Summary
Bet Fair’s mother company is the world’s largest online sports betting exchange, so much of it’s growth comes from sports clients also registering for poker. It also means that Bet Fair is one of the most secure poker sites around. Bet Fair uses CryptoLogic software so it has a large shared player base. For those new to on-line poker this website has a section with the rules of the games and strategy articles. The games here are soft because players tend to play more hands and hold on to them for longer and the time clock means that the games keep up a steady pace.

Games
Bet Fair has a limited variety of games, featuring the popular Texas hold’em, Omaha Hi, Omaha Hi-Lo, and seven card stud. All the games feature fixed limit tables, with limits ranging from 50c - $200. As well as fixed limit games Texas hold’em also has the choice of no-limit and pot-limit, with both Omaha versions offering pot-limit games. There are also a number of single and multi table tournaments that can be entered through the website. The average number of players at peak times is between 2200-2400 at both the tables and tournaments, making Bet Fair one of the quickest growing player bases.

Navigation
The site is fairly easy to navigate with clear headings and descriptions. The graphics for the table are clear though there is a bit too much blue, and the lack of advanced buttons makes playing multi tables awkward. The lobby allows you to see at a glance the tables in play, including the type of game, the stakes, the number of players, wait time, the average pot, the flop % and hours in play.

Bonuses/Promotions
Bet Fair has a wide range of promotions and bonuses. These include a paid to play sign up bonus of $200 when using a bonus code; though to claim it you must first reach 1000 MPP’s (My Poker Points) within 60 days of paying your deposit. Bet Fair rewards loyalty with their MPP (My Poker Points) scheme which are earned through raked hands; a raked hand being a hand that has taken at least $1/£1 as rake. A rake under $1/£1 and above 24c/25p will count as a quarter rake towards your bonus. As long as you have been dealt cards in the hand you do not have to have contributed to the pot in order for it to count towards your bonus. The site has yet to state exactly what these points can be traded in for, so it is worth keeping an eye on it. There are also Bet Fair points which are rewarded when you play which give you money off commission on sports betting. Bet Fair also has a proposition player program where players are paid for a limited time to play at certain tables that are new or short-handed. There is also the Threedom scheme through which if you reach the final table in an off-line tournament you are rewarded with paid travel and entry to the tournament for the next three years. For every friend referred Bet Fair will give you $40, and there is also a bad beat jackpot that increases daily.

Rake
Compared to other sites the rake at Bet Fair is quite high at 5% on every pot over £5/$5, up to a maximum of £3/$3. Games can be played in euros, dollars or sterling. However, as the rake does not change based on currency rates but instead is either, for example, $2 or£2, it may be best to play in dollars in high stake games to avoid paying a higher rake than is necessary.

Deposits/Withdrawals
Deposits can be made with most major credit cards, cheques, money orders or a variety of online transfer options. A pin is required to take cash out which should be sent out after the first deposit is made. The options for taking cash out are credit cards, wire transfer cheque and a limited variety of online transfer options.

Customer Service
There is also 24 hour customer support if needed, both by email and telephone.