Betfair Sportsbook Review

Betfair is one of the most well-regarded sportsbooks in the world, offering an innovative platform that caters to Australian bettors. Established in 2000, Betfair revolutionized the industry with its unique betting exchange, which allows punters to set their own odds and bet against each other, unlike traditional sportsbooks. In addition to this, Betfair provides a premium sportsbook experience with competitive odds on a wide variety of sports and racing markets. This review will delve into Betfair’s offerings for Australian users, covering betting markets, promotions, payment methods, mobile compatibility, and more.

Key Highlights

Sports & Racing Markets

Betfair offers an extensive selection of sports and racing markets to Australian bettors. Known for its focus on horse racing, Betfair also covers a broad range of sports, from Australian Football League (AFL) to international competitions like the English Premier League (EPL) and the NBA.

Sports Markets

• Football (Soccer): EPL, UEFA Champions League, A-League, World Cup qualifiers, and more
  
  
• Horse Racing: Coverage of major Australian races (e.g., Melbourne Cup), UK and international racing
  
  
• Cricket: Big Bash League, ICC tournaments, and international matches
  
  
• AFL: All AFL matches, including grand finals and regular season games
  
  
• Rugby: Super Rugby, Rugby League, and Rugby Union events
  
  
• Tennis: Australian Open, ATP/WTA tours, and other Grand Slam events
  
  
• Basketball: NBA, NBL, and international leagues
  
  
• Golf, Boxing, Baseball, Ice Hockey, and more
  
  

Betting Exchange

Betfair’s Betting Exchange is a standout feature, allowing Australians to place bets against other users, setting their own odds. This peer-to-peer betting system offers an alternative to traditional fixed-odds betting and is a key draw for experienced punters.

Racing Markets

• Horse Racing: Major Australian and international races, such as the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, and races from the UK and US
  
  
• Greyhounds: Australian greyhound racing with competitive odds
  
  
• Harness Racing: Betting on major harness events in Australia and worldwide
  
  

Bet Types

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just starting out, Betfair offers a variety of bet types for both sports and racing markets.

Sports Bet Types

• Head-to-Head (H2H): Bet on which team or player will win
  
  
• Multi Bets: Combine multiple selections across different sports or events
  
  
• Player Props: Bet on individual player stats such as goals, assists, and more
  
  
• Winning Margins: Predict the margin by which a team or player will win
  
  

Racing Bet Types

• Win: Bet on a horse to win the race
  
  
• Place: Bet on a horse to finish in the top three
  
  
• Quinella: Bet on the first two finishers, in any order
  
  
• Exacta: Bet on the first two finishers in exact order
  
  
• Trifecta: Bet on the top three finishers in exact order
  
  
• First Four: Bet on the first four finishers
  
  
• Quaddie: Bet on the winner in four consecutive races
  
  

Bonuses & Promotions

Betfair offers a range of promotions for Australian customers, including free bets and enhanced odds. While Betfair is regulated and cannot offer as many sign-up bonuses as other sportsbooks due to Australian gambling laws, it does offer consistent ongoing promotions.

Ongoing Promotions

• Up to $100 in Free Bets: After making qualifying bets, players can receive up to $100 in free bets
  
  
• Enhanced Odds: Occasionally, Betfair boosts odds for popular events, allowing punters to get higher returns
  
  
• Cash Out Options: Betfair allows punters to cash out on live bets, ensuring they can secure profits or minimize losses
  
  
• Loyalty Promotions: Betfair rewards its regular customers with exclusive promotions and bonuses
  
  

Payment Methods

Betfair supports a wide range of payment methods for Australian users, making it easy to deposit and withdraw funds. These include traditional payment options and popular e-wallets.

Betfair does not charge any deposit fees, and withdrawals are processed quickly. However, processing times for withdrawals can vary depending on the chosen method.

Security & Licensing

Betfair operates under the Northern Territory Government’s licensing for Australian bettors, ensuring it adheres to strict regulations for fair play and customer protection. The platform uses SSL encryption technology to protect player data and provides a safe and secure betting environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros ✅

• Wide Range of Sports and Racing: Bet on everything from AFL to cricket, horse racing, and more
  
  
• Betting Exchange: Unique feature allowing you to set your own odds and bet against others
  
  
• Competitive Odds: Betfair is known for offering highly competitive odds, particularly for Australian markets
  
  
• Mobile-Friendly: Dedicated apps for iOS and Android, plus a mobile-optimized website
  
  
• Cash Out: Ability to cash out on live bets for added flexibility
  
  

Cons ❌

• Limited Bonuses: Due to Australian gambling regulations, Betfair’s sign-up bonuses are less generous than some competitors
  
  
• No Live Streaming: Betfair doesn’t offer live streaming for sports events, which could be a downside for some bettors
  
  

Final Verdict

Betfair offers one of the most unique and comprehensive sportsbook experiences in Australia, with a strong focus on both traditional sports and racing markets. The Betting Exchange is a standout feature, providing a peer-to-peer betting experience unlike other sportsbooks. While the lack of sign-up bonuses and live streaming may be drawbacks for some, Betfair’s competitive odds, cash-out options, and mobile compatibility make it a strong contender in the Australian betting market.

For Aussie punters looking for a reliable sportsbook with unique features, Betfair is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)