Australia Betting Sites

Written by Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

, | Updated: October 21, 2024

Whether it is games of chance or sports betting, Australians rank among the most passionate gambling nations in the world. The Interactive Gaming Act 2001 (IGA) prohibits gambling providers from offering online and mobile casino games, in-play sports betting (with specific exceptions), and betting on the outcome of a lottery. Advertising the aforementioned gambling services is also disallowed. However, the ban does not extend to sports betting, which is legal for licensed land-based and virtual bookmakers.

As there are plenty of Australian sports fans, it is only natural that sportsbooks cover various events and games under major leagues. Since sports betting is pretty popular among Aussies, plenty of websites allow punters to wager money on their favorite local and international sports, teams, or players.

To make the experience of bettors even better, many bookmakers offer perks like bonuses and promotions. On top of that, making real-money bets is extremely easy, as the majority of Aussie-friendly sportsbooks support many payment methods that are exclusively available to Australian punters.

That being said, many Australian punters still prefer betting at the sportsbooks based in their country as they are tailored to their preferences. This is why you can find many Australian-based bookmakers who offer numerous betting markets on sports like Aussie Rules Football, Rugby, Basketball, and Cricket.

Australian Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Australia

Top 5 Betting Sites for Australia

1. ChaseBet

   

   Licenses

   NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integryty Commission Office Liquor Gaming and Racing (OLGR)

   Min Deposit

   AU$10

   Min Withdrawal

   AU$10

   Withdrawal Time

   Several business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: support@Chasebet.com.au Phone: N/A
   

   

   • Extensive array of greyhound betting options
   • ChaseBet TV
   • ChaseBet Live Chat
   • A variety of promotions
   • User-friendly mobile app
   • Encryption and security measures in place to protect customer information

   The Australian sports betting sector is rapidly expanding, with ChaseBet being one of the most recent additions. Operating under a license granted by the Liquor and Gaming NSW regulator, the company is committed to security and licensing requirements.

   Among the stand-out features of the brand are its user-intuitive mobile app, live streams of racing events through ChaseBet TV, and regularly updated promo offers. The betting operator brings an array of Aussie-favorite sports, including American Football, Basketball, Baseball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Motor Sports, and Tennis, among others.

   ChaseBet customers can easily manage their deposits and withdrawals through bank cards and bank transfers. While deposits require a minimum of $10, withdrawals start from $20. Transactions are processed without extra fees, with several days necessary for cash-outs to reach your bank account.

2. RealBookie

   

   Licenses

   Victoria Racing Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR)

   Min Deposit

   AU$10

   Min Withdrawal

   AU$10

   Withdrawal Time

   24 - 40 hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: betting@realbookie.com.au Phone: N/A
   

   

   • A good range of racing markets
   • Same Game Multi
   • Live streaming of International racing
   • Regular offers to existing customers
   • Form guide for racing and greyhounds
   • Betting odds on NRL, AFL, NFL, US Open, and the Premier League

   Launched in 2020, RealBookie is among the newer brands catering to Australian punters. Licensed by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the bookie adheres to high regulatory and customer security standards.

   The sports covered by the brand are American Football, Australian Rules, Basketball, Motor Sport, and Tennis, among others, plus a nice range of much-sought-after leagues. The racing events covered by the bookie are conveniently organized into Australian / New Zealand races and international events, allowing punters to easily find the one they are interested in.

   The deposit options include Visa, Mastercard, and Direct Transfers, whereas withdrawals can be completed via bank transfers. The live streaming of international racing events is among the stand-out features of the bookie. Moreover, the racing and greyhound sections offer a form guide, equipping punters with valuable information and helping them make informed decisions.

3. Betr

   

   Licenses

   Australia’s Northern Territory Racing Commission Indiana Gaming Commission Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission Ohio Casino Control Commission Virginia Lottery

   Min Deposit

   $10

   Min Withdrawal

   $1

   Withdrawal Time

   Bank transfer - up to 1-2 business daysPayPal - up to 1 business day

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   The Dolphins (NRL)

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: YesEmail: contact@betr.com.auPhone: 1800 002 387 (Customer Service); 1800 797 066 (Racing); 1800 797 558 (Sports)
   

   

   • A variety of racing and sports betting markets
   • Same Game Multi
   • Same Race Multi
   • Statwars available on AFL, NBA, and NFL
   • Deposit and Loss Limit Options
   • betr’s Cash Out feature

   Betr is another racing and sports betting brand catering to punters from Australia. The company has offices in Darwin, Sydney, and Melbourne and operates under a license issued by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. The brand has gained the regulatory approval of several gambling authorities in the US, including the Indiana Gaming Commission, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Virginia Lottery.

   Customers can expect a wide range of racing markets, including thoroughbreds, harness, and greyhounds, as well as many racing features. There is an overall good variety of sports, with some of the markets on offer including American Football, Australian Rules, Basketball, Golf, Motor Racing, and Tennis.

   Deposit options are plentiful, including bank cards, PayPal, BPay, and bank transfers, allowing customers to manage their finances most conveniently. Customer support agents handle client queries related to betting markets, deposit methods, and promotions via several channels, including live chat, phone, and email.

4. Unibet

   

   Review

   Licenses

   Irish Revenue Commissioners (1013174)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/B2C/106/2000)UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092)

   Min Deposit

   €10€15 for Neteller and Skrill

   Min Withdrawal

   €10€15 for Visa

   Withdrawal Time

   Cards: 1 to 3 daysDirect Banking: 1 to 3daysE-Wallets: Up to 12hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Middlesbrough FCCheltenham FestivalNHL SwedenF.C. CopenhagenPFL Europe Division

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: YesEmail: info@unibetsupport.comPhone: 0808 1686635
   

   

   • Superb native apps for iOS and Android
   • Market diversity and great odds for all major sporting events
   • A broad range of live-betting markets
   • Live streaming of more than 40,000 events each year
   • Clean, easy-to-use interface

   Established in 1997, Unibet provides high-end sports betting platform to more than 9 million customers from over 100 countries around the globe. The brand is among the innovators in the live betting sphere, having launched this much sought-after feature back in 2003. The operator covers more than 160,000 events annually and offers live streaming on selected events across the most popular leagues and tournaments.

   Besides the exhilarating in-play betting section, Unibet focuses strongly on the convenience of mobile betting. The mobile app of the brand is perfectly equipped with everything needed for wagering on the go.

   Unibet has secured the regulatory approval of the strictest gambling authorities and delivers an exclusively safe and secure betting environment. In Australia, the company has been licensed by the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission.

5. bet365

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   * E-wallets - 1-4 hours* Debit Card - 1-4 hours* Credit Cards - 1-5 days* Wire Transfer - up to 12 hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   UEFA Champions League

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
   

   

   • Broad experience on the online gaming scene
   • Several bonuses and promotions
   • Responsive customer support
   • Apps for iOS and Android users
   • Advantageous odds
   • Great market coverage

   Since its launch in 2001, bet365 has been at the forefront of the sports betting industry. The brand is favored by millions of punters from the four corners of the world, including Australia.

   Offering an exclusively extensive sports catalog, a feature-rich live betting section, and a variety of convenient payment methods, the bookmaker has everything necessary for an impeccable and rewarding betting experience. Conquering the challenges of the live betting arena and mastering it to perfection has contributed greatly to the operator’s success and wide recognition.

   Besides in-play betting, the sportsbook offers live streaming, and thrilling features such as Cash-out, Edit Bet, and Bet Builder, to mention a few. Overall, bet365 focuses on the constant improvement of technologies to deliver services of the highest quality.

Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Australia

The current section of this publication will focus on the gambling authorities in charge of regulating sports betting in Australia. Instead of a single overarching gambling regulator, there are state and territory authorities. While casino fans will have a pretty tough time finding a site where they can play as this type of interactive gambling is illegal in Australia, the regulations for sports betting are quite different. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides a full register of licensed gambling providers, as well as a list of licensed on-course bookmakers.

Each of the eight states and territories of Australia regulates gambling in their respective jurisdictions. The authority in Victoria which has taken upon the task to regulate gambling in the state is the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. In addition to that, there is the Office of Liquor, Gambling and Racing division of the Department of Justice and Regulation of Victoria and it is its responsibility to manage the policy, regulations, licensing, and gaming policy within the state.

The authority that regulates gambling within the state of New South Wales (NSW) is the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR).

The regulatory bodies of Queensland are the Queensland Government Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) which is in charge of licensing and compliance, and the Office of Regulatory Policy controls liquor producers and strives to minimize the damage of gambling.

The jurisdiction that carries the burden of regulating gambling in the Australian Capital Territory is the Gambling and Racing Commission. In the meantime, the authority that regulates gambling in the state of South Australia is the Independent Gambling Authority. In addition to that, the Consumer and Business Services is the administration that deals with licenses and compliance in South Australia.

The state of Tasmania has the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission to take care of the licensing and compliance within the jurisdiction. The regulatory body in the state of Western Australia is the Western Australian Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. Lastly, the jurisdiction that regulates gambling in Northern Australia is the state’s Racing Commission under the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

Key Sports Betting Laws

While sports betting is legal in Australia, there might be some differences in the services that punters can enjoy due to the state where a certain sportsbook is licensed or the state where bettors reside in. This is why some Aussies might have the chance to claim a certain promotional offer, while others may not be able to make use of it due to their territory of residence. The two laws that apply to all Australian punters, however, are that they must be at least 18 years old to bet online and the operator they have chosen must require its members to provide proper proof of their identities.

One key law that gambling devotees from Australia must know is the Interactive Gambling Act from June 2001 (IGA). According to the IGA interactive casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, or poker cannot be offered or be promoted in Australia. Despite this regulation, operators may still apply for a gaming license in the Northern Territory. The only condition, however, is for the brand to offer its services outside the territories of Australia.

Despite the IGA prohibiting all forms of virtual casino gambling, the sports betting within the territory of Australia is legal. The only condition is that betting must occur before the beginning of the event. This is the reason why sportsbooks based in Australia cannot offer punters in-play betting. That being said, many Australian sportsbooks offer in-play betting services over the phone. Virtual lotteries are also legal, however, this does not include the games which offer the so-called “instant win”.

Many Australian operators are against the ban on in-play betting as it is very popular among punters from other countries. What is more, international sportsbooks often ignore or are not fully aware of the restrictions of the IGA. This is why many Aussie bettors choose to place their bets at international bookmakers as it will allow them to enjoy live betting. After all, even if there is any potential penalty, it will be for the operator and not for the punters.

Australia Sporting Events Coverage and Markets

As discussed above, sports betting is legal both at land-based and virtual bookmakers in Australia. Fans of various sports will have the chance to bet on pari-mutuel horse races and sports that allow single, parlay bets, futures, and teasers.

When Aussie punters are choosing whether to bet at a local online sportsbook or opt for an international bookmaker, they often consider the betting options they are provided. Many Australian bettors resort to operators based in their jurisdiction as they offer betting markets on the most popular sports in Australia.

While it is not that favored in other parts of the world, Australian rules football is definitely one of the most popular sports to bet on in the Land Down Under. This is why it is no surprise that Aussie punters will be able to place bets on major Australian rules games that are under the biggest league – AFL Premiership. Every season there are two teams of the Final 8 advancing to the last biggest match which is the AFL Grand Final. This is the time of the year when Aussie punters love to make the most bets and local bookmakers focus on providing the best odds for this major event.

Another very popular betting market in Australia is horse racing. The reason this sport is popular in the country is that some of the best horses competing in major races are bred in Australia. This is why numerous Aussies bet on major horse racing events such as the annual Melbourne Cup. It is considered almost a tradition among bettors in Australia to bet on this huge horse race every year.

While it is not as popular as AFL, rugby is also among the favorites of Aussies. Most punters enjoy making bets on games from the National Rugby League (NRL) which consists of the best rugby teams in the country. Of course, punters can also bet on various international rugby events at Australian sportsbooks.

Despite having a lot more fans around the world, soccer is also a popular sport to bet on in Australia. Of course, the busiest betting happens around the time of the World Cup. Many bettors enjoy placing bets on smaller-scale soccer events and the sport is definitely one of the popular betting markets at local sportsbooks.

Many Australian punters also love to place wagers on cricket. The national cricket team is known to show one of the best talents in this sport. This is why many local bookmakers provide various betting markets on cricket games of the Australian team versus foreign ones.

Popular Odds Format in Australia

In sports betting, several odds formats are used to express the expected profit if punters make a winning wager. The most intuitive format is an arguable topic and bettors often have different preferences for it. There is also a difference in the most popular odds format according to the country where the bookmaker is based.

Three main formats are usually used at sportsbooks. At the majority of bookmakers, you will notice that the odds are represented in either decimal, fractional, or American format.

The decimal odds are another way to portray probabilities. They give punters the chance to easily calculate their potential profit which is why decimal odds are very popular among numerous betting devotees. Instead of using the percentages about the potential winning chance, you simply divide 100% by the probability of winning and you will get decimal odds. You can take for example an AFL game with one of the teams having a 40% chance to win. This would mean that you will have to divide 100% by 40% and you will get 2.5 which is your decimal odds.

Another format used at many bookmakers is the fractional odds. These are mostly used in UK and Ireland. When you convert the decimal odds of 2.5 into fractional, the line that shows the odds would look something like 6/4, 3/2, or even 1.5/1. This means that if punters place a winning bet of 1 unit they will win 1.50 units.

The American odds are a bit more difficult to understand but punters in the United States are accustomed the format and often use it for their sports betting. This odds format is expressed through a positive or a negative number. The difference between the two types of American odds is that the positive ones show how much will be the profit from a $100 bet, while the negative number indicates how much bettors must stake to win $100.

Australian bookmakers prefer to work with the decimal odds as they are considered the easiest ones to use. On some sites, you may see this format of odds referred to as European odds or international odds. Even though decimals are the popular format at local sportsbooks, often Aussie punters will have the chance to switch to another format if they find it more suitable.

Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Australia

When betting real money, Aussies must be sure that they will be able to easily manage their funds and make fast and secure deposits and withdrawals. Several popular payment options can be found in the majority of trustworthy Australian-friendly sportsbooks. Not only are those banking solutions popular among local bettors but they also ensure that their funds will always be protected.

The first option that can be seen in every online sportsbook is a debit card issued either by Visa or Mastercard. Thanks to this payment method, punters can instantly top up their betting accounts and place their wagers right away. Using your debit card is extremely convenient and often bettors can utilize this method both for their deposits and withdrawals at Australian sportsbooks.

A very popular alternative method that punters can use at interactive bookmakers is an e-wallet. Companies like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal offer digital wallets which will allow bettors to make instant deposits. This gives betting fans the freedom to make real-money bets as soon as they boost their balance. E-wallets do not require punters to disclose any personal information or card/bank account details. This is why transactions via e-wallets are considered secure. The best part is that this payment solution can also be used for withdrawals and the processing time is usually a lot shorter compared to other methods.

Prepaid cards are also a very convenient way to top up one’s betting account at numerous Australian bookmakers. This payment service does not require punters to expose their personal information or any other type of sensitive data. The deposits via prepaid cards are instant and allow sports betting enthusiasts to bet on their favorite events right away.

There is also the service of POLi which can be used at numerous betting sites geared toward Australian punters. POLi serves as a mediator between your bank account and the sportsbook where you bet and thanks to online banking it allows extremely fast deposits.

Bonuses and Rewards for Australian Sports Bettors

As mentioned above, every state and territory in Australia has its own regulatory bodies that is in charge of licensing and gambling regulations. This is why punters who reside in different parts of the country may have a slightly altered betting experience online. This mainly applies to the promotions that sportsbook offer to their members.

Due to the interactive gaming laws in New South Wales, for instance, punters who reside in that state will not be able to make use of any of the promotions that sportsbooks are offering. If you, however, live in another part of Australia, you will be able to make your betting experience more fruitful and exciting by claiming different bonuses and promotional offers.

Many sportsbooks provide a Welcome Bonus for their new members. This is a one-time offer which serves as an initial boost to one’s sports betting. Often bookmakers provide great promotions to their regular patrons, too. This is why many bettors have the chance to enjoy enhanced odds on particular sporting events which allows higher payouts.

There are usually minimum odds requirements as well as restrictions on the type of bet you are allowed to make. When punters wish to withdraw their winnings, they will usually have to meet wagering requirements. These often include staking the sum of the deposit and the bonus several times. Sportsbooks usually give a certain promotional period within which bettors must meet the wagering requirements for the free bet bonus. Whichever your choice of a bookmaker is, you are always advised to read the terms and conditions that apply to promotions. This way you will be fully aware whether a certain bonus is worth using.

Customer Support at Australian Sports Betting Sites

In order to provide a hassle-free betting experience, the majority of virtual sportsbooks offer their patrons a top-notch Customer Support. Aussie punters can be sure that whether they choose to bet at a local bookmaker or an international one, the majority of popular betting sites makes sure to provide the best help to their patrons.

Usually, when they have some questions about their accounts, funds, or other betting specifics, they can find detailed information at either the FAQ or the Help section of the website. Reading the answers to most questions that punters often have can help you solve some issues in no time. Even if you have some additional queries, you can usually chat with representatives of the sportsbook. Most of the Aussie-friendly bookies also offer punters the option to send emails and receive a reply in no time.

Last but not least, many sportsbooks give punters the chance to request a callback or dial one of the phone numbers presented as a contact option. If Australian bettors choose to bet at a local virtual bookmaker, chances are, they can call a toll-free number and speak directly to an agent of the sportsbook. No matter which is their preferred contact variant, Aussie bettors are guaranteed to solve the issues they have with the help of a great Customer Support.

Sports Betting in Australia FAQs

1. What are the most recent changes to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001?

   The legislative changes, introduced in 2019, include the establishment of BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. It enables punters to self-exclude from all Australian online and phone betting service providers easily and promptly. More information is available at the official website of the service.

2. Where can I find a register of all licensed Australian sports betting providers?

   The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) supports a register of all interactive gambling providers on the territory of Australia. The register contains two lists – one for corporate bookmakers and booking exchanges, and one for on-course bookmakers.

3. Are credit cards banned for online sports betting?

   As of June 2024, Australians are no longer able to use credit cards, credit-related products, and digital currencies to fund their online sports betting accounts. The new regulations have been designed to protect consumers from accumulating gambling-related debts and minimize gambling harm. Operators who do not abide by the credit card ban are liable to penalties of up to AU$ 234,750.

4. What are the most popular payment methods available to Australian punters?

   Licensed sports betting operators in Australia support a range of payment methods, with the most popular options being VISA and Mastercard debit cards, PayPal, PayID, and BPay.

5. Who should I contact to make a complaint about a licensed provider of sports betting services?

   Bettors can make a complaint by contacting ACMA for issues related to credit or in-play betting services being offered by a bookmaker. For other complaints, they can get in touch with the regulatory authority under which the bookmaker operates.