Before you register at https://betfair-au.net/, take five minutes to read this guide — it could save you time and money.

Before You Start

  • Check that online betting is legal in your jurisdiction. Betfair Australia operates under a Northern Territory licence, valid for Australian residents.
  • You must be 18 or older to create an account. Age verification will be required.
  • Have your identification documents ready: driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card.
  • Understand the difference between a betting exchange and a traditional bookmaker. Betfair Australia is a peer-to-peer exchange.
  • Familiarise yourself with the commission structure: Betfair charges a commission on net winnings (typically 5-7%).
  • Decide on a budget before you start. Use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits.

Registration

  1. Go to the official site and click the ‘Join Now’ button.
  2. Fill in your personal details: full name, date of birth, address, and contact information.
  3. Choose a username and password. Use a strong password with at least 8 characters, including numbers and special characters.
  4. Set security questions and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.
  5. Agree to the terms and conditions, then submit the form.
  6. Verify your identity by uploading a copy of your ID and a recent utility bill. This step may be required before your first withdrawal.

How Wagering Works

Betfair Australia is a betting exchange, meaning you bet against other users rather than against the house. The odds are set by the market. When you place a back bet (bet on something to happen) or a lay bet (bet on something not to happen), you enter a contract with another user.

Important: Always check the ‘Available to Back’ and ‘Available to Lay’ columns. The displayed odds are the best available at that moment.

Here is a detailed calculation example for a matched betting scenario:

  • You find a horse with back odds of 5.0 (4/1) and lay odds of 5.2.
  • You place a back bet of $50 at odds 5.0. Potential profit: $50 × (5.0 – 1) = $200. Total return if win: $250.
  • You then place a lay bet of $48.08 at odds 5.2 (to cover the liability). Liability: $48.08 × (5.2 – 1) = $201.94.
  • If the horse wins: Back bet wins, you get $250. Lay bet loses, you pay $201.94. Net profit: $250 – $201.94 – $48.08 (lay stake) + commission adjustment ≈ $0.98.
  • If the horse loses: Back bet loses, you lose $50. Lay bet wins, you keep the lay stake of $48.08. Net loss: $1.92. This is a small loss due to the difference in odds (the ‘overround’).

To guarantee profit, you need to find ‘underround’ markets where back odds are higher than lay odds. This is rare but possible with promotions or slow markets.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Method Deposit Time Withdrawal Time Fee
Visa/Mastercard Instant 1–3 business days None (bank may charge)
PayPal Instant Up to 24 hours None
Bank Transfer 1–2 business days 3–5 business days May apply
POLi Instant N/A (withdrawals not supported) None

Minimum deposit is usually A$10. Maximum withdrawal limits may apply – check the site for details. Withdrawals are processed to the same method used for deposit where possible.

Security Overview

Betfair Australia uses SSL encryption to protect your data. Two-factor authentication is available and strongly recommended. The site is licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission, which has strict requirements for player funds segregation. Your funds are held in a separate trust account, so they are protected if the company becomes insolvent. Always use a unique password and avoid public Wi-Fi when logging in.

Fix It Fast

  • Forgotten password: Click ‘Forgot Password’ on the login page. Enter your registered email, and you will receive a reset link. Check your spam folder.
  • Deposit not showing: Wait 10 minutes. If it still hasn't appeared, contact support with your transaction ID. If using POLi, ensure you completed the bank authorisation.
  • Withdrawal pending for days: Verify your account first. Unverified accounts may have withdrawals delayed. Check your documents section.
  • Unable to log in: Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser. If issues persist, your account may be temporarily locked due to failed attempts – contact support.
  • Market suspended: During live events, Betfair may suspend markets for settlement. Wait a few minutes; they usually reopen.
  • Bet not matched: If your odds are too high or the market is thin, your bet may not be matched. Cancel and replace at lower odds, or use ‘Take SP’ (starting price) for horse racing.

Players Ask

Is Betfair Australia legal?

Yes, it is licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission in Australia.

What is the minimum age to register?

You must be at least 18 years old.

Can I use Betfair on my phone?

Yes, Betfair Australia has a mobile-optimised website and a progressive web app (PWA) that works in your browser. No app download from stores is required.

How is commission calculated?

Commission is charged only on net winnings per market. The rate is typically 5% but can vary based on your turnover. You can see your effective rate in your account settings.

How long do withdrawals take?

Most withdrawals are processed within 24–48 hours, but bank transfers may take 3–5 business days. Verified accounts get faster processing.

Can I have multiple accounts?

No. Only one account per person is allowed. Duplicate accounts will be closed.

What happens if I lose my password?

Use the ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login page to reset it via email. If you no longer have access to your email, contact support.

Are my funds safe?

Player funds are held in a segregated trust account, separate from operational funds. This is required by the NT licence.

How do I close my account?

Contact customer support and request closure. You may also self-exclude for a period if needed.

Extra Tips

Betfair Australia offers several tools to help you gamble responsibly:

  • Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amount.
  • Session limits: Limit how long you can stay logged in each session.
  • Self-exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to your account. You can choose a period from 24 hours to 5 years.
  • Time alerts: Receive a pop-up reminder after a set period of play.

To set these, go to ‘My Account’ > ‘Responsible Gambling’. If you feel your betting is becoming a problem, contact support or agencies like Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858).

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Betfair Australia confidently. Remember to always bet within your means and use the tools available. Good luck!