Paf.com
Year established: 1966
Mobile compatible: Yes
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Overall rating: B
Recommended: For recreational players
Paf Sportsbook Review
Paf launched in 1999 and is a well regarded bookmaker in its native Finland. It’s licensed and regulated by the Åland government, and operates in Estonia, Spain, Sweden and Italy in addition to Finland. It’s also acquired a UK gambling licence.
It’s a modern bookmaker which distinguishes itself by way of its site design, but more on that later. The Paf brand itself originated in 1966 with the pure aim of raising funds for good causes, something which it still maintains a big focus on today. The group has over 400 employees globally and the HQ is based in Åland.
In terms of visibility Paf does little in the way of sponsorships but it does maintain a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The Twitter account @playamongstfriends has very few followers however and is not heavily used. On Facebook things are a little better with over 23,000 Likes on its Club Paf page. Club Paf is a scheme aimed at encouraging a community feel to being a part of Paf, customers are rewarded with trips to places such as Greece. These can be won via competitions, something which is frequent on Paf, and there are frequent poker trips too.
Paf is more gaming focused than it is sports betting but the sportsbook is still decent enough and boxer Robert Helenius has been signed up as a brand ambassador to promote this.
The Paf Youtube is well presented; it has had in excess of 880,000 views since 2009 and it’s a good source to find the latest news of promotions and exclusive content from Helenius too.
Paf is big on promotions and its current Euro 2016 travel gift card is particularly enticing and worth €1000.
Betting Markets
As mentioned Paf is more focused on gaming; poker, casino games etc. but it does have a decent sportsbook though there’s no horse racing which, considering it has a UKGC licence, is strange and reflects poorly on it.
Here is the full list of sports markets offered: Football, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, Motorsports, Golf, Olympic Games, American Football, Aussie Rules, Bandy, Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, Esports, Field Hockey, Handball, Pesapallo, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Snooker, Surfing, UFC/MMA, Volleyball, Winter Sports, and WWE.
Paf also offers some Politics markets and Entertainment too.
Inplay betting
As a modern online operator Paf is clearly keen to get its live betting product right. Whilst the depth doesn’t match others, it’s laid out far better and this theme is in keeping with the general site design. You’re able to check stats live, and in football for example there’s a great pitch graphic which presents it well.
Usability of the site
The Paf site is unique and stands out well from other rival operators who typically employ the same tried and test design and layout.
Paf’s site works well from an end user point of view and the user journey in particular has seemingly had close attention paid to it. There are plenty of drop down menus, there’s a search bar, it looks smart and there are some great graphics too. Moreover it’s not too fully packed with betting promotions and various market options; it’s clean and allows the end user the freedom to navigate around without feeling overwhelmed and put off.
Paf customer support is available by email and by phone. It’s a significant blow that there isn’t (yet) live chat available as a support option as this is many people’s go to, and the fact that the vast majority have ensures Paf stick out like a sore thumb for not including it.
That aside customer support is good; the team is responsive by email and help is available 8am to 11pm which is good for a smaller operator.
Conclusion
Paf certainly has some strengths; it’s different (in a good way), it’s intuitive, it’s modern and the promotions via Club Paf are great.
It loses out in that it doesn’t offer live streaming nor does it have live chat in the way of customer support. This is a big blow and will negatively affect the operator’s customer retention rates.
Advantages:
- Old bookmaker;
- Very reliable company;
- Wide range of bets;
- Very good odds on all disciplines;
- Sports, poker, bingo and casino games all on offer;
- Paf is one of a kind online bookmaker that donates all of its profits in good causes;
- No limits for winnings.
Disadvantages:
- Not many live bets;
- Promotions and bonus offers are not available;
- Not so many payment options offered;
- Help desk not available through live chat.
Payments:
Visa/Mastercard, Skrill (Moneybookers), PaysafeCard, Giropay, Deutche bank
*Keep in mind to double check information. Be prepared for changes to restricted countries, bonuses, currencies, deposit and payment options, languages, contact info.
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