Sports Betting

Sports betting is a popular and legalised form of gambling in Australia. Behind electronic gaming, gambling at the casino and race betting, it represents the fourth largest total gambling turnover in the country.

As a nation, we spend $7.2 billion each year on wagers placed on a variety of sports from soccer to Aussie rules, rugby league to tennis and plenty of others in between. What we love most about sports betting is the fact it is widely available in bars and social clubs to watch and bet on. The country’s network of convenient TAB facilities combined with a wide variety of online sports betting sites means we can place a bet pretty much anywhere.

The nations biggest bookmaker is still TAB but this huge company no longer has a monopoly on sports betting in Australia. In this guide, we take a look at the best online sites that you can use for sports betting that are either based, or have a presence, in Australia as well as those offshore sites that accept accounts in Australian Dollars.


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Online Sports Betting in Australia

Using an online service for sports betting is 100% legal but there are some limitations.

Unlike sportsbooks found elsewhere in the world, in-play betting or live betting is not legal.

This means that once an event has started, a bookmaker may no longer take your bets on it. It was felt that this kind of ‘ball by ball’ gambling is more addictive and could lead (and contribute) to problem gambling.

However, this legislation only applies to online sports betting and does not restrict you from placing live bets at physical bookmakers or using a telephone.

sports betting aussie rules australia gambling

Wagering on sports in Australia is a popular way to enjoy many events. Image via Flickr.

With that exception aside, online sports betting can provide huge scope of sports events on which you can lay a wager. Sites are not restricted to domestic events and you can place bets on international sports including some top events including:

  • The Ashes
  • English Premier League Football
  • Formula One
  • Tour de France
  • Rugby League
  • FIFA World Cup
  • ICC Cricket World Cup
  • Open Tennis Tournaments

Odds vary by the bookmaker with each providing something different to tempt punters into using their service. Some have great sign-up deals offering free bets or amazing odds but, out of more than 90 online sports betting sites, we’ve chosen our top bookmakers based on the all-round service they offer. We’ve factored in their overall service, customer support and bonus features as well as the range of markets they cover. We wanted to make sure that our choice of best online sports betting sites in Australia not only have a great website that’s easy to use but also have a good reputation so you know your stake is safe.

Best Online Sports Betting Providers in Australia

So, our top picks of the 21 best online providers for sports betting in Australia (in alphabetical order) are as follows:

10bet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia:

 

 

 

betvictor sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 

n/a

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes, mainly new customers  

Minimum Bet: $0.05

Maximum Payout: Varies by sport

Bookmaker Margin: Average

Number of Markets: Higher than average

Bet Victor

A UK based bookmaker that welcomes customers from Australia, Bet Victor has been operating since 1946. Originally named after its founder, Victor Chandler, the site is easy to use and offers a great range of markets across a thoroughly international sportsbook.

As a big global brand, BetVictor has around half a million customers worldwide and is turning over in excess of $1 billion.

They might not offer the most competitive odds but the range of markets with a non-UK based sportsbook offers a good alternative to some of the big names like William Hill, Ladbrokes and Marathon Bet.

Overall, a nice and easy site for casual punters that offers choice and convenience ahead of market-beating odds.

bet365 sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2012

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Fewer than other bookmakers

Minimum Bet: $0.25

Maximum Payout: $25k to $1 million depending on event

Bookmaker Margin: Lower than average

Number of Markets: Higher than average.

Bet365 Sportsbook

Obtaining a license to operate in Australia in 2012, Bet365 is one of the world’s best-known bookmakers and is a leading provider of gambling services.

This UK company transferred the operations of its sportsbook to Oz and this arm of the company is now regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission and not the UK Gambling Commission.

A large company with a strong reputation of customer services. Bet365 offers a solid sportsbook with a great range of markets. The initial complaints that (as a UK company), Aussie sports were ignored in favour of British soccer have now largely been resolved. In addition, Bet365 offers one of the best international coverages of sporting events on this list.

The website is available to view in multiple languages, currencies and odds formats and is comprehensive in its range of events covered. It’s a fast site that not only looks good but performs well too. Odds are instantaneously updated, and you can explore additional markets from one single view.

They don’t offer a huge number of sign up or bonus offers but this may enable them to keep their odds more competitive which we’d prefer.

Overall, Bet365 offers dynamic site with good odds and the lower than average bookmaker margin places them as a good site for regular punters as well as those looking to place casual bets.

betfair sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2005

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes, regular.

Minimum Bet: $5.00

Maximum Payout: $20k-$50k

Bookmaker Margin: Below average

Number of Markets: Well below average

BetFair

BetFair was a concept launched in the UK in 2000 and entered the Australasian markets in 2005. The company formed a joint venture with Crown Bet with BetFair offering a betting exchange and Crown Bet (see below) featuring fixed odds and totes services.

Strictly speaking, BetFair isn’t a bookmaker and doesn’t make a margin on all bets but receives a % commission on winnings.

Odds are offered by users of the service themselves allowing members to play the role of punter and bookmaker. It’s an interesting way to play the markets and Betfair creates a lot of opportunities to wager on a whole range of sporting events both domestic and international.

BetFair is the only licensed exchange service of this type in Australia but it isn’t the best type of service for beginners. Even regular punters will need to learn the ropes. However, anyone familiar with hedging should find an exchange a great option.

Overall, the premise of BetFair gives punters more depth in their choice of betting and with the right application could see odds being up to 20% more competitive than traditional fixed odds.

Betrally sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia:

 

bet star sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2007

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes

Minimum Bet: $0.50

Maximum Payout: $50k per sporting event

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Average

BetStar

Owned by Ladbrokes since 2014, BetStar is now effectively a clone of its parent site (see below).

It’s a shame as this site was originally run by Melbourne based bookies, Michael and Alan Erskine. A father and son team who could boast some prominent clients including the media tycoon, Kerry Packer who once placed a $400k bet through Erskine on the Melbourne Cup. He won.

The site operates under the trading name of BetStar but, to all intents and purposes, is simply a version of the Ladbrokes empire; albeit one that enjoys less promotions and less features. However, BetStar does off the same EFTPOS card facilities which gives you instant access to your winnings (see Ladbrokes, below).

We’ve included this site on our list because it does offer an alternative to Ladbrokes for anyone who likes a slick betting interface from a reliable brand but who are a bit too snobbish to admit to going over to the ‘dark side’.

bluebet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2015

Mobile version: Apps available for iOS and Android and smart website adjusts to mobile screens

Promotions: Some but these are not available to residents in NSW.

Minimum Bet: $1

Maximum Payout: $100k

Bookmaker Margin: Average

Number of Markets: Less than average

Blue Bet

An Aussie owned company that launched in late 2015, Blue Bet is headed up by the former CEO of William Hill Australia, Michael Sullivan. In an attempt to compete with the majority Irish or British owned bookmakers, Sullivan’s new company has been slow off the marks with website features, promotions and bonus content but the service is proving popular with punters.

Blue Bet is an approved partner of Football Federation Australia, NRL, PGA Australia, Australia Rugby Union, Tennis Australia and Cricket Australia.

Whilst sports coverage on the site is strong, the number of markets available per event is lower than average but Blue Bet’s margins are currently thought to be reasonable.

The site itself is clean and simple but a little basic. It has dynamic odds and a responsive design but feels a little boxy in places.

However, customer services is proving strong and you can access live webchat support during office hours. You can also verify your identity online which makes setting up an account a lot easier.

Overall, Blue Bet has had a strong start to its launch forming partnerships with the major domestic sporting associations and offering a broad coverage of events. There is still some work to do for Sullivan’s company in order to give the Brits a run for their money but we think the company shows staying power.

bookmaker sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2012

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes, new members and bonus bets

Minimum Bet: $0.50

Maximum Payout: $10k-$50k per sport

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Average

Bookmaker Australia

Owned and operated by Ladbrokes (see below), Bookmaker Australia offers a standard service with higher than average margins and very average market breadth. So why is it on this list?

Firstly, the huge brand of Ladbrokes makes this a safe site to use and the company doesn’t have the same reputation for suspending and limiting accounts of big winners that some others do. The site is slick and offers a really dynamic and easy way to place your bets plus you can get instant access to your winnings using the special prepaid VISA card.

Bonus bets (though fewer in number than Ladbrokes main site) are pretty regular and can be split into multi-bets.

However, Bookmaker does charge dormant account fees and doesn’t yet offer the same QuickCall service offered by Ladbrokes to enable in-play betting by phone.

Overall, many casual punters will be happy to place bets with a known brand and not be put off by the lack of competitive odds.

classic bet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2014

Mobile version: Yes plus App available for iOS

Promotions: Yes, new members and specials

Minimum Bet: $1.00

Maximum Payout: $50k

Bookmaker Margin: Slightly higher than average

Number of Markets: Higher than average

Classic Bet

Classic Bet is an Australian owned online bookmaker service which is trying to combine the personal service of a traditional bookies with the convenience of internet gambling.

A ‘premium betting agency’, all Classic Bet members are assigned a personal account manager on sign up and you can expect to receive a call from them within 24 hours of registration.

Markets are quite broad but do tend to focus on premium events and less on the smaller markets. However, the sportsbook does feature quite a lot of domestic games.

The website is very simple to use and is similar in design to most of the major services.

There are some good bonus promotions but the terms of using this is quite restrictive in places. Margins for Classic Bet are a little higher than the average.

Overall, Classic Bet is a small Australian owned company that offers a pretty standard offering with one simple point of differentiation; a personal service. This may be a good choice of site for secondary breadth to the markets.

crown bet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2015

Mobile version: Yes, Apps are available for iOS and Android.

Promotions: Yes, new members

Minimum Bet: $0.01

Maximum Payout: Unknown but ‘at Crown Bet’s discretion’

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Higher than average

Crown Bet

Originally known as Betezy, then BetEasy, Crown Bet has been the trading name of a joint venture between casino owners, Crown Resorts and BetFair since 2015. They are marketed as the largest 100% Australian owned bookmakers.

Crown Bet is effectively a trading arm of BetFair but one that offers fixed odds and tote facilities instead of BetFair’s exchange gambling service (see above).

The site offers a higher than average range of sports events with some good markets covered; certainly, the site could easily be a first-choice bookies based on coverage alone. However, odds vary and margins for Crown Bet are slightly higher than average meaning you may want to have a second membership for some breadth in your big punts. There is also the slight concerns we have over maximum payouts plus the T&C’s which allow Crown Bet to ‘close, impose limits or remove products’ from your account with no notice and no reason.

Crown Bet offer some nice features on their site including a EFTPOS card which is instantly loaded with the winnings from your bets making accessing your profits a lot quicker. If you are a fan of the casinos, the Crown Club loyalty scheme may also be a good sign-up incentive.

Overall, there is much to commend Crown Bet to regular punters but we would strongly suggest a second partner site along with this one.

ladbrokes sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2013

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes (high)

Minimum Bet: $0.50

Maximum Payout: $50k daily per sport

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Average

Ladbrokes Australia

One of the big global names in bookmaking, Ladbrokes is an English firm dating back to 1886 who launched an Australian site in 2013 when it bought out the Brisbane based sports betting site, bookmaker.com.au

Ladbrokes is a reliable operator with a reputation for excellent customer service. Employing around 15,000 people globally, the business responds well to complaints, errors and account enquiries.

The company operates an interesting EFTPOS card for its members which means you have instant access via ATMs to your winnings. This means you don’t have to wait 2-3 days to get access to your cash as funds are available about 60 seconds after an event has been concluded. To prevent money laundering, you are only able to access profit from any cash you have deposited and not the deposit itself; this must still be withdrawn to the same source it came from.

In line with federal legislation, the site doesn’t offer in-play betting, but you can place bets on events during play via their QuickCall feature.

The site offers a good range of sporting events on which to bet but an average amount or markets and a higher than average bookmakers margin.

The site offers plenty of promotions for free bets, discounted bets and promoted odds. It is also one of the most feature rich and intuitive sites on this list making account management and placing a bet very simple. Bonus credit can also be used across any number of wagers and isn’t restricted on just one bet or event.

Overall, Ladbrokes is a great site for casual punters and offers strong and safe betting selection with plenty of features to attract (and retain) customers.

luxbet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2008

Mobile version: Yes, plus Apps for iOS and Android

Promotions: Yes, plenty

Minimum Bet: $1.00

Maximum Payout: $150k or 15x original wager on multi-bets

Bookmaker Margin: Average

Number of Markets: Below average

Luxbet

Owned and operated by Tabcorp Holdings, Luxbet is a relatively new entrant to the online sports betting market. Offering better odds than Tabcorp’s other site, TAB Sportsbet, Luxbet also offers some generous sign up offers.

They might not offer the broadest range of markets or indeed events covered but the selection of flexi-betting and multi-odds is great.

The site is pretty standard but perhaps not as dynamic in places as others.

We have some concerns over the customer service as well as some rumours over random account suspensions with no reason. However, the combination of bonus offers and promotions plus multi-bet make this a great service to sign up on combo with a solid first site.

madbookie sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2015

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: Yes

Minimum Bet: $1.00

Maximum Payout: Varies by sport

Bookmaker Margin: Slightly lower than average

Number of Markets: Average

MadBookie

Though the site is relatively new and was bought out in 2017 by TopBetta (see below), it is a bookmaker that is geared simply towards the Australian markets. As a result, markets (whilst broadly average) do give a good range of domestic events.

The company also provides some of the best customer services, offering great online support and technical advice in great time.

Their website is also well above par and is not only simple and slick in design but also dynamic and responsive to changes in odds.

Where MadBookie falls down is in early pricing and entry to upcoming fixtures and events.

MadBookie is an Australian owned site offering an Aussie service with plenty of character but still has a little work to do to make it the primary site for some regular punters.

marathon bet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: n/a

Mobile version: Android and iOS apps

Promotions: Less than average

Minimum Bet: $0.29

Maximum Payout: Varies

Bookmaker Margin: Well below average

Number of Markets: Above average

Marathon Bet

An international online sports betting site, this UK based bookmakers accepts international customers with Aussie punters able to access some good odds.

The primary reason that Marathon Bet makes this list is the fact that they offer some of the best odds on this list. Though they mainly cover international and European events they do cover some large domestic tournaments and some Aussie markets. The breadth of markets within the available sports is also strong.

Combined with an easy-to-use website and some great features including the AdvanceBet which allows you to use the potential winnings of an unsettled bet to lay additional wagers.

Whilst MarathonBet isn’t licensed in Australia, the access for AUS residents to competitive odds makes the site a good companion bookie. However, high stakes gambles won’t enjoy the maximum stakes limits nor the fact that the company is known to restrict the accounts of successful punters.

matchbook sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2004

Mobile version: Yes, iOS and Android apps are available.

Promotions: Yes, new members and regular

Minimum Bet: $2

Maximum Payout: Unlimited

Bookmaker Margin: Below average

 

 

MatchBook

Owned by TripleBet since 2011, MatchBook’s original service has diminished in size since having to take stock of its operations.

MatchBook operates a betting exchange service much like BetFair (see above) and is not a traditional bookmaker. As a result, you are able to act as both punter and bookie, setting your own wagers. Unlike BetFair, MatchBook charges a flat commission on winnings which is more competitive.

The markets are pretty slim on the sports book side but are growing all the time so it’s worth bearing with the site as it continues to expand its services.

The interface is pretty good and, for the most part, is intuitive but new punters may need to use the help files to get used to the difference in using an exchange site.

Overall, MatchBook is a good alternative to BetFair but until the markets expand it won’t replace your primary website.

palmerbet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2013

Mobile version: Yes, plus Android and iOS Apps.

Promotions: Some

Minimum Bet: $1.00

Maximum Payout: None

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Average

Palmerbet

Palmerbet is the online offering from Sydney based bookmakers, the Palmer Family.  In independent Australian owned site, the markets are disappointingly average but offer more than enough range for casual punters or those looking for a standard online offering. The odds offered are also very average and there are some niggly issues with the site including limits to the increments of your bets ($0.50) and withdrawals only being availale in whole dollars.

That said, the site is very responsive and very easy to use.

It’s made this list by the skin of its teeth because of the design of the site and the fact that it is emerging as a really good bookmaker that is getting better all the time. On occasion, Palmerbet has some very good odds on sporting events so they are definitely worth having in reserve as a companion site.

Launched in Australia: n/a

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: None

Minimum Bet: Equivalent of $1USD

Maximum Payout: Varies by sport

Bookmaker Margin: Very low

Number of Markets: Very limited

Pinnacle Sports

Though Pinnacle doesn’t have an Australian license, the company does accept accounts from foreign territories including from Oz.

The site is basic and often a bit slow with very limited markets but the company does offer the best odds and lowest margins on this list.

Other features include high maximum bet limits, a policy of not limiting or restricting accounts and arbitrage betting is accepted.

As a result of this, Pinnacle has one the best reputations in the industry and is one of the go-to sites for most serious punters. Whether the market you are looking for is covered or not, it is always worth checking Pinnacle first.

One of the downsides of the site to remember is that they don’t have horse race betting.

sports bet sports betting austrailaLaunched in Australia: 1993

Mobile version: Yes, iOS and Android Apps

Promotions: Yes, many

Minimum Bet: $0.01

Maximum Payout: $500k

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Higher than average

Sportsbet

Partially owned by Irish bookmakers, Paddy Power, Sportsbet was saved from bankruptcy in 2005.

Sportsbet’s strengths are in early markets for upcoming events, a regular range of promotions and bonuses plus free-to-enter competitions and a strong market for domestic events.

There are some concerns over the way the company restricts the accounts of regular (or high value) winners which may make it a no-no for high stakes punters. However, casual gamblers will find that the site is easy to use and offers a great mobile/app service particularly for the iPad.

Overall, Sportsbet is a strong contender for being a standalone gambling site but the higher than average margins and potential for account disruption for regular winners means that it might be preferable as a companion site to another bookies on this list.

topbetta sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2013

Mobile version: Limited

Promotions: Yes, new members

Minimum Bet: $0.01

Maximum Payout: Daily win limit of $20k

Bookmaker Margin: Average

Number of Markets: Small

TopBetta

An Aussie-owned site, TopBetta acquired the MadBookie (see above) service in April 2017.

As well as offering a bookmaker service, TopBetta positions itself in the market as a social networking site. What we mean by this is that punters can use TopBetta to play against other members in tournaments to become (you guessed it) the ‘TopBetta’. Using ‘BettaBucks’, players can compete to become the most profitable player. Entry to these tournaments is either free or can become another cash wager. The latter means you have a chance to win more money on your bets but, from your fellow punters, not the bookie. It’s a bit gimmicky but can add another dimension and competitive element to your gambling.

On the basic sportsbook, they do cover the major ones, but the range isn’t as big as you’d find on other sites.

As for the site, TopBetta could do better. There are limits to the number of bets you can place in a single selection and the layout isn’t as intuitive as we’d like but they do seem to be making changes all the time.

It does have the lowest minimum bet available but has restrictions of payouts that big spenders should be aware of.

Overall, TopBetta offers something a little different for punters who want a new way to gamble but may suit casual gamblers better.

unibet sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2012

Mobile version: Yes

Promotions: New members

Minimum Bet: $0.10

Maximum Payout: $15k to $300k depending on sport.

Bookmaker Margin: Slightly lower than average

Number of Markets: Very high

Unibet Australia

Unibet was founded in 1997 as a dedicated online gambling company. Based in Malta, they acquired a license in 2012 (formerly granted to Betchoice), and now provide the official partner betting services for many of Australia’s biggest sports.

The Unibet site is very standard in many respects but does feature a really good selection of sports statistics that regular punters will enjoy. The site is dynamic and easy to use but does feature an annoying way to log in – uses a (more difficult to remember) randomly assigned account ID rather than a chosen username.

However, its not the sites design or bonus features which make Unibet a top sports betting bookmaker in Australia, it’s the combination of the lower than average margins and their vast choice in markets. Unibet has one of the best selections of markets by event in this list. AND they cover a lot of domestic Aussie sports that some of the others don’t even consider.

Overall, the site is one of our top picks and should be on your list to consider as your primary sports betting site.

william hill sports betting australiaLaunched in Australia: 2013

Mobile version: Yes, plus Apps for iOS and Android

Promotions: Yes, many.

Minimum Bet: $1

Maximum Payout: $50k (single bet), $100k (multi-bet)

Bookmaker Margin: Higher than average

Number of Markets: Very high

William Hill Australia

William Hill acquired the license of the bookies, ‘Sportingbet’ and ‘Centrebet’ in 2013 introducing the well-known UK brand of William Hill to Australia. The British bookmaker has been operating since 1934 and now has a global presence employing 17000 people around the world.

The website was redeveloped in 2016 and now features a more dynamic and responsive service. It will be a familiar layout for anyone who has ever used an online sports betting service and is both intuitive and fast to use.

When it comes to markets, William Hill has one of the highest range of ways to bet on sporting events in this list. The selection is not just incredibly varied but has been tailored for Australian sports; however, the higher than average margins in favour of the bookmaker can mean that the odds aren’t always the best. There is also some complaints knocking around that William Hill is prone to suspending (or limiting) the accounts of very successful punters.

Overall, William Hill gives breadth of markets for regular punters and an easy and safe way to bet for those who enjoy an occasional flutter. A good site to have as a second account.

Other Online Sports Betting Sites in Australia

The following is a list of other bookmakers that either operate in Australia or provide accounts in Australian Dollars from foreign countries.

Whilst they didn’t make our list in terms of offering the best overall package in an online sports betting bookmaker, individually they do offer something different to the above sites.

Depending on what you are looking for in a partner site, they could offer alternatives to the above.

Some of these offer the best odds for certain sports whilst others have incredible sign-up offers making them a good place to maximise on promotional credit.

  • 138 Sportsbook
  • 18 Bet
  • 1xBet
  • 24 Bettle Sportsbook
  • b-Bets
  • Bet Mira
  • BetAdonis Sportsbook
  • Bet-At-Home
  • BetMonsters Sportsbook
  • Betsafe Sportsbook
  • BetSupremacy Sportsbook
  • Betway Sports
  • Betworld Sportsbook
  • BWin Sports
  • CentreBet
  • ComeOn Sports
  • Draft Kings
  • DraftStars
  • GTbets Sportsbook
  • GUTS Sportsbook
  • Interwetten Sportsbook
  • LeoVegas Sportbook
  • MoneyBall
  • NEDS
  • NetBet Sportsbook
  • Pointsbet
  • SBO Bet
  • SportsChamps
  • Titan Bet
  • Tony Bet
  • UBET Australia
  • vBet Sportsbook

Featured image via Flickr.