How do I get started?

To get started with the Betfair Exchange API, you require 

• A Betfair account (please register here if you don’t have one).
• Application Key (App Key) – needed for all API requests.
• A session token – obtained when you log in.

What is an Application Key?

• A unique key to identify your API client & must be included in every request using the following header:

X-Application: APP_KEY_ASSIGNED

 Each account is assigned two Application Keys:

• Delayed Key (Active) - For development & testing.
• Live Key (Inactive) -  For real betting (requires application).

How do I create an Application Key?

1. Click on the Accounts API Demo Tool link.
2. Select the createDeveloperAppKeys operation from the list of operations on the top left-hand side of the Demo tool.
3. Log in to www.betfair.com via a separate browser tab and refresh the page to automatically input the Session Token field into the Session Token (ssoid) field.
4. Enter your Application Name (this must be unique) in the 'Request' column.The Application Name can be any name of your choice but, like your Betfair username, must be globally unique.
5. Press Execute at the bottom of the 'Request' column.

Two application keys will then be created and displayed in the Developer Apps column of the demo tool, a Delayed App Key (Active) and a Live App Key (Inactive).

• The X-Application header is not required when using the createDeveloperAppKeys or the getDeveloperAppKeys service.
• The Application Name must be globally unique.

Please see our Getting Started guide for further information on how to start making requests to the API.

How do I apply for a Live Application key?

To apply for a Live Application key, please take note of the below and provide answers to the following information:

Before applying, please:

• Complete any testing using your Delayed Application key.
• Ensure that your account has been fully verified in line with our KYC policy. 
• Check that your account is funded to cover the £299 activation fee.

A one-off activation fee of £299 applies; this is debited directly from your Betfair account once access is approved.

To apply for a Live Application key for personal betting use, please click here and select Exchange API > For My Personal Betting and complete the application form at the bottom of the page.