This comprehensive Betdaq review explores the UK's second-largest betting exchange, which also features a traditional sportsbook. For punters, the key question is whether its unique exchange model and highly competitive low commission rate make it a superior choice to mainstream bookmakers.
Our complete Betdaq review for UK punters
Betdaq offers UK bettors a dual platform, functioning as both a peer-to-peer betting exchange and a conventional fixed-odds sportsbook. This setup provides flexibility, allowing users to back and lay outcomes on the exchange or place traditional bets. The platform welcomes new customers with a generous 0% commission offer for their first 100 days. It covers a range of sports, with particular strengths in football and horse racing, and provides dedicated mobile apps for both its sportsbook and exchange services. Customer support is accessible via live chat, phone, and email, with payment methods including debit cards and major e-wallets like PayPal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Innovative exchange multiples feature | Limited number of sports compared to rivals |
| Essential for arbitrage and value betting | No bet builder function available |
| Very low standard commission rate of 2% | Dated and cluttered website design |
| Excellent Best Odds Guaranteed on UK horse racing | Poorly-rated mobile apps with stability issues |
A look at Betdaq bonuses and promotions
The welcome bonus for sports betting
Betdaq's primary welcome offer for new customers is 0% commission on all sports for 100 days on its betting exchange. This promotion is a significant draw for active traders and punters looking to maximise value.
To qualify, you must be a new UK customer aged 18 or over and use the promo code 0COMM100 during the registration process. Crucially, this offer is only valid for users who make their initial deposit via a debit card. After the 100-day promotional period ends, the standard 2% commission rate on net winnings will apply.
Key terms and conditions
The most important terms for the welcome bonus include the restriction on deposit methods, as only debit card deposits qualify for the offer. Furthermore, the 0% commission promotion is not available to customers who use API, RDT, or other trading software to place their bets.
What about promotions for existing customers?
Betdaq's promotions for existing customers are more limited compared to other major bookmakers. However, the platform does run a recurring “Super Saturday” promotion, where commission is either reduced or completely eliminated on selected sports, offering excellent value. Occasionally, other deals become available, such as cashback on commission paid (up to £1,000) or free bet offers for virtual sports, though these often require specific promo codes to be activated.
Betdaq sports betting markets review
Betdaq provides solid coverage of major UK and international sports, though its main appeal lies in the value of its odds rather than the sheer breadth of its markets.
Its football betting offering is extensive, covering major competitions like the Premier League and the Championship, alongside a surprisingly broad range of international domestic leagues from countries as diverse as Algeria and Peru. While the coverage is wide, the depth of markets within each match may not match that of the very top-tier bookmakers.
Other major UK sports like cricket, rugby union, tennis, darts, and snooker are also available. For darts and snooker, Betdaq is a fantastic choice for odds, but the number of available markets per match is often limited to the basics. It's worth noting that while rugby union is covered, rugby league is not offered.
The platform's offerings for niche and US sports are more restricted. While you can bet on Gaelic sports and handball, the markets for American Football, Basketball, and Ice Hockey are very basic. Notably, baseball and motorsport are not currently offered at all.
Betting odds and value
The value proposition at Betdaq is its greatest strength. The fixed-odds sportsbook offers competitive and decent odds, but the real standout is the betting exchange, which provides fantastic odds that are often better than any traditional bookmaker.
This value is amplified by Betdaq's 2% commission rate on net winnings. This is significantly lower than the 5% charged by some key competitors, leaving more profit in the punter's pocket. Users can easily switch between fractional and decimal odds presentation to suit their preference.
The live betting experience
Betdaq's live betting experience is a tale of two halves. From a value perspective, it's excellent, with the fantastic odds of the exchange carrying over into the in-play markets. However, in terms of features and presentation, the interface is widely considered “basic” and lacks the polished feel of more modern platforms. The cash out feature is available, but a significant limitation is that live streaming is only available for UK and Irish horse racing and greyhounds.
Bet builder and special features
A major drawback for modern punters is that Betdaq does not have a functional bet builder. While some feature lists may confusingly mention it, in practice the tool is absent. This popular feature, which allows users to combine multiple markets from a single event into one bet, is a notable absence. On the positive side, Betdaq offers other valuable features, including its innovative exchange multiples, odds boosts, and acca insurance.
Other products available at Betdaq
Casino games
Betdaq hosts a casino section featuring over 300 slot games and around 60 live dealer games. The library is powered by top industry providers, including NetEnt and Evolution Gaming, ensuring a high-quality gaming experience.
Virtual sports
A dedicated virtual sports section is also available, offering markets on events like virtual horse racing and football. Betdaq sometimes runs specific promotions for this area, such as a “Bet £10, Get £10” free bet offer for new virtuals customers.
The Betdaq site experience
Website design and navigation
The user experience on the Betdaq desktop site often draws criticism. The design is commonly described as “dated,” “basic,” and can feel cluttered, with some users comparing it to a “complex spreadsheet.” Despite the unrefined aesthetics, the site is functional, and it is relatively simple to navigate the menus to find the sports and markets you are looking for.
The mobile betting experience
Betdaq offers two separate mobile apps for both iOS and Android users: one dedicated to the Sportsbook and another for the Exchange. These apps have received poor user ratings in their respective app stores, with customers frequently citing glitches and stability issues. For those who prefer not to use the apps, the mobile browser version of the site serves as a functional alternative, mirroring the experience of the desktop platform.
Betting limits
Betdaq accommodates various staking levels. On the exchange, minimum stakes can be as low as £0.50. The maximum payout limits are generous for major sports, set at £1,000,000 for football and £250,000 for horse racing.
How we rate the customer support
Betdaq provides customer support through live chat, phone, and email ([email protected]). A key limitation is that support is not available 24/7. Operating hours vary slightly depending on the day and contact method but are generally within the 9 am to 8 pm window. Our testing found the support agents to be responsive and helpful. However, punters should be aware that calls to the UK support number may be charged at 13p per minute.
Betdaq payment methods
How to deposit
Depositing funds into your Betdaq account is a straightforward process. Available methods include debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers. The minimum deposit is £10 for debit cards and bank transfers, but can be as low as £5 for e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. All deposits are processed instantly and are free of charge.
How to withdraw
Withdrawals can be made using the same methods available for deposits. The processing times vary by method; e-wallets are the fastest option, with funds typically arriving within 24 hours. Debit card and bank transfer withdrawals take longer, generally processing within 2-5 business days. All withdrawals are free of charge, but you will need to complete account verification before you can cash out.
Why choose Betdaq for sports betting? Our final verdict
Betdaq stands out for one primary reason: outstanding value. For punters who prioritise price, the betting exchange is a top-tier destination, offering excellent odds and a market-leading low 2% commission rate that significantly boosts potential returns. This value is particularly evident in its horse racing markets, which are further enhanced by an exceptional Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) offer on its sportsbook.
However, this focus on value comes at the expense of user experience and modern features. The platform's significant weaknesses cannot be ignored: the website is dated, the mobile apps are poorly-rated, and the absence of a bet builder is a major drawback for many bettors. Furthermore, liquidity on niche sports can be lower than on rival exchanges.
Betdaq is best suited for value-conscious punters, serious sports traders, and those who specialise in arbitrage betting. It is an ideal platform for anyone focused on mainstream sports like football and horse racing who is willing to overlook a clunky interface in exchange for better odds and lower fees. For this group, it’s an excellent choice. For casual punters who value a slick design and features like bet builders, Betdaq is likely better used as a secondary account for securing the best price.
Betdaq FAQs
Betdaq is operated by Exchange Platform Solutions Limited, which is led by Irish businessman Dermot Desmond.
Yes, Betdaq is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under license number 34865, making it a safe and secure platform for UK customers.
Yes, Betdaq offers an excellent BOG promotion on all UK horse racing. What makes it stand out is that the guarantee applies from any time on the day of the race, which is a better offer than many rivals provide. BOG is not available on greyhound racing.
The standard commission rate on the Betdaq exchange is 2% of net winnings. This is one of the lowest rates available and a key advantage over many of its competitors.