You can bet that an outcome will happen (back) or that it won't happen (lay).
You can choose the odds at which you want to play. You can bet whilst the game is in play. You can play on a range of products and innovative games.
This is What is different about betting on Betfair?
Back or lay
When you "back" a selection (be it an individual, a team, horse, dog or other), you are betting that it will win. This is just like betting with a conventional bookmaker.
When you "lay" it, you are betting against it winning. For example, if you're betting in a market on which team is going to win the Premiership and you lay Man Utd, then if they win you pay out. This is what bookmakers traditionally do.
UK customers are betting through the UK exchange, which in reality means your bets are being matched by other Betfair customers. If you are registered with Betfair from outside the UK you are betting directly against Betfair rather than other Betfair customers, but in all cases your privacy and the confidentiality of your bets is maintained by Betfair's secure site.
If you want better odds than are currently available, you can place an order for a better price, but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted. Note that the odds available often improve nearer to the 'off' (or when the event starts) as interest and betting activity in the markets increases.
Charges: For the vast majority of Betfair customers, the only charges paid to Betfair will be commission on net winnings in a market, read the terms and conditions of the site for further information.
Free £25 Bet
Click here to open your account (takes less than 3 mins)
Make a deposit into your account and place your bet.
If your first matched bet loses, Betfair will credit your account with the value of your stake (up to £25) within 48 hrs.*
Refer a Friend
Each friend you introduce to Betfair can earn you between £25 and £50. That's not all! Extra bonuses of up to £2,000 are available if your friends keep playing. How to start earning
1. Introduce a friend
2. Friend joins
3. Friend meets one of Betfair's bonus targets
4. Betfair pay you BOTH a bonus
Tell all your friends
Why not share your referral code with all your friends? You can email, post your code on Twitter or let your Facebook friends know they can earn free bets!
Sports - If your friend wagers £25* on any Sports Market in the first 12 months of joining they'll receive a £25 credit. Betfair will also credit you with £25 as a thank you for introducing them.
*Bets must be 'matched & settled' in order to count towards the £25 total (unmatched or voided bets will not be counted).
Poker
Once your friend joins Betfair they can then register a Poker account. During this registration they will be asked to choose the sign up bonus they think they will be able to achieve within a certain time period. This is the bonus which you, the referring customer, will also be eligible to receive.
Once your friend has completed the bonus period you will be credited with the same as a referral bonus. For more information and Poker terms and conditions visit Betfair Poker.
Casino
If the referred friend wagers £1,000* in the Casino in the first 31 days of joining they will receive a credit of £50 into their account. Betfair will also credit you with £50 as a thank you for introducing them.
