Betfred
| File:Betfred-logo.png | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Betting and gaming |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Warrington |
| Website | http://www.betfredcorporate.com |
Betfred is a United Kingdom-based bookmaker, named after its co-founder Fred Done. It was first established as a single shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Its turnover is over £3.5 billion having risen from £550 million in 2003.[1] The company has more than 840 betting shops.[2] It claims to be both the world's biggest privately owned betting company and the UK's biggest private-owner of retail outlets.
Back in 1967 Betfred differentiated itself by offering excellent customer value and excellent service. These principles are still at the heart of the business and that’s why Betfred is called the ‘Bonus King.’ No other high street bookmaker offers daily bonuses and price boosts like Betfred.
Its head office is in Birchwood, Warrington. The managing director is John Haddock who started with the company as a Regional Manager.
Fred Done was the first ever bookmaker to pay out early, when back in March 1998 he paid out punters who had backed Manchester United to win the Premier League, only for Arsenal to pip United by one point.
During the 2004/05 Premier League season, Done lost £1m to fellow bookmaker Victor Chandler after staking that amount that Manchester United would finish higher than Chelsea.[3]
Sponsorship
Betfred sponsor Haydock Park Racecourse including the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup in September. Betfred also have an on course betting shop at the North West track. Betfred also sponsor races at Kempton Park and provide an on course betting facility. Betfred are main sponsors at both Nottingham Greyhound Stadium and Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield.
Betfred are also the official betting partner of Wembley National Stadium and operate betting booths for all England and Football Association matches. Betfred have recently extended this deal for a further four years.
Betfred.com are also the current sponsors of the World Snooker Championship held at the Crucible Sheffield each year.
The Tote
Betfred are currently one of the front runners to take over the running for the tote after bidding ended on the 10th of December 2010.
References
- ^ Fowler, Dave (2005-06-11). "Betfred's Fred Done". Inside Edge Mag. Retrieved 2010-05-06.
- ^ Betfred Corporate: About Betfred
- ^ Yakub Qureshi (2005-04-18). "£1m payout, but bookie Fred is still smiling - News". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 2010-05-06.