout is simple, informative, easy to access, as well as nice to look at! There’s no fuss and no ads flashing up.
The betting slip can be found on the right hand side, beneath a selection of other services. That’s it. This section really does precisely what it should do – focus on live bets, nothing else.
Casino, Live Casino, Poker, Games, Virtual, Bingo, Lotto – Betfred offer all these services for those of you who need a break from focusing on sports or wish to use your winnings to squander on the blackjack etc. table or feed the slots. Try it out but don’t go crazy! (And might it not be nicer to use your betting riches to invite your WAGs out for a nice dinner?!).
Mobile – The mobile betting site greets you with colourful ads for games and casino stuff. Initially I missed the betting options there, but … in the end I found it. You can download and install the app with the help of this barcode thingy, but I haven’t tested all the mobile services yet.
Services Score out of 10 – 9.
3. Payment Methods
You can deposit your bankroll into your Betfred account via following options – UK Debit Cards, such as Maestro, Electron, Switch, Solo, Visa Delta or Laser, Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards, Skrill (formerly Moneybookers, NETeller, Instadebit, 1-Pay Cashier’s Cheque, Bankers Draft, International Money Order, Personal Cheque, Western Union, MyCitadel, PayPal and Bank Wire.
Payment Methods Score out of 10 – 9.
4. Offers
For some reason, and looking through the offers, Betfred really deserves to be called the “Bonus King”! At the moment, courtesy to the Euro 2012 Football competition, they offer a range of rewards and bonuses during June 2012. You also should take advantage of the £50 free bets offer. You get a 100% top-up of your initial deposit, up to £50. Terms & conditions, as well as wagering requirements apply. Click on the picture below to get involved!
Offers Score out of 10 – 10.
5. Summary
This bookie has a very good track record (and from my investigations) appears to offer good value for money, too. The odds for certain sports are above the average, and the safe & secure sports betting site of Betfred offers almost all sports events that are followed by the Anglo-Irish, as well as continental European punters. Compared to other bookies on the market, Betfred really knows how to welcome new punters and offer their existing members a range of good coupons, rewards and promotional bonuses.
Overall Score out of 10 – 9.
love NatLou x
Well Nathalie, I can see you’re very impressed by Fred! He has achieved a certain notoriety here in the UK by twice paying out early on a Manchester United league win – and on both occasions was made to look a little foolish as they subsequently threw away a large lead at the top of the Premier League. He is however a Manchester United fan, so I can’t help wondering if his generosity was merely an advertising stunt to attract punters betting on the Reds? Still, he’s a character, and as you say, clearly focussed on the UK & Irish market.
Also smiled at your suggestion that my readers should be spending their riches on their partners.
All mine goes on shoes!
Lx