Best Australian betting sites
Time2play experts review and rate Australia’s best betting sites and bookie apps, covering legal operators exclusively.
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.
Best 10 Australian betting sites in October 2024
- 🥇 bet365 — Best bookie overall
- 🥈 PalmerBet — Well-rounded bookie with good odds
- 🥉 Picklebet — Best for for esports betting
- Unibet — Best mobile betting experience
- PlayUP — Modern bookie with interactive betting
- Dabble — Best social sportsbook
- Draftstars — Best DFS site
- Ladbrokes — Most trusted brand
- PointsBet — Best rewards scheme
- TopSport — Highest betting limits
| Sportsbook logo | Odds rating | Bonus | Go-to-sportsbook button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
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89/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 91% Playscore based on |
Most sports markets on offer
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Play now |
Good to know
11 payment methods 
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2
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87/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 80% Playscore based on |
Family-run bookmaker
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Play now |
Good to know
7 payment methods
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3
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87/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 86% Playscore based on |
Niche esports markets
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Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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4
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82/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 84% Playscore based on |
Best mobile betting app
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Play now |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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5
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82/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 87% Playscore based on |
Fixed-odds racing and esports
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Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
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6
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81/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 94% Playscore based on |
Best social-first features
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Play now |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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7
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79/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 80% Playscore based on |
Best fantasy betting site
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Play now |
Good to know
6 payment methods
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8
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73/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 87% Playscore based on |
AU$1 minimum deposit
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Play now |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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9
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89/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 79% Playscore based on |
Most NBA, AFL, and NRL markets
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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10
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89/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 88% Playscore based on |
In-depth stats and predictions
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Read review |
Good to know
8 payment methods
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11
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86/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 86% Playscore based on |
High betting limits
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Read review |
Good to know
6 payment methods
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12
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84/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 89% Playscore based on |
Racing price match
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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13
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84/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 92% Playscore based on |
Same, blended, and split multis
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Read review |
Good to know
8 payment methods
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14
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83/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 92% Playscore based on |
Australia's only betting exchange
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Read review |
Good to know
8 payment methods
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15
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82/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 78% Playscore based on |
Backed by on-track bookmakers
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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16
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82/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 76% Playscore based on |
World's largest jackpots
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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17
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80/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 76% Playscore based on |
24/7 live streaming with Zbet TV
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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18
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79/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 89% Playscore based on |
Good racing odds
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Read review |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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19
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79/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 75% Playscore based on |
Guaranteed payout of all winning bets
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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20
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79/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 75% Playscore based on |
Racing tips from pros
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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21
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78/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 85% Playscore based on |
Rapid withdrawals
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Read review |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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22
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77/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 77% Playscore based on |
Same-race multi-betting via app
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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23
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77/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 75% Playscore based on |
Best for novelty bets
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Read review |
Good to know
6 payment methods
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24
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75/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 86% Playscore based on |
Mobile-first bookie
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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25
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73/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 68% Playscore based on |
Intuitive user interface
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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26
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72/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 30% Playscore based on |
Social sportsbook with jackpots
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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27
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71/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 69% Playscore based on |
Fantasy contests
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Read review |
Good to know
3 payment methods
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28
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70/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 71% Playscore based on |
Live horse-racing streaming
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Read review |
Good to know
4 payment methods
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29
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69/100 Expert rating by Sports B. 69% Playscore based on |
Excels in racing products
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Read review |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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30
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67/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 70% Playscore based on |
Daily specials
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Read review |
Good to know
5 payment methods
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31
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67/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 81% Playscore based on |
Award-winning sports sweepstakes
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Read review |
Good to know
1 payment methods
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32
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64/100 Expert rating by Elena I. 81% Playscore based on |
500+ betting tournaments a week
|
Read review |
Good to know
3 payment methods
|
Australian betting sites — a closer look at the best
Finding the top betting agencies is a must if you intend to have fun when betting online. We carefully look at the top betting sites to play at based on their licensing, sports betting markets, competitive odds, bonuses, betting apps and so much more. Without these important features, we won’t recommend online sportsbooks. Take a look at some of our choices.
#1 bet365: Top Australian betting site
When it comes to Australian sports betting sites, bet365 is one of the best around. It has been in the industry for a long time, and though not Australian owned, it’s fully licensed within the country across a number of states. But this isn’t the only reason we think this is the best place to play.
In addition to that, the site stands out from other Australian bookmakers because it has a wide array of betting markets on offer covering everything from popular sports to horse racing. It’s also home to market-leading odds as well as good sports promotions. Better still, all of this can be found on a good betting app too.
#2 PalmerBet: Great for horse racing
This Australian-owned bookmaker excels in offering a localised sports betting experience. Specialising in horse racing with extensive markets and competitive odds, PalmerBet also covers over 30 sports including AFL, NRL, and cricket.
Unique for its family-operated approach, PalmerBet stands out with personalised customer service. Their ‘Quick Multis’ feature simplifies bet building, and they’re known for offering weekly promotions and enhanced odds options. With a user-friendly mobile app and commitment to responsible gambling, PalmerBet caters proficiently to both the seasoned punter and the casual bettor.
#3 Picklebet: Best for esports
Picklebet distinguishes itself as Australia’s premier esports betting platform, offering unique markets in over 15 esports alongside traditional sports. You’ll find in-depth tournament coverage, live streams, and plenty of unique props to boot. Beyond esports, Picklebet offers betting options on over 25 sports, including cricket, MMA, basketball, Rugby, F1, and more.
Notable for its sleek interface and strong user experience, both on web and mobile, the platform appeals to a tech-savvy audience. While lacking in horse racing markets, Picklebet compensates with robust customer support and a commitment to offering competitive odds and a one-stop shop for esports fans.
Top sports you can bet on at Australian betting sites
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. As it’s important for you to be able to select the perfect site, we’ve also listed some of the more popular leagues and sports available when it comes to old and new betting sites in the country.
The best betting sites have a selection of at least 25 different sports and events from around the world. However, many Australian sports betting sites do emphasize horse racing and greyhound racing. There are other top sports available too including rugby, Aussie Rules, cricket and eSports. Take a look at the top sites right here to see what’s on offer.
Horse racing
Racing markets are widely available at Aussie sportsbooks. The horse racing options available include flat, steeplechasing or jump racing and even harness racing options. Betting on these events means you need to choose which horse will come first or at least place in the top three.
Esports
Many popular games are now available as part of eSports tournament betting. Some of the popular sports on offer here include Dota 2, LoL, CSGO and many more. Depending on the eSport you bet on, there are many betting options including choosing which team will score the first kill or draw first blood.
Football
This popular team sport is particularly loved in the UK and Europe. There are many international leagues to follow including the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and more. Additionally, there are a wide array of bets to place here from futures and standard moneyline bets through to more complex props such as which player will score first. Check best football betting sites.
Cricket
A popular sport in Australia, there are many betting options. This sport involves two teams facing off with the aim of getting more runs than the other team. Bowlers try to knock out batsmen by hitting the wicket. You can place bets on the big international events as well as the shorter T20 games.
Basketball and the NBA
Fast-paced and dynamic, basketball is played the world over. The most popular league is the US-based NBA where you can place different bets on each quarter of the game.
Rugby
Both union and league are available on Aussie sites. This fast, dynamic contact sport is very popular in the country. This is particularly the case with international rugby league. Every four years, the world cup is also held which is one of the top sporting events on any sporting calendar.
Aussie Rules
Specific to Australia, many Australian betting sites do give you a lot of betting options for this sport. A fun cross between football and rugby, it takes place on an oval pitch and gives you the chance to get a wide array of bets in play.
Most popular events at Aussie sports betting websites
Following on from the main sports available at Australian sports betting sites, it’s a good idea to take a look at the specific tournaments and events that are on offer too. The best betting site in Australia will give you quick, clickable access to the top events so that you don’t have to scroll or search for them.
Unsurprisingly, some of the top tournaments include betting on Aussie Rules. A sport unique to the land down under, there are many different leagues to choose from, while the AFL Grand Final draws the biggest buzz. Additionally, rugby league takes precedence over union thanks to the NRL. Finally, as our betting reviews highlight, Australian sports betting sites also consistently offer Big Bash betting for cricket.
Rugby — Rugby League
With League being the more popular code than Union in Australia, the National Rugby League (NRL) is the tournament to watch. Running from March to September, bettors can enjoy an array of futures, outrights, handicaps, props and more on all 27 rounds.
Cricket — IPL, BBL
Australia’s favourite summer sport offers plenty of betting opportunities. Fans can enjoy fast-paced Twenty20 action when wagering on either the men’s or women’s Indian Premier League or Australia’s Big Bash as the teams battle it out for their respective Trophies.
Soccer — AFC, Premier League
Probably the world’s most popular sport, there are plenty of bets to be placed here from futures to props. Aussie fans will find the most betting markets for matches in the American Football Conference and English Premier League.
Tennis — Australian Open, US Open
Bookending the four Grand Slam events, The Australian Open kicks things off with futures, matchwinners and props, while the US Open brings the tournament to a close. Live betting throughout lets fans really get right in on the action.
Aussie Rules — AFL
This uniquely Aussie game offers bettors plenty of exciting markets from futures like the Brownlow or Coleman Medal winners to matchday props, totals and spreads. Horse Racing – see unordered list in bet types and odds section
How to choose a top online bookmaker
By now you will have seen that it’s quite hard to determine which are the best online betting sites if you don’t know what you’re looking for. And this is exactly why we’re here to help. We’ve rated all the online betting sites Australia offers just so that you don’t have to.
For each sportsbook, we go through specific criteria, carefully rating the online betting site for each category. We even provide you with concrete ranges so that you can see exactly how we got that score. Follow below, and you can check our ratings to see if you agree or rate a new betting site by yourself.
Sports betting markets
When it comes to online betting, the sports available on a site are key. The more there are, the better it is for you. So, with that in mind, we expect top online betting sites to offer at least 25 different sports for you to bet on. These should include domestic and international leagues and events. For instance, horse racing should have good Oz options as well as international racing. If a site has fewer than 20 different sports on offer, then this is not a site we’ll give a high score too. Additionally, if there is no specific domestic focus, for example barely any races from the Australian horse racing industry, or there are no international events on offer for sports with a worldwide appeal like soccer, the site will be marked down.
Odds
Sports betting odds across all betting markets must be top-notch. As betting odds are key to the amount you can win, we’re always on the lookout for the online betting sites that offer the best odds. To do this, we look at the payout percentage offered by each sportsbook to determine whether you should be playing at the site or not. For great odds, we want to see that there is an average payout percentage of 95% to 97%. This reaches the top range for us. Anything lower than 93% should be avoided. On top of that, Australian betting sites with the best odds should also update them regularly as well as offer high fixed odds for some of the sports they have markets for.
Payments
Sports betting payments are something often overlooked by players. However, being able to choose from a variety of payment methods is key if you want to have a good experience. Ideally, we want top online betting sites to have at least 10 different payment options for you to use on your betting account. The options should also be diverse. Additionally, the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal ranges should encompass both budget players (minimums of around AU$10) and high rollers. If there are fewer than five payment options, then we’re going to give a lower score. And, if there are high minimums in place (AU$50 or more), then this also gets a lower score from us.
Safety
When you play online, it’s important to play on safe sportsbooks. In Australia, there are many legal sportsbooks available, and this is one of the first things we check when recommending both an old or a new betting site. Sports betting is regulated in Australia and this makes it important to check that online betting sites hold an Oz licence. Importantly, there are different licences available for each state so some sportsbooks will have more than one licence. The key for us though, is to make sure that the site has a licence to ensure it’s safe. If there’s no licence, we are not going to give it a good score nor are we going to recommend that you play there.
Mobile app
Being able to play anywhere at any time is key these days. Because of this, mobile sportsbooks have become more and more popular. For part of our review, we look at the mobile sportsbook apps available. However, to get a good score, online betting sites must have a betting app that offers the same betting platform as the desktop version of the site. This means that the betting app needs to include the same sports, horse racing betting options, free bet bonuses, the best odds, same range of payment options and more. On top of that, we want to see betting apps that are intuitive and navigable. If a betting app is glitchy, cluttered, slow-loading or misses a number of important betting features, it gets a low score.
Customer support
Another factor that’s frequently overlooked is the support offered by a sportsbook. The best online betting sites will have at least three different options for getting in touch with the site. Importantly, one of these must be a 24/7 live chat if we are to give top scores. And, this should be answered within five minutes and not by a bot. Sites that only have one or two contact options will get a lower score. However, the bottom scores are reserved for those sites that have no 24/7 support at all. Additionally, we’re not scoring well on sites that don’t have a live chat, or do offer one but it’s slow, unresponsive or monitored by unhelpful staff or even a bot.
Usability
It’s all well and good for a betting site to have the best odds, great racing markets, a betting exchange and so on, but if it’s poorly designed, then it won’t get a good score from us. If the site is cluttered, confusing and makes it hard to navigate, we’re not going to mark it very highly. In contrast, a sportsbook that has a very usable, intuitive website and betting apps, with clear navigation, quick links and an uncluttered interface, is going to get a higher score from us. If there is a good theme for the site and a dark mode option, we’re going to give that sportsbook excellent marks. Finally, clear search functions and filters are a must for the top score.
Player reviews
We check out all the main features and functions of each site, but a lot of our final thoughts are based on those comments and reviews provided by the players themselves. After all, they’ve had a more in-depth look at the way the site actually works. If players are extolling the virtues of the great odds or spread betting markets, we’re going to take note and score accordingly. Similarly, if we find players are constantly complaining about slow withdrawals, high fees, poor fixed odds and no payouts on bonus bets and other promotions, alongside other issues, we’re definitely going to sit up and listen. For sites that have repeated, unresolved complaints, we’re going to give a low score and suggest you stay away from that site altogether.
Additional features
When it comes to online sports betting there are a number of other important features to consider. For instance, the best betting sites will have a betting exchange, in-play betting or live bets across an array of different sports, not just horse racing. High-ranking sites will have referral codes to claim a wide array of free bet bonuses and other offers too. We also want to keep an eye out for sportsbooks going above and beyond by offering live streams of some events, and even providing sports coverage or betting tips to help you get ahead. Unique markets also help to elevate the score with betting options like eSports, politics and TV boosting any sports betting market scores we may be giving out.
How to bet on sports — at a glance
So, now that you know how to choose where to play, you need to actually get up and running with betting. But, how do you do that? We’re here to help you get started. Simply follow the steps below to get yourself a betting account in no time.
- Take a look at our list of top sportsbooks.
- Choose one that meets your needs and sign up.
- Ensure you can place both small and big bets.
- Check out the promotions on offer and whether there are great odds provided.
- Select your payment method and make a deposit.
- Confirm your deposit.
- Select your bet and wait to see if you win.
Understanding bet types and odds
Once you’re ready to start betting, there are a number of different bet types to consider. Particularly when it comes to horse racing betting, there are some important bet terminologies you need to know to make the best bet possible. Check out some of these below.
Straight
A single bet that you place on a game or horse racing event where you use the spread, moneyline or total to see whether it pays out.
System
Also referred to as a round robin, this type of bet contains a number of combinations of bets. They must all be of the same amount and placed at the same time and a minimum of two bets must come through for a payout. You can get great odds with this type of bet.
Parlay
A combination of two or more bets into one overarching bet. For a parlay to pay out, all bets must come to pass. If one fails, the entire parlay fails.
In play/live
An exciting betting option where you can place an array of different bets from your betting account while the game or match is already underway. Odds fluctuate as the game progresses and are often lower than those found for traditional bets.
Decimal
A way of listing the odds. This format sees the number showing the amount you will win for every AU$1 you wager. The number is the payout, not the profit so your bet is included in that number when you come to calculate any winnings.
Fractional
A betting format where the best odds are represented as larger fractions. The larger the faction, e.g. 100/1, the more you’ll get as a payout but the less likely the outcome. Favourites will have low odds, especially in horse racing, and will often be 2/1, 5/4 and so on.
Moneyline
The simplest bet available on any sport, this is simply a prediction of which team or player will win the game.
Horse racing
Melbourne Cup, Cheltenham Probably the most popular sport in Australia, there’s a wealth of betting markets available. For flat race fans, the Race That Stops A Nation is the highlight of the Aussie racing calender. While armchair jump jockeys keep a close eye on the Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders. Try your luck on a rank outsider or go with the favourite.
How to win real money at betting sites — expert tips
For Aussies betting at an online bookmaker or betting agency, there are a number of top tips to consider. These are particularly important as online wagering is a luck-based pastime for the most part. However, to help you out, there are a number of guides, sports blogs and special features found on the best betting apps to help you out. Check out some top tips here.
Do your research
Take the time to do your research on your chosen sport.
Dive into sports content
Make sure you check out sports guides and expert betting tips.
Read reviews
Use reviews to determine where to play.
Choose top-odds site
Find a site with market-leading odds.
Use the bookie's site features
Use the betting exchange to put forward your own odds for an event.
Should you bet online? Here are the pros and cons
Online Aussie wagering has its pros and cons. As such, when you sign up at an online bookmaker, it’s very important that you choose the site very carefully in order to get the best sports wagering experience. That being said, it’s also important that you understand exactly what you’re getting into compared to using a land-based sportsbook. So, here are some of the top advantages and disadvantages of online wagering.
- More convenient — online betting gives you all the bets and events for sports such as horse racing, cricket and Aussie rules right at your fingertips. You’ll even be able to play and bet on the go with a betting app.
- 24/7 betting available — this means you don’t have to wait for the shop to open. If you want to place a bet on an event on the other side of the world, you can.
- Strong promotions — more offers will come your way, often a big bonus on your first deposit to boost your play.
- No social interaction — if you’re betting on horse racing online, you don’t get the thrill of the track or the ability to chat with other punters.
The legal situation in Australia — full list of licensed sportsbooks
Currently, sports gambling is perfectly legal in Australia. However, when you do partake in online sports betting it’s important that you only sign up to and join legal sports betting sites. These betting sites are both international and Australian owned. However, regardless of their origin, they need to hold a licence within one of Australia’s states in order to operate.
- BBet — Good horse racing options
- Bet365 — Very high odds
- BetBarn — Array of betting markets
- Beteasy — Changed to Sportsbet
- Betfair — Great betting exchange
- BetGold — VIP betting
- Bet Nation — Great sports selection
- Bet Right — Good promotions
- Betstar — Many payment options
- BlueBet — Same game and race multis
- Booki — VIC tote on horse racing
- Boombet — Good social media support
- Buddybet — Mobile only
- CrossBet — Live streaming
- Dabble — Social betting app
- Draftstars — Fantasy games offered
- Elitebet — Horse racing focus
- GetSetBet — High max payout
- Goldbet — Average site
- Ladbrokes — Very secure
- Lottoland — Jackpot gambling
- MidasBet — Small Aussie-owned site
- MoneyBall — Great multis
- Neds — Great for horse racing
- PalmerBet — Betting predictions and tips
- Picklebet — Great esports platform
- PlayON — Fantasy betting
- PlayUP — Top horse racing fixed odds
- PointsBet — Good spread betting
- ReadyBet — Aussie-owned site
- RivalBet — Peer-to-peer betting
- RealBookie — 5,000+ horse racing events
- SportChamps — Exciting tournament betting
- Sportsbet — Bet with mates feature
- Swift Bet — New sportsbook
- The Bet Deck — New betting site
- TAB — Great horse racing options
- TopSport — Good fixed odds
- Unibet — Great live betting platform
- WinnersBet — Great welcome offers
- Zbet — Horse race streaming
FAQs
Which betting site is the best in Australia?
The best sports betting sites Australia offers can be found by reading our Australian bookmaker reviews. Top bookie sites must accept Australian punters and be licensed and regulated within the country. The top betting sites will have strong betting apps in place, competitive odds, an array of sports betting markets, bonus bets, multi betting options and much more. Check out our top betting sites Australia list here.
What betting companies are Australian owned?
There are a number of top Australian owned large and small betting sites available. Some of the best betting sites include BoomBet, PlayUP, DraftStars and Dabble to name a few. These Australian owned online betting websites each offer something a little bit different in terms of the betting apps available, sports promotions, boosted odds and so on. Look for a top Australian owned online bookmaker here.
Is online betting legal in Australia?
Yes, online betting is legal in Australia. There are a growing number of betting websites available in the country and these can be accessed and used to bet online quickly and easily. In fact, there are a growing number of new Australian betting sites, all of which comply with the regulations of the country. It is important to bear in mind that gambling laws do differ across states. But all our recommended best betting sites comply with them.
How does sports betting work?
Sports betting is when you place a bet on a sporting event. The best Australian bookmakers will offer competitive fixed odds so that you can get a great betting experience. Top gambling sites will have a wide array of sports betting markets too, as well as a betting app or phone betting options so that betting online is incredibly easy.
What is a betting agency?
Betting agencies are simply sportsbooks. These are betting websites that have the software to offer you an array of sports bets and an entertaining betting experience online. Betting companies like this are able to offer great betting odds to Australian punters. And, depending on the site, they may specialise in different aspects. Some may be more racing focused while others might offer more live betting on a wide range of sports. Some betting companies even include fantasy betting.
