Key takeaway: Betfair operates under established regulatory frameworks, accepts traditional currency, and caters to sports wagering enthusiasts. Polymarket functions as an unregulated, decentralised blockchain platform, offering superior depth in political and real-world event forecasting. For those seeking European political prediction exposure, Polymarket delivers unmatched market depth and breadth.
Two major players shape the European prediction market landscape: Betfair (the pioneering betting exchange) and Polymarket (the decentralised blockchain-based forecasting venue). What distinguishes them?
At a glance
| Feature | Polymarket | Betfair |
| Founded | 2020 | 2000 |
| Regulation | Unregulated (decentralised) | FCA, Malta, Gibraltar licensed |
| Currency | USDC (stablecoin) | GBP, EUR, AUD |
| Market types | Politics, crypto, science, culture | Sports, politics, entertainment |
| Fees | ~2% (spread-based) | 2–5% commission on winnings |
| Deposits | USDC, MoonPay | Card, bank transfer, PayPal |
Where Polymarket wins
- Political markets: Polymarket commands superior order-book depth for American electoral contests, continental governance outcomes, and international tensions relative to Betfair's offerings
- Transparency: Settlement occurs immutably on-chain and remains permanently auditable; Betfair's adjudication methodology lacks equivalent verifiability
- Market variety: Digital asset valuations, machine-learning breakthroughs, laboratory findings — categories absent from Betfair's roster
- No bookmaker margin: Participant activity determines pricing rather than house-imposed vigorish
Where Betfair wins
- Sports markets: Live athletic wagering represents Betfair's foundational competency; Polymarket furnishes minimal real-time sports coverage
- Fiat deposits: Betfair eliminates cryptocurrency prerequisites entirely
- Regulation: FCA authorisation delivers statutory safeguards and player accountability mechanisms
- Track record: Two and a half decades of continuous service with established complaint handling infrastructure
Our verdict
Should your focus centre on political forecasting venues, Polymarket emerges as the superior choice. PolyGram streamlines Polymarket participation whilst eliminating blockchain friction. Start trading on PolyGram →