Betfred
Betfred - Official Betting Partner of Manchester United
The global betting industry brand that is Betfred can trace its roots back to 1967.
Brothers Fred and Peter Done had backed England to win the World Cup twelve months earlier and used the proceeds from that bet to buy their very first betting shop, in Ordsall, Salford. The first building block in what was to become one of the world’s leading independent bookmakers.
Brothers Fred and Peter Done had backed England to win the World Cup twelve months earlier and used the proceeds from that bet to buy their very first betting shop, in Ordsall, Salford. The first building block in what was to become one of the world’s leading independent bookmakers.
Fast forward to 1997 and Done Bookmakers absorbed under their umbrella the Robert Walker chain, signposting a very significant period of growth. It was 100 shops now and counting. As the new millennium dawned, that total had risen to 200 – and soon Done Bookmakers’ premises could be found in the capital too.
In 1998, Fred Done was national news when he paid out early on his beloved Manchester United to win the title. He was the first ever bookmaker to pay out early (in March) when United were twelve points clear, only for Arsenal to pip them at the post by a single point.
2004 was a hugely significant year as Done Bookmakers changed their name and became Betfred. An online digital presence was launched offering not only all the core sportsbook they were used to but introducing a huge range of additional products including Poker, Lotto, Casino, Bingo and Virtual Sports. It was also a very big year for one of Betfred’s customers who landed a mighty £1,132,657 on the totescoop6 in one of Fred’s Salford shops, thus becoming the very first betting shop millionaire.
It was 500 shops by the time Hedgehunter won the Aintree Grand National in 2005, a year in which Betfred also opened its first on course betting shop at Haydock Park, bringing Fred’s famous bonuses to racecourse punters.
In 2006, Betfred were confirmed as official betting partners of both Manchester United, and the re-built Wembley Stadium; while on the technological front, a new highly rated mobile app was introduced signalling a new age of digital innovation operating alongside traditional betting shop values – a cornerstone of the business back then which remains to this day.
Betfred was again in the headlines in 2011 when acquiring the state-owned tote operation in a multimillion-pound deal. The company developed the relationship with Horse Racing by breathing new life into multi-leg bets and overdelivered on the promised financial support to horse-racing. Betfred for a number of years was Racing’s biggest sponsor supporting nearly seven hundred races including The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Betfred TV in Salford’s Media City opened its purpose-built studios in 2013, with unmissable offers and insightful content beamed directly into the retail estate. Big names from the world of sport regularly offer expert opinion and analysis and the legendary ‘Fred’s Pushes’ always offer outstanding value whether it be a 2 point push on a ‘fancied’ 4/1 shot or turning odds on shots into a 6/4 ‘working man’s price. Betfred is a brand synonymous with value – The Bonus King certainly earned his nickname.
We’re delighted to sponsor (and have sponsored) and supported some great sporting competitions too, including snooker’s Blue Riband event The Betfred World Championship, Golf’s Betfred British Masters, the Betfred World Matchplay Darts, Wilder v Fury II and a huge commitment to Rugby League, at all levels.
Old Trafford’s Betfred Super League Grand Final has become a must-see event as is Wembley’s historic showpiece showdown, the Betfred Challenge Cup. We’ve enjoyed deep involvement with both the Women’s and Wheelchair rugby league disciplines too and are proud to be the sponsors of the England Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams for the Rugby League World Cup.
Our interests extend worldwide (Betfred currently operates in Spain, South Africa and the United States) underpinned by an ever growing retail estate of over 1,400 betting shops and an ever-evolving digital presence enjoying a period of unprecedented growth.
We’re extremely passionate about what we do and will always strive to do it to the very best of our ability.
Be lucky.