Sports betting sites in Australia 2024
Australia has many regulated online sports betting sites, with some of the biggest brands in the world operating here. Australian betting is highlighted by the two main football codes — the AFL and NRL — while horse racing is also extremely prominent. Sports betting in Australia can be done via the TAB, which includes an online offering and retail stores, or via a number of online bookmakers that are licensed by state and territory regulators. These Australian online betting sites will also boast mobile apps, giving you on the on-the-go betting at your fingertips. The biggest Australian betting site is Sportsbet, although the standard of bookmaker right across the board is equal to anywhere in the world.
Top Australian sports betting sites in 2024:
Best AUSTRALIAN bookmakers
#1
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Take It To The Neds Level NedsHome of the Neds Toolbox 
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Neds Code GETON Check Out Neds Neds Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly | ||
#2
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Bet With A Boom BoomBetFormerly known as Sportsbetting.com.au
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Join Boombet BoomBet Review |
| 18+ Gamble responsibly. | ||
#3
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Ladbrokes Switch LadbrokesLadbroke It
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Visit Ladbrokes Ladbrokes Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. Neds / Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. | ||
#4
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Next Gen Racing Betting PicklebetTop 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.
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Join Picklebet Picklebet Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? |
Australian betting news & tips
Best Australian online betting sites December, 2024
Betting on sports and racing in Australia has been done for many years. The national football codes — the AFL and NRL — and thoroughbred racing are mainstays of the betting landscape. The globalisation of sports wagering means we now have 100s of different events at our fingertips.
In 2014 Australians collectively spent $16.3 billion dollars on the punt. Of that $16.3 billion, $3.4 billion was spent on racing and sports betting combined. With so much money flying around in the Aussie gambling market, it is easy to understand why there are so many Australian based and licenced online bookies vying for the Aussie dollar.
With so many sports betting sites competing for your hard earned wagering dollar, which way do you go? Who are the big names in the Australian online bookie industry? What are Australia’s laws when it comes to online gambling?
When betting with Aussie bookies, we trust the following online bookies with our action and to protect our privacy:
- Neds.com.au: Owned by the same parent company as Ladbrokes, Neds is one of the newest, but also one of the fastest-growing online betting sites in Australia. Neds has got Android and iOS apps and a strong reputation among punters. They do feature same race multis for all Australian racing events. Neds review.
- bet365.com.au: A huge international company, based in the United Kingdom, the Australian branch of bet365 does not disappoint. Boasting everything you would expect from a top Australian betting site, bet365 really excels in esports and Aussie sports like AFL and NRL. bet365 review.
- Ladbrokes.com.au: One of the top Australian betting sites, Ladbrokes horse racing is unparalleled in this market and their website, apps and overall feel are also top notch. Ladbrokes review.
- Palmerbet.com.au: Australian-owned and backed by the NSW bookies co-op, Palmerbet specialises in Australian racing betting. While not as big as other betting sites in Australia, Palmerbet will often have better odds and some unique markets on both Australian sports and racing events. Palmerbet review.
- Dabble.com.au: Has developed into a very popular social betting app in Australia. Dabble has some cool points of difference to other Australian betting sites, including the ability to communicate with other punters. Dabble is definitely one of the top new betting apps to keep an eye one. They are also 100 per cent Australian-owned, which is a rarity it modern times. Dabble review.
- Picklebet.com: For a while Picklebet lacked direction as they struggled to make ends meet focusing solely on the developing esports betting industry. Now, Picklebet has branched out into sports betting, horse racing wagering and has some cool differences to other betting sites in Australia. This includes first four bets when wagering on the races. Picklebet review.
- Unibet.com.au: This hugely successfully international bookmaker has its own website for the Australian sports betting market. While the successful Unibet Casino is not available down under, the sports betting site provides everything you could want as a punter. One criticism, their AFL and NRL markets lack the depth of other big guns like bet365 and Ladbrokes. Unibet.com.au review.
- Boombet.com.au: This online betting site has quickly gained traction in Australia, with this brand coming into existence after SportsBetting.com.au rebranded. Boombet.com.au features both horse racing betting and sports betting, while they also have betting apps for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Boombet also features some great promotions and bonus offers. Boombet.com.au review.
These top online betting sites offer a staggering array of markets on a great range for sports from Australia and around the world. They also offer up to date markets on a range of domestic and international horse and harness races too.
The best Australian betting sites feature extensive betting on all of the major domestic sporting codes, including the AFL, NRL and A-League, while they also boast markets on basically any overseas events that might pop up. This includes one-off events like the Olympics and major sports league like the NBA and NBL.
The top online betting sites for Australians allow you to bet on both desktop computer and mobile, with betting apps one of the most common ways Australians bet in 2021. All of the Australian betting sites we promote on this page, have got downloadable apps for both Android and iOS phones, which are the two most common operating systems used down under.
One of the major downsides of betting in Australia is that sign up incentives have been banned, which essentially means you cannot receive a sign up bonus. These laws are some of the strictest in the world, with regulators in this country attempting to stop problem gambling. It instead has created more of a market for offshore betting sites, although BettingPlanet chooses not to promote these illegal brands or online casinos to Australians.
Australian sports betting
Australia has a thriving domestic sports scene with most of the major professional leagues having betting available on them. Even some of the semi-professional soccer competitions have betting markets at major online bookmakers. This section will run you through some of the major sports Australians bet on regularly.
AFL betting
The AFL, or Aussie rules, is the no.1 sport in Australia and has a huge following, particularly in the southern states. Australian betting sites have extensive markets available on the AFL, including head to head markets, most goals, most touches and much much more. Some other key betting markets on the AFL include the Norm Smith Medal, Brownlow Medal and Coleman Medal, which are key player awards. The AFL season runs from April through to the last weekend in September. Richmond has won two out of the last three AFL Premiership, with West Coast winning the 2018 decider.
NRL betting
The NRL, or the National Rugby League, is the premier league competition in Australia. NRL betting is primarily done in the northern states of Australia, with Queensland and NSW strongholds of rugby league down under. Popular NRL betting markets include head to head bets, first try-scorer, man of the match awards and the league best and fairest, the Dally M Medal, which can only be bet on before the season. The Sydney-based Roosters won the 2019 Premiership, while the Melbourne Storm have been a traditional powerhouse in the NRL.
NBL betting
The NBL is the professional basketball competition in Australia, with teams dotted right around the country. Some former top NBA players like Andrew Bogut and Mitch Creek play in the National Basketball League, while potential top 10 NBA picks RJ Hampton and LaMelo Ball have forgone college basketball to play in Australia in 2019. NBL betting markets include match markets and player betting, including futures on things like MVP awards. An Australian Boomers team, made up of players from the NBA, NBL and some European leagues, excelled at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in mid 2019, finishing fourth. In a warm-up game for the same tournament, the Aussies did the unthinkable and beat Team USA.
A-League betting
The A-League is the best soccer competition in Australia, with plenty of top-flight pros having graced Aussie pitches since the formation of the league from the Ashes of the old NSL. The A-League features teams from right around Australia, with each team signing marquee players, usually from overseas. A-League betting is available in Australia, with match day markets and futures odds both available. While the A-League is only a developing competition, it has recently produced players who have been picked up by overseas clubs, including Daniel Arzani and Aaron Mooy.
Super Rugby Betting
The Super Rugby League competition is the best Rugby Union competition in the world, featuring teams from many different countries. It’s undeniable that Super Rugby has an Australian flavour, although the New Zealand-based Crusaders have won the last three Super Rugby titles. The last Australian team to win the Super Rugby title was the NSW Waratahs in 2019. The top betting sites in Australia will cover every Super Rugby match extensively, with markets including try scorers, point scorers, head to head betting and many more. The Wallabies are the Australian national team, which is due to play in the Rugby World Cup, being played in Japan in 2019.
Big Bash League betting
The Big Bash League is the T20 cricket competition, which features many of the top short form cricketers from right around the world. Guns like AB De Villiers and Dale Steyn have signed on for the 2018-19 season. Not only is the BBL a popular betting medium in Australia, it also attracts great interest overseas, largely because of the international flavour of the players. BBL betting markets include overall tournament winner, top bowlers, top batsmen and match day markets.
Horse racing betting in Australia
Australians love to bet on the horse racing and there is a thriving racing scene down under. The jewel in the racing crown in Australia is the Melbourne Cup, but NSW has a challenger after launching firstly The Championships and then the Everest, in a bid to become the dominant racing state.
Horse betting in Australia can be done on-course and also at online bookmakers, including the TAB, where you can bet on the Tote and receive some huge dividends from the pools. Leading bookies like Sportsbet and BetEasy have many promotions surrounding horse betting, particularly when the group 1s are being run and won.
Other major horse races in Australia include the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate, the Golden Slipper and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which are all given group 1 status, and attract overseas interests. The Golden Slipper is a fabled weight-for-age race that pits the best two year olds in the country against each other.
Some of the prominent trainers in Australia include David Hayes, who announced he was relocating to Hong Kong in 2019, Chris Waller, Ciaron Maher and Gai Waterhouse; while the top jockeys include James McDonald, Damien Oliver and Hugh Bowman.
Australian horses have a unique place in Australia, with many of their heroics on the track, putting them in exalted air and written deep into history, with names like Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and Winx known by everyone.
The other horse racing code in Australia is harness racing, although this is regularly outdone by greyhound racing in terms of money wagered.
Australian sports betting apps
Australia is flush with quality sports betting apps, with nearly every major corporate bookmaker boasting Android and iOS apps, plus top notch mobile sites. These apps are free of charge and are basically downloadable programs that speed up, give you greater access and provide extra security measures when you are betting on your mobile phones or tablets.
How to download iOS betting apps in Australia
- Select a quality online bookmaker from the selection talked about on this page
- Open a new betting account with your chosen Australian betting company, applying any bonus codes in the process.
- Visit the Apple App store and download the iOS betting app of the company you signed up at
- Sign into your now sports betting account via the mobile app, activating any touch ID’s or security measures in the process
- Make your first deposit via a number of easy bookmaker deposit methods
- Begin placing bets. If you have any trouble navigating the app you have chosen, all of the ones we advertise on this page have extensive help sections
- Don’t forget you need to verify your account within 72 hours or it could be suspended. We talk more about account verification below
How to download Android betting apps in Australia
- Select one of the top betting sites from the bookies talked about on this page
- Open a new betting account with your chosen Australian betting company, applying any bonus codes in the process.
- Follow the prompts after you visit the bookmaker’s mobile site after you have signed into download the Android app. Remember you are download the bookie app directly from the company, so you need to turn on non-market apps, before you can download.
- Sign into your now sports betting account via the mobile app, activating any touch ID’s or security measures in the process
- Make your first deposit via a number of easy bookmaker deposit methods
- Begin placing bets. If you have any trouble navigating the app you have chosen, all of the ones we advertise on this page have extensive help sections
- Don’t forget you need to verify your account within 72 hours or it could be suspended. We talk more about account verification below
Promotions at Australian betting sites
While the traditional free bet or sign up bonus is no longer available to Australians because of a change to the laws at the start of 2019, there are still some great perks that are only available at certain betting sites. This section in our Guide to Australian sports betting> will highlight some of the best betting promotions available in December, 2024.
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Sportsbet’s boosted odds
Get daily boosted odds on horse racing markets. Basically you place your bet via the Sportsbet iOS or Android app, visit your bet slip and tick the boosted odds tab, and your odds will update instantly, showing you your potential dividend. Read our Sportsbet review.
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Neds ToolBox
Neds gives you a swag of goodies in what they have coined the “Neds Toolbox”. Some of the features of the toolbox include a price boost, fluc up, jump off and Back Up. You can read more about the Neds Toolbox in our Neds review.
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Bet365 Racing Refund
Place a win bet on selected races and have your credit returned if it finishes 2nd or 3rd. Bet365 as a general rule will have a cap on how much you can have returned in bonus bets and we’ve found it often runs on the bigger group races that take place in Australia. Read our Bet365 review.
Live or in-play betting at bookmakers in Australia
In-play betting or in-the-running betting is possible in Australia, although you have to do it via a phone call, with the current laws outlawing bets placed online after an event has started. These laws changed in 2017 after a great debate in Australian parliament when it was argued live betting caused problem gambling, while the argument from AU bookies was that overseas illegal betting sites had this feature, so why can’t we, ultimately fell on deaf ears.
Australian online betting laws
Australia has very liberal gambling laws in comparison to some other countries around the world, including a fully-fledged sports betting sites industry. Online gambling on sports, horse races, greyhounds and harness betting is completely legal with licenced online bookies. However the promotion of online gambling is heavily regulated in states like New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, making some sign-up bonuses, promotions and freebets unavailable to residents of those states.
When it comes to online casinos, the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibits the availability and promotion of real money online interactive gambling services to Australian citizens. This doesn’t mean it is illegal for Australian citizens to indulge in activities like online casinos. It is just illegal for Australian based businesses to promote or offer those services to Australian residents. It is offshore online casinos that Aussies turn to for their online casino experiences.
Laws against “interactive online gambling” don’t allow for live betting on sports events through online bookies via the internet, however, some online bookies have found a way to side step this bit of legislation by connecting you through their online website to a phone line that allows you to place a live bet.
Online gambling is available to everyone as long as they are over the age of 18 years old in Australia. All forms of gambling, whether online, at a bricks and mortar casino, on a pokie machine or lottery, is illegal to all persons under the age of 18 in Australia. When opening an account with an Australian licenced online bookie you will have to prove your age via drivers licence or passport or any number of identification processes.
State gambling regulation bodies
- New South Wales
Australia’s most populous stat has everything gambling governed by Liquor and Gaming NSW. This body looks after everything from land-based casino licensing, to regulating bookmakers and clubs in the state, including pokies licenses. - Victoria
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor is the governing body in Victoria. This means they oversee everything from Melbourne’s Crown Casino, to pokies in pubs and clubs. They also provide regulatory framework for things like betting shops and make a decision on institutions like the one day of the year you can play 7up. - Queensland
This state’s gambling regulator is Business Queensland with the specific department being Liquor and Gaming. They oversee things like Queensland’s land-based casinos, and provide framework for things like online betting and Racing Queensland. - Western Australia
The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor heads up WA gambling. Racing and Wagering Western Australia is the body in charge of the three racing codes and bookmaker licensing in the state. You can find plenty more information about this organisation on their website. - South Australia
Is governed by the Independent Gambling Authority. Has come under fire in recent times after playing a large role in implementing a 15% Point of Consumption Tax on people betting at online bookmakers. They are the independent regulator in the state who provide feedback to state government. - ACT
The ACT Gambling and Racing Authority is the governing body in the Australian capital. They look after things like casino licensing, casino regulation, game rules and the three racing codes. Have been making headlines in 2017 after closing down the greyhound industry. - NT
The Northern Territory Gambling Commission is arguably the most important licensing body in Australia. They issue most of the biggest online bookies in Australia their license to operate.
Payments at AUD betting sites
Online bookmaker deposits are secure and quick at Australian regulated options, with all transactions protected by the latest encryption technology, which is essential given the large sums of Aussie dollars that can be involved.
While deposits are mainly instant, unless you are doing a bank transfer, withdrawals can take up to a day to be processed by betting sites and up to three days to hit your account, unless you use a feature like cash out cards, which are essentially an ATM card that operates off your betting account balance.
Bookmaker deposits list for Australians
Australian licenced betting sites accept deposits in Australian dollars. Deposits are easy to make too because each one offers a wide range of deposit methods. Once you have confirmed your identity withdrawing funds is also simple and convenient. Check each online bookie review for their particular details relating to deposits and withdrawals.
Some of the more common ways to deposit funds into an online betting account are:
- Paypal
Fast third party payment system that allows you to fund your betting account. Paypal is one of the most popular ways to fund accounts in Australia. - Credit/debit cards
Most common way to fund a betting account. Simply use your Visa, MasterCard or other variety and deposit funds - Bpay
Allows you to instantly fund your account - Web wallets
Safe and secure way to fund your online betting accounts. You simply link a card to your Neteller (or other web wallet) account and fund that. before transferring funds to your betting account.
Withdrawals at Aussie betting sites
Withdrawals at the best online betting sites in Australia are simple but can take up to 72 hours, depending on your withdrawal method, to reach your account. As a general rule there are three common deposit methods available when cashing any winnings out at an AU online bookmaker.
- Bank transfers
- Withdraw to Visa
- Cash out cards
While the above two withdrawal options are common-place at betting sites in Australia, there are other withdrawal methods spring up at online bookies, particularly with the bigger companies, that might cater to more countries than just Australia, Bet365 being a prime example. Some of the less common withdrawal methods you will find at Australian betting sites include:
Troubleshooting AUD bookmaker banking
In comparison to other betting jurisdictions around the world, Australians are flush for choice when it comes to deposits and withdrawals at online bookmakers, although there are problems that crop up from time to time, particularly when you use a smaller banking institution.
- What are the best Australian banks for betting deposits?
Australia has an advanced banking system and there are many great options to hold an account at, including Commonwealth bank, NAB, ANZ and St George. - What is the maximum I can deposit at AU bookies?
This varies from bookmaker to bookmaker, but usually there won’t be a limit, although you will be contacted by a VIP manager if your transaction is very large. It’s more common to have your bet restricted to a certain amount, which is to safeguard both you and the bookie from a huge loss. - Is there a minimum deposit amount?
Again this varies from betting site, to betting site, but Sportsbet and BetEasy both have a minimum $5 deposit limit.
* If you’ve got any problems with your deposit at withdrawal at any betting site we feature on BettingPlanet.com please don’t hesitate to ask for our help at [email protected] or in the comment box below.
Australian sports betting: Q and A
Why is it best to have multiple Australian bookie accounts? Having multiple Australian betting accounts with a range of online bookies is a smart thing to do. Every smart punter wants to make the most money out of every wager. So shopping around among your multiple online bookie accounts to find the best odds for the bet you want to make at any given time ensures that if you are a winner you are maximising your win. That’s just smart.
- Can you play real money casino games in Australia?
There are plenty of land-based casinos in Australia, but unfortunately online casinos and poker are banned in Australia as of 2017. That isn’t to say there isn’t a thriving illegal online gambling scene, it just means that to the letter of the law you are not allowed to host online casinos in Australia, or market offshore casinos to its citizens. While there are seriously hundreds of online casinos still accepting Australians, BettingPlanet.com chooses not to advertise real money casino gambling and online pokies to the Australian market. - What Australian bookmakers have ATM cards?
Sportsbet and Neds, two of the best online betting sites down under, are just two of the online bookmakers that have ATM Visa cards available. Read our bookmaker reviews to find out what withdrawal options are available at bookie. As a general rule it will be the bigger betting sites that have features like cash out cards. - How do I contact a bookmaker if I need help
Australian online bookmakers are required to have customer support under the terms of their licenses. As a general rule you will there are multiple points of contact, with the bigger betting sites usually having a live chat, email address, contact form and telephone number. These customer support options are usually available on all of mobile, apps and computer. - What is the best Australian betting site?
The top Australian online betting sites is obviously subjective, but if you stick to the more well-known brands like Sportsbet, bet365 or Unibet, you will not go wrong. Australia has some of the most respected sports betting sites in world gambling, which means you can pretty much trust any brand with an Aussie licence.
- Who is Matthew Tripp?
Matt Tripp is the founder of Sportsbet and BetEasy and one of the movers and shakers in the Australian betting industry. Tripp’s father, Alan, is a legendary SP bookie who was a big player in the commercialisation of sports betting. Tripp junior founded Sportsbet in 2005, before selling it off to Paddy Power; before forming BetEasy, which became Crownbet, before rebranding back to its initial name. Tripp is still a major owner in BetEasy, which was part-bought by Pokerstars, who merged into Flutter in September 2019.
Whether you are an Australian citizen or an international customer, Australian online bookies offer a great range of services and should be at the top of everyone’s list when they are considering making a bet. Go to the sites we have suggested to check out all of their great range of products and markets available.
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