Betting Exchanges for Horse Racing: UK Exchange Apps Compared
Back and lay horses against other punters instead of a bookmaker. Here’s how exchanges work, and how the four UK betting exchanges compare on real App Store and Google Play ratings.
UK betting exchanges compared
Ratings out of 5, checked 1 November 2026.
| Exchange | iPhone | Android | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betfair Exchange | 4.7 | 4.3 | Read review |
| Matchbook | 4.7 | 4.5 | Read review |
| Smarkets | 4.8 | 2.8 | Read review |
| Betdaq | No app | No app | Read review |
Betfair Exchange
The biggest exchange, with the most money matched on UK racing.
Matchbook
The best-rated exchange across all three scores we track.
Smarkets
Top-rated iPhone app, but a weaker Android app.
Betdaq
Mobile site only, with positive Trustpilot reviews.
How a betting exchange works
Back
Backing is a normal bet: you’re betting a horse will win. On an exchange, your bet is matched with another punter who thinks it won’t.
Lay
Laying means betting a horse will lose. You take the role of the bookmaker. If it loses you keep the backer’s stake; if it wins you pay out. The amount you could lose is your liability.
Exchange betting guides
Exchange app vs bookmaker app
The pros and cons of each, and which suits the way you bet.
In-play exchange strategies
Beginner strategies for trading horse races in-play.
Cash out betting
How cash out works on bookmaker and exchange apps.
Prefer a bookmaker app?
See every UK racing app rated by its real App Store and Google Play scores.
Betting exchange FAQs
What is a betting exchange?
A betting exchange lets punters bet against each other instead of against a bookmaker. You can back a horse to win, or lay it, which means betting that it will lose. The exchange charges commission on winnings instead of building a margin into the odds.
What does laying a horse mean?
Laying means you act as the bookmaker. If you lay a horse and it loses, you win the backer’s stake. If it wins, you pay out the backer’s winnings. Your risk, called the liability, depends on the odds.
Which betting exchanges are legal in the UK?
Betfair Exchange, Matchbook, Smarkets and Betdaq all operate in the UK. Always check that an exchange is licensed by the Gambling Commission before you open an account.
Do betting exchanges have apps?
Betfair Exchange, Matchbook and Smarkets have iPhone and Android apps. Betdaq works through its mobile site.
Which betting exchange is best for horse racing?
Betfair has the most liquidity on UK racing, which usually means you can get bigger bets matched. On our ratings, Matchbook scores best across the App Store and Google Play.
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