Poll: How long can Betfair hold onto its Oddschecker lead?

Betfair has usurped bet365’s spot at the head of the Oddschecker Top 10 for the first time in two years, seeing its market share surpass 20% in the process.

Betfair’s 20.6% total left the operator more than three percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, representing a 5.3% swing from one month to the next.

Revenues are rising, the share price is heading in the right direction, the technology is getting faster and producing results and one of the industry’s most highly rated executives is five months away from joining the team. Barring the occasional technical hiccup (Leopardstown Boxing Day 2011) and after several years in the doldrums Betfair is once again on the charge topping this month’s Odedschecker chart knocking off rival bet365 in the process, the first time there has been a change at the top of the leaderboard in two years.

The change in leadership is timely, particularly as this week sees the annual five-day Cheltenham festival start today with some of the most eagerly anticipated racing events of the betting calendar. Every sportsbook that means business will be there but the question is with whom will the punters side, where will the money go and which methods will they use to bet?

The majority of bookies will be hoping to see an increase in the amount of wagers being placed on mobiles and tablets with Paddy Power, bet365, Betfair and William Hill leading the way in that channel, while Betfair’s Everywhere tool launched last week could well suit those horse racing fans who are unable to travel but who cannot resist the urge to place a value bet while at their PCs in the office.

In this week’s poll we are asking you how long you think it can remain there? We look forward to publishing the answers this coming Gold Cup day.