betfair Review

Overview

Australia's only licensed betting exchange; peer-to-peer betting with better odds/no bookmaker margin; ability to lay bets/trade; superior liquidity on popular markets; BSP often beats tote.[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [NEXT.io](https://next.io/betting-sites-au/betfair/)

betfair was established in 2006 (licensed and launched; joint venture from 2004) and is operated by 100% owned by Crown Resorts (licenses exchange product from Flutter Entertainment). The operator holds a licence from Licensed by Northern Territory Racing Commission (previously Tasmanian Gaming Commission).

We tested betfair by creating an account, depositing funds, placing bets across their available markets, and requesting a withdrawal. This review reflects what we found during that process.

Platform Screenshots

We captured these screenshots during our testing of betfair on desktop and mobile devices.

Our Rating

We scored betfair across seven categories using our weighted methodology. Here is how the scores break down.

Sports and Racing Markets

Comprehensive coverage of AFL, NRL, cricket, horse racing (thoroughbreds), greyhounds, harness racing, football/soccer, tennis, NBA, NFL, and dozens of other domestic and international sports and racing markets.[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betfair_Australia)

For Australian punters, the most relevant markets are thoroughbred racing, greyhounds, AFL, NRL, and cricket. betfair covers all of these extensively.

Key Features

Betting exchange (back/lay bets, set own odds), live/in-play betting (including in-running on select races), cash out (pre-match, limited in-play due to regulations), Betfair Starting Price (SP, often better than tote), extensive futures markets, API access.[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [NEXT.io Review](https://next.io/betting-sites-au/betfair/)

The feature set is competitive for an Australian operator, though we would like to see broader Same Game Multi coverage.

Mobile App and Platform

Dedicated apps available for iOS (App Store, 4.6/5 rating) and Android (Google Play, 4.5/5 rating, 50K+ downloads).[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/betfair-online-betting-app/id1504026333), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.betfair.rnapp)

The app performed well during our testing, with fast load times and a clean interface. Navigation between racing and sports sections was straightforward.

Deposits and Withdrawals

betfair accepts the following deposit methods: Debit/credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), POLi ($5 min), BPAY/bank transfer ($30 min), PayPal ($15 min), Skrill/Neteller ($15-25 min).[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/).

For withdrawals: Bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller; processing 2-5 business days (instant options possible via e-wallets); no fees.[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [AceOdds](https://www.aceodds.com/payment-methods/deposit/betfair/uk.html).

The minimum deposit is $5 (POLi), $10 (cards), $15+ (e-wallets), $30 (bank/BPAY) and the minimum bet is $1 (online exchange back bets, SP back), $30 liability (SP lay). These are in line with industry standards for Australian bookmakers.

Customer Support

Phone: 1300 BETFAIR (1300 238 324), 132 BET (phone betting); Email: service@betfair.com.au; Helpdesk support.[Australia Sports Betting Review](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [PissedConsumer](https://betfair.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html)

Support hours are adequate for most users, though we would prefer to see 24/7 availability given the nature of live betting and racing schedules.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Deposit limits (daily/weekly/monthly), self-exclusion (6 months to 5 years or permanent), time-outs, product restrictions, reality checks.[Betfair Support](https://support.betfair.com/app/answers/detail/112-what-is-self-exclusion), [Betfair Support](https://support.betfair.com/app/answers/detail/70-can-i-restrict-my-dailyweeklymonthly-deposit-amounts)

All Australian-licensed operators are required to provide deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and integration with the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register. betfair meets these requirements.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

betfair scores 9.3/10 in our testing. Generally positive for exchange value and odds; praised as top exchange; mixed app reviews (slow/laggy complaints); strong customer service.[Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.betfair.com), [Australia Sports Betting](https://www.aussportsbetting.com/betting-agencies/bookmaker-reviews/betfair-australia-review/), [App Reviews](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.betfair.rnapp)

For punters who prioritise racing markets and competitive odds, betfair is worth considering. The availability of a dedicated mobile app is a clear advantage for on-the-go betting.

We noted the following concerns during testing: 2025 ACMA fine A$871k for spam (unsolicited promos to VIPs/self-excluded); variable liquidity on niche markets; complex commissions (6-10% on winnings); app performance issues; turnover charges for he.