Summary
Part of the iPoker network (the third biggest online poker network) and boasting Playtech software, Betfred is a well respected UK betting company, and a sponsor of Manchester Utd football club.
Along with the standard iPoker bonus schemes, Betfred is offering a $15,000 SnG race and a Summer Tournament series with over $5000 added cash. Betfred allows players to withdraw money from any shop outlet. Playtech prides itself in offering maximum security to players, with its advanced collusion detection system.
Key Tournaments
For the low and mid stakes player, there are regular $5, $10 and $20 freeze outs and re-buys, with fields rarely topping 750 players, meaning a more realistic chance of a cash. There are numerous satellites running to live APT, EPT and WSOP events, as well as independent events such as the Irish Winter Festival, with steps starting from as little as $2.
Game Variety
The standard array of poker variants – Hold’em (No Limit, Pot Limit and Limit) and Omaha (PLO and Hi-Lo) are well represented. For a low stakes Omaha player looking to hone his skills, the lack of a 0.10/20c heads-up table is a slight grievance. Although 7 Card and 5 Card Stud are available, they attract virtually no players. Tournament play is where Betfred really excels in terms of diversity.
For the low and mid stakes player, there are regular $5, $10 and $20 freeze outs and re-buys, with fields rarely topping 750 players, meaning a more realistic chance of a cash. There are numerous satellites running to live APT, EPT and WSOP events, as well as independent events such as the Irish Winter Festival, with steps starting from as little as $2.
Sit n’ Go poker is also well represented, with ‘Super Turbo’, ‘Turbo’, ‘double or nothing’ and standard structures all available. ‘Jackpot’ SnG’s are unique to Betfred and the iPoker network, with $110,000 up for grabs for players who win six tournaments in a row. Although the carrot may be juicy, for the serious SnG grinder the increased rake on these jackpot SnG’s (up to a fifth of the buy-in on tournaments exceeding $50) combined with the miniscule chance of success means these tournaments aren’t profitable.
Traffic
The highest stakes games are $50/100, where several ‘regulars’ occupy the cash heads up tables. For 6-max and full ring cash games, all play above $5/10 can be quite sparse. The biggest frustration stems from the ridiculously long waiting lists at low and mid stakes full ring games, which can exceed 20 players.
To put it simply, traffic is high – as expected on a network that includes Titan and CD Poker, however iPoker does not boast enough tables to cater for these players. SnG traffic and table availability, particularly at lower levels, are far better however.
Rake
Standard 5 per cent rake is employed, with a cap of $3 at higher levels. Limit tables cap at $0.06 lower than $0.10/$0.20, $0.30 for under $0.50/$1 and $1.50 for up to $1/$2 games. Regarding rakeback, flat rakeback is officially banned by the iPoker network.
However the extensive bonus scheme offered by certain affiliates can amount to just over 50 per cent ‘cashback’, which can be paid in weekly. This is superior to the maximum 27 % and 33 % rakeback offered at PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker respectively
Competition
Since the loyalty schemes and bonuses are all Betfred points based, and points are awarded on dealt rake, this attracts a whole host of tight short stackers, which can affect the integrity of the ring games.
It is quite conceivable for a $0.10/20c game to be filled with players holding less than $10. Short stackers are often seen as the nemesis to the deep-stacked player, so look to play on the ‘50 BB minimum’ tables if you wish to play deep. Being one of the biggest online networks, there are obviously a good blend of ‘fish’ and regulars, with the former pretty easy to identify.
With the iPoker network the home of several bookmakers including Betfred, Bet365 and William Hill, the influx of casino and sportsbook players Low stakes full ring games can be particularly juicy for the patient player. With no ‘optimal strategy’ as such, and sick swings, Omaha may sound like a game to avoid.
However the standard of play at low and mid stakes full-ring and 6-max tables can be shambolic, with players constantly chasing non-nut draws in multi-way pots. Heads-up Omaha cash is also worth trying, as multi-tabling regulars who buy-in full are easily identifiable as opponents to avoid.
Support
Betfred’s customer support is comprehensive. Similar to every iPoker website, Betfred offers a ‘Live Help’ tab – the option to chat live to a customer services representative.
Although this is for more mundane issues, such as clarifying bonus schemes and network status, more complicated problems will be passed on to the relative department and you will be notified promptly by e-mail with a resolution. As well as e-mail support, a free phone customer services number is available for residents inside and outside of the UK
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Compared to other websites on the iPoker network, Betfred offers surprisingly few deposit options. Standard e-wallets Moneybookers and Neteller are available, along with myCitadel wallet, however pre-paid card deposit options such as Paysafe Card and Ukash Card have yet to be implemented.
You can only withdraw to a wallet or card if it has been used as a deposit option, which is somewhat frustrating, especially if you have passed identification security procedures. The ability to withdraw cash in hand from any Betfred outlet is a great positive. Following a quick security confirmation call with Betfred customer services prior to collecting your money, you can withdraw up to £250 daily. This saves the laborious 5-7 working day wait for winnings to be returned to your debit or credit card.
- Part of the iPoker network, the 3rd biggest online poker network
- Esteemed British betting exchange
Bonus Summary
Betfred Poker offers a $600 (or currency equivalent) first deposit bonus payable in Bonus Dollars.
On creating a new account with Betfred Poker, you will automatically gain membership to its exclusive club beginning at VIP Level Iron.
Every time you play at a real money table, whether you play cash games or tournaments you will earn VIP Club Points which will contribute to your VIP status and much more. The more VIP Club Points you earn the quicker you'll progress up the VIP ladder, and the more benefits you'll be entitled to.
If you successfully work your way to our elite 'Diamond' VIP Level, you will be eligible to earn a monthly bonus that has no upper limit. That means that the amount of the bonus you earn is completely in your own hands.
Signup Bonus
Betfred Poker offers a $600 (or currency equivalent) first deposit bonus payable in Bonus Dollars.
Bonus Payout Release
For every 500 VIP Club points you earn $10 will be released into your real money chip balance.
Reload bonuses
Any reload bonuses are privately emailed to players, depending on their VIP club status.
There is a $75 refer a friend bonus at Betfred.