Paddy Power vs Betfair: which is better?
Updated July 2026 · Independent comparison — TopBets is not owned by any bookmaker
Short answer
Same owner, opposite philosophies. Paddy Power is a classic bookmaker with promotions and Money Back Specials; Betfair’s Exchange lets you bet against other punters at market-set prices that often beat any bookmaker — minus commission of around 5% on winnings. Casual punters will find Paddy Power friendlier; value-hunters and traders should learn the Exchange.
Round by round
Exchange prices frequently beat bookmaker odds on liquid markets, even after commission.
A conventional sportsbook is simply easier to use than an exchange interface.
Money Back Specials versus an exchange that runs few promotions.
The Exchange does not restrict winners — bookmakers, including Paddy Power, can.
Choose Paddy Power if…
- You want a simple, promotion-rich bookmaker experience
- Money Back Specials and offers add value to how you bet
- You bet small and casually — commission maths is not worth it
Choose Betfair if…
- You want the best possible price and will accept commission
- You want to lay outcomes (bet against a result)
- You win regularly and are tired of bookmaker restrictions
Or skip the debate: whichever brand wins on paper, the best price for any single bet moves between bookmakers constantly. See who has the top odds for tonight's matches →
Common questions
Are Paddy Power and Betfair the same company?
Yes — they merged in 2016 and both sit under Flutter Entertainment. The products remain very different: Paddy Power is a traditional bookmaker, Betfair is best known for its betting exchange.
Is the Betfair Exchange better than a normal bookmaker?
On liquid markets the Exchange’s odds are often better even after ~5% commission on winnings, and it never restricts winning accounts. The trade-offs are a steeper learning curve and thinner markets on niche sports.
What does "laying" a bet mean on Betfair?
Laying means betting on something NOT to happen — you play the bookmaker’s role and take on another punter’s back bet. It is only possible on an exchange, and it is what makes trading strategies possible on Betfair.
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