Best Australian betting sites

Time2play delivers comprehensive insights, product comparisons, and data-driven expert ratings to help you find the best and safest sportsbooks in Australia.

We filter the best from the rest based on in-depth analysis of betting features, sports and markets, event coverage, odds, payments, support, and more.

Here are the most competitive and legal bookies on the Aussie betting scene, and everything you need to know about betting on sports online.

All recommended betting sites AUS — May 2025

Start your betting journey with our expert punters’ carefully selected sportsbooks, ensuring a secure, enjoyable, and fun experience. These are the top online sportsbooks that excel in over 60 criteria, meticulously tracked and evaluated by our analysts.

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Sportsbook logo	Rating	Bonus	Go-to-sportsbook button	Show more	T&C
1	89/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 91% Playscore based on 8 critics	Most sports markets on offer	Play now	Show more Good to know 39 betting markets PayPal accepted EGR Operator of the Year 11 payment methods Show less
2	88/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 89% Playscore based on 8 critics	Great racing products	Play now	Show more Good to know Excellent horse racing odds Great range of payment methods Cash-In through 3,000+ Newsagents 6 payment methods Show less
3	87/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 80% Playscore based on 8 critics	Family-run bookmaker	Play now	Show more Good to know Good Aussie league odds 25 sports on offer 60 years of experience 7 payment methods Show less
4	82/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 87% Playscore based on 8 critics	Fixed-odds racing and esports	Play now	Show more Good to know 27 sports offered Expert tips and insights Reliable, Aussie-owned bookie 6 payment methods Show less
5	82/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 84% Playscore based on 8 critics	Best mobile betting app	Play now	Show more Good to know Easy to use site Over 10 years experience in Australia One million registered customers worldwide 5 payment methods Show less
6	81/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 94% Playscore based on 8 critics	Best social-first features TIME2PLAY copied to clipboard	Play now	Show more Good to know Mobile-only social betting site Expert tips and streams Easy-to-use app 4 payment methods Show less
7	79/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 80% Playscore based on 8 critics	Best fantasy betting site	Play now	Show more Good to know Biggest fantasy prize pools Free-to-enter contests Private and public leagues 6 payment methods Show less
8	73/100 Expert rating by Homepage . 87% Playscore based on 8 critics	AU$1 minimum deposit	Play now	Show more Good to know Specialises in horse racing Special offers for members Great value margins 4 payment methods Show less

Full list of licensed betting sites in Australia

To legally operate in Australia, bookies must hold a licence within a regulated territory. For online sportsbooks the licensing model is federated, allowing bookies to operate nationwide as long as they’re properly regulated on the state and territory level.

Here’s a list of all regulated bookies and their respective licensing state/territory:

New betting sites in Australia — May

While many prefer the reliability of an established betting site, there’s a lot to be said for new bookmakers in Australia too. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Not only are new betting sites in Australia known for offering more betting options and a wider range of sports to bet on, but they also often pioneer innovative features and gamified mechanics. On top of that, buckle up for truly competitive odds and sign-up incentives.

Here are the freshest AU betting sites to hit the market.

Top betting sites by sport

Online bookies in Australia offer up a wide array of sporting events for you to bet on. But, not all Australian betting sites have the same sports or events on offer.

You’ll find horse racing and greyhounds just about anywhere, but other top and niche sports may not be so commonplace.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect and recommendations of where to bet on your favourite sport.

Best horse racing sites and apps

Horse racing betting options are widely available and commonly include flat, steeplechasing, jump racing, and harness racing. Betting on these events typically involves wagering on the outright and top-three placements, for which PlayUP offers some of the most competitive horse-racing odds on the market.

Hit the straight at PlayUP

Top sites for esports betting

Some of the popular esports on offer include Dota 2, LoL, CSGO, and Overwatch. The betting markets are as diverse as the games are, ranging from outright winners and first team to score to conquering specific objectives (like downing Baron in LoL). We recommend Picklebet or Unibet; the former offers the best variety of markets, but the latter has more lucrative lines.

Drop in at Unibet

Best soccer betting sites

Good odds on top leagues are in no short supply. You’ll find fair lines on the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and the A-league just about across all Australian betting sites. You can place a wide array of bets, from futures and standard moneyline bets through to more complex props such as which player will score first or who’ll get the first red card. For offering the best lines and early cash-out, check out bet365.

Hit top bins at bet365

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Best cricket bookies

Whether it’s the Ashes, the Big Bash, or the IPL, cricket fans have no shortage of betting options. The best betting sites in Australia cover all the big tournaments and domestic comps, with odds on everything from outright winners to head-to-head matchups. If you’re after something beyond the basics, there’s plenty of creative props too — like predicting a bowler to take a five-for, or whether a batter will hit a century. For deep markets and smooth betting, consider Colossalbet.

Swing for the fences at Colossalbet

Best bookies for basketball and NBA betting

Basketball betting is fast-paced and packed with variety, especially across the NBA, NBL, and EuroLeague. Aussie sportsbooks offer heaps of markets— from classic spreads and over/unders to more detailed options like player points, rebounds, and assists. You can even bet on whether a game goes to OT, or which team hits the most threes. If you’re chasing solid lines and flexible betslips, Dabble is a solid shout.

Drain threes at Dabble

Best betting sites for rugby and the NRL

Rugby betting hits hard across both league and union, with markets running deep on everything from Super Rugby and the NRL to international tests. Whether you’re backing a team to cover the line or taking a stab at first try scorer, there’s no shortage of options. Props can get pretty specific too — like total penalties, winning margin bands, or whether a player bags a double. Bet365 stands unbeatable here, with the broadest choice of markets and the best lines for pre-match bets.

Ruck and roll at bet365

Best Aussie Rules and AFL betting sites

From the season opener to the Grand Final, Aussie sportsbooks cover every angle: match winners, line bets, quarter-by-quarter markets, and more. You’ll also find plenty of player props, like most disposals, first goal scorer, or total tackles. Futures markets are solid too, whether you’re tipping the Brownlow Medal or the premiership winner. If you’re after a clean interface and competitive odds on footy, WinnersBet is well worth checking out.

Snap one from the pocket at WinnersBet

Top bookies for Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a form of skill-based wagering where players build virtual teams of real-life athletes (from leagues like AFL, NRL, NBA, etc.) and compete based on those players’ actual game performances. Contests can run daily, or for a single match round. Draftstars is king here, offering THE most comprehensive DFS product on the market.

Draft your team at Draftstars

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Most popular events found on Australian betting sites

Discover the most popular sports events for betting in Australia, handpicked by our expert analysts to reflect where punters love to play. From iconic races to high-stakes finals, these events offer prime opportunities for entertaining and rewarding bets.

How to choose a top online bookmaker

Choosing the best online sportsbooks can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for — that’s where we come in. Our expert team rates all Australian betting sites across key criteria, with clear scoring and ranges so you can see exactly how each site stacks up. Check our ratings below or use them to guide your own picks.

Sports betting markets

A great online betting site should offer a wide range of sports — variety is key. We expect top bookies to feature at least 25 sports, covering both domestic and international events. Sites with fewer than 20, or lacking strong Aussie and global options, won’t score high.

Odds

Top-notch odds are essential for maximising your returns, so we focus on sportsbooks with consistently strong payout percentages. The best betting sites average 95% to 97% payouts, with anything under 93% falling short. We also look for sites that update odds frequently and offer strong fixed odds across key sports.

Payments

Payment options can make or break your betting experience, so we look for sportsbooks that offer at least 10 methods to fund your account. Top sites should cater to both casual punters and high rollers, with low minimums (around AU$10) and flexible limits. Fewer than five options or high minimum deposits? That’ll cost points.

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Safety

Safety comes first when betting online, so we only recommend sportsbooks that hold a valid Australian licence. Licensing ensures the site is legal, secure, and regulated — a must for any site we rate. No licence? No score, and definitely no recommendation from us.

Usability and mobile compatibility

Even the best odds and markets won’t matter if the site is clunky or hard to use. We reward sportsbooks with clean, intuitive designs, smart navigation, fast-loading pages, and handy features like dark mode and filters. Top scores go to sites with seamless mobile apps that mirror the full desktop experience — glitchy, stripped-down apps won’t make the cut.

Customer support

Customer support matters, and top sportsbooks should offer at least three ways to get in touch — including a 24/7 live chat answered by real staff within five minutes. Sites with slow, bot-run, or limited support options won’t earn high marks from us. No live chat or poor service? That’s a fast track to a low score.

Player reviews

Player feedback plays a big role in our ratings — after all, no one knows a site better than the punters using it. Consistent praise for things like great odds or smooth payouts boosts a site’s score, while repeated complaints about fees, delays, or broken promos drag it down. If users are unhappy and issues go unresolved, we won’t recommend the site.

Additional features

Beyond the basics, the best betting sites stand out with features like betting exchanges and advanced betslips. We also rate higher for perks like referral codes, above-and-beyond incentives, live streams, and smart extras like betting tips or coverage. Unique markets — think esports, politics, or TV — add bonus points too.

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How to bet on sports  Getting started

First, choose a licensed sportsbook that suits your preferences, analysing lines, markets, and payment options. Then, create an account, place a deposit, and find the sport or event you want to bet on.

This is where the heavy lifting comes in! You’ll have to assemble your betslip by filling it with your choices: the specific markets you want to wager on. When done, enter your desired stake and hold tight for bet settlement.

1. Pick a trusted, licensed sportsbook
2. Sign up and verify your account
3. Make a deposit, availing of applicable new-player incentives
4. Place your wager by filling the betslip with your selected market(s)
5. Confirm your bet and wait for the results after the action unfolds

If your wager wins, you’ll be credited as soon as the bet settles. You can then withdraw your funds (provided that all wagering requirements are met, if any were applicable).

Understanding bet types and odds

Before placing your bets, understanding the different bet types and how odds work helps you make smarter, more confident decisions. Odds show you how much you could win, while the bet type determines what you’re betting on. From simple outright bets to multi-leg combos and player props, each type suits a different kind of punter.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common options across betting sites in AUS:

Reading odds Decimal vs fractional

Decimal odds are standard in Australia, but you may run into fractional odds from time to time, usually limited to bookies specialising in horse racing.

To adjust which odds display, look for preferences in your account menus or settings/toggles within the main navigation or the betslip directly.

If you’re one of the few who prefer American odds, they show how much profit you’d make on a AU$100 bet (positive odds) or how much you’d need to stake to make AU$100 in profit (negative odds).

Time2play’s review methodology

Firmly grounded in principles of integrity and impartiality, our review and rating methodology relies on unbiased, objective metrics and incorporates both data analysis and our industry expertise. Our team of experts adheres to a standardised and transparent reviewing process, ensuring objectivity from start to finish.

To bring you data you can trust, we collect, track, analyse, and continuously update hundreds of metrics for every sports gambling site our experts review, rating operators based on more than 60 distinct criteria.

How to win real money at betting sites Expert tips

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game a while, making consistent, profitable bets takes more than gut feel.

Below are 10 expert-level tips that go beyond the basics — focused on market timing, value spotting, and reading the game better than the bookies.

If you’re looking to level up your punting strategy, this is where to start.

1

Compare lines across multiple bookies — not just odds

Most punters chase the best price, but the line itself can vary—especially for spread or total markets. Getting the -4.5 instead of -5.5, or Over 199.5 instead of 200.5, can be the difference between a win and a push (or loss). That edge adds up long-term. Use odds comparison tools and manually check line differences in key markets — especially close to game time.

2

Find soft markets where bookies don't invest as much attention

Big markets, like AFL head-to-head, are razor sharp. But secondary markets (e.g. player tackles, total turnovers, exotic multis) are often priced sloppily — especially early in the week or in niche leagues. Look for low-liquidity markets with slow-moving lines. These are goldmines for those who do their homework.

3

Understand implied probability — and how to use it to spot value

Every set of odds tells you the implied chance of an outcome. Your goal isn’t to just “predict” a winner — it’s to find when the bookie’s probability is off. Use this formula: implied probability = 1 / decimal odds. Then compare it to your own estimated chance. If your edge is consistent over time, you’re on the right track.

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4

Know which stats don’t matter for betting

Casual punters love form tables, win/loss streaks, and ladder positions — but markets already price those in. The sharper insights come from contextual stats (e.g. contested ball wins in wet conditions), matchup specifics (e.g. how a team defends against fast ball movement), and situational factors (e.g. six-day breaks, travel fatigue, team picks). Focus on predictive stats, not descriptive ones.

5

Timing matters — beat the market, not just the bookie

Odds move. Often fast. If you’re betting late and consistently hitting closing lines, you’re probably overpaying. Sharp punters get in early, especially before team lists are final or major news drops. Others wait for line movement, then hit soft spots. Keep track of closing line value (CLV). If you’re consistently getting better odds than the closing line, you’re likely +EV — even if you don’t win every time.

6

Use Kelly Criterion for stake sizing — if you know your edge

Flat staking is fine, but if you’re serious, learn Kelly staking. It helps you size your bets based on how confident you are in your edge. Not for beginners, but deadly effective when used correctly. Half-Kelly is a good compromise — less risk of ruin, still capitalises on edge.

7

Adjust for external factors the market might undervalue

The market reacts to injuries and form — but less so to weather, ground conditions, or umpire tendencies. For example, rainy or windy conditions affect kicking accuracy and total scores, and lower scoring is good for unders and defensive teams. These angles often offer small but real edges, especially in totals markets.

8

Exploit public bias in high-profile games

Big games (e.g. Origin, AFL Grand Final, big EPL derbies) attract big public money. That usually inflates prices on popular teams or overs in total points. If you like the underdog or the under, wait. If you’re fading the hype, the public might hand you value.

9

Record every bet — and track more than just wins/losses

Experienced punters are diligent with their paperwork. We track: closing line vs odds, edge estimates, market types, bet timing (open, mid, close), and other metrics to analyse patterns, see where we’re strong, and identify weak spots in our process.

10

Don’t always chase the best incentives — chase the best limit

Recreational punters love boosted odds, rakebacks, and specials — which are great. But sharp punters value limits and market access more. If a bookie gives you soft limits or restricts certain markets, you can’t scale. Deals and steals mean nothing if you’re capped at AU$10 bets.

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Should you bet online? Here are the pros and cons

Online betting in Australia has become the go-to for most punters — and for good reason. It’s fast, flexible, and gives you access to more markets than you’d find at a local TAB. But it’s not without trade-offs. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the upsides and drawbacks.

Pros

• Better odds — Online books usually offer more competitive prices than retail outlets.
• More markets — Props, player stats, exotics… you’ll find it all online.
• Convenience — Bet anytime, anywhere, across multiple sports.
• Incentives — Daily boosts, rakebacks, and multi insurance are everywhere.
• Simple line shopping — Switching between books takes seconds, with no travel time.

Cons

• Limits for sharp bettors — Winning consistently? Expect restrictions.
• Temptation to overbet — Fast access can lead to poor discipline.
• Tech dependence — Site outages, app crashes, or slow feeds can burn you.
• Data tracking — Your behaviour is logged, and used to shape offers.
• Verification hassles — ID checks and withdrawals can be slow, especially with new accounts.

Legislation in Australia

In Australia, all betting services are available only to individuals aged 18 years or older, following the enactment of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) in 2001.

The IGA permits licensed operators to offer online sports betting and lotteries to Australian residents, covering sweepstakes and Daily Fantasy Sports as well. However, online casino games and poker are prohibited under the IGA.

Time2play experts test, review, and recommend licensed and regulated AU bookies and social betting sites exclusively. The jurisdictions we monitor span all of Australia, covered by the following regulatory bodies:

• Australian Capital Territory — ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
• New South Wales — Liquor and Gaming NSW
• Northern Territory — Northern Territory Racing Commission
• Queensland — Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
• South Australia — Consumer and Business Services
• Tasmania — Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
• Victoria — Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
• Western Australia — Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries

These bodies oversees gambling activities within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

Our limitations on betting sites in Australia

The Time2play team works diligently to deliver accurate, timely, and insightful information about Australia’s top betting platforms. Given that betting sites frequently update their odds, incentives, features, and terms, some details or opinions presented on our site may become outdated without notice.

While we aim to provide comprehensive and up-to-date content to assist your decision-making, all information should be considered general in nature. We strongly encourage you to conduct your own research and comparisons before registering with any betting provider.

Bet responsibly. Always check the latest terms and conditions directly with the betting sites in question.

FAQs

Sources

1. https://www.acma.gov.au/check-if-gambling-operator-legal
2. https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/gambling/interactive-gambling
3. https://www.betstop.gov.au/