Betfred Review
Best for High-street bookmaker with online site
What we like
- Bookmaker brand dating back to 1967
- Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (account 39544)
- Large UK retail estate alongside online betting
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps
What could be better
- UK only, with no listing for Canada or the US
- Online slot stakes are capped at £5 per spin (£2 for ages 18 to 24) under UK rules
Betfred review: a UKGC-licensed online bookmaker and casino from the family-run chain founded in 1967. History, licensing and safer gambling explained.
We haven't finished our hands-on test of Betfred yet, so there's no score. Everything below comes from regulator records, Betfred's own published information and the sources linked on this page.
Who runs Betfred and its history
Betfred started as Done Bookmakers, a single shop in Ordsall, Salford, which opened in 1967. Fred Done reportedly paid for it with winnings from a bet on England to win the 1966 World Cup. The current Betfred name was first used in 2004. Fred Done is chairman and Peter Done is also named as an owner.
The chain grew steadily. It reached about 100 shops in 1997, opened its 500th in Cardiff in 2005, and by July 2017 operated over 1,650 UK shops. Betfred bought the government-owned Tote on 3 June 2011 for £265 million. It is the largest independent retail bookmaker in the UK.
Licensing and safety
Betfred's online operation is Betfred.com, based in Gibraltar and registered as Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited. For Great Britain it holds UK Gambling Commission licence 39544, which can be checked on the Commission's public register. The minimum age is 18, and GAMSTOP applies to all licensed online operators.
Betfred is not listed for Canada or the US on this site.
Online history and sport links
Betfred.com launched in 2004. In 2013 the company launched Betfred TV, an in-house channel. Betfred is also known for sponsorship. It has been main sponsor of rugby league's Super League since 2016, has sponsored the World Snooker Championship, and has been title sponsor of the PDC World Matchplay darts event.
Check the site for the sports and bet types it covers online, and for features such as cash out, bet builder and streaming.
Welcome offer and payments
Betfred's UK welcome offers change often, so check the promotions page for the current terms. Payment methods, minimum deposits and withdrawal times are set out on the site.
UK offers are bound by the Gambling Commission's rules, including a 10 times cap on bonus wagering from 19 January 2026.
App and support
Betfred has an iPhone app listed on the Apple App Store as Betfred Sports and Casino Games, and an Android app on Google Play. We haven't tested either yet.
Safer gambling and who it suits
GAMSTOP covers UK accounts, and licensed operators must provide limits and time-out tools. Check your account area for what Betfred provides.
Betfred may suit UK customers who like a bookmaker with a long retail history and a strong presence in racing and rugby league.
Betfred licence details
Betfred is licensed in 1 of the regions we cover. You can check each licence yourself using the regulator links below.
| Region | Regulator | Licence / licensee | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | UK Gambling Commission | No. 39544 · Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited | Nationwide |
Sources: [1] [2] · Checked 1 November 2026
Apps
Betfred has an iPhone app and an Android app. Apps are usually region-specific, so download the version for where you live.
Features
| Live streaming | Not yet checked |
|---|---|
| Cash out | Not yet checked |
| Bet builder | Not yet checked |
How we'll score Betfred
When our test is complete, Betfred gets a score out of 10 from these criteria. Read the full rating method.
| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & safety | 20% | – |
| Odds & margins | 15% | – |
| Payments & payout speed | 15% | – |
| Markets & sports depth | 10% | – |
| Bonuses & fair terms | 10% | – |
| App & usability | 10% | – |
| Live betting & streaming | 10% | – |
| Customer support | 5% | – |
| Responsible gambling tools | 5% | – |
Betfred also offers an online casino: read our Betfred casino review.
Betfred FAQs
Is Betfred licensed in the UK?
Yes. Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited holds UK Gambling Commission licence 39544.
When was Betfred founded?
Done Bookmakers opened in 1967 and the Betfred name was first used in 2004.
Who owns Betfred?
Fred Done is chairman, and Peter Done is also named as an owner.
Did Betfred buy the Tote?
Yes. It bought the Tote on 3 June 2011 for £265 million.
Review sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Play safe
Only bet with money you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits when you open your account, and use time-outs or self-exclusion if betting stops being fun. Free, confidential help: UK: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.