Online Betting AUS

Are you keen on placing bets on sports but can’t choose out of the many bookies accessible? We are here to help.

Australians like betting on various horse races and sports, and they have been doing this in land-based facilities for a long time. Tabcorp is the largest company providing services of such kind, making it all easier with their totalizer options. 

OnlineBettingAUS.com specializes in online betting in Australia and will guide you through the process of selecting the most convenient bookmakers if you decide to bet online.

We’ll also remind you of some legal and security concerns, as well as break down the most popular sports events for Aussie punters.

Onlinebettingaus logo with background

Online Betting AUS Video Review

TOP 15 AU Betting Sports Platforms

Bookmakers list

Bet365 bookmaker logo

TOP 1

Bet365

9.9

  • Offers online bets on more than 40 sports

  • In-play bets available

  • Numerous sports promos

  • Oversimplistic layout

  • Slow bank account withdrawals

Unibet bookmaker logo

TOP 2

Unibet

9.9

  • Virtual sports available

  • All-encompassing sports mobile app

  • Risk-free bet present

  • No 24/7 customer support

  • Some markets have less favourable odds

Sportsbet bookmaker logo

TOP 3

Sportsbet

9.8

  • A loud advocate of responsible wagering

  • A rich selection of markets-Live betting on 7 sports, including e-Sports

  • Cluttered web design

  • Odds displayed only in the decimal format

PlayUp bookmaker logo

4

PlayUp

9.7

  • Available mobile app for both Android and iOS users

  • Well-organised and user-friendly site

  • Fixed odds for many markets

  • All sports promos hidden for visitors

  • Doesn’t support live streaming

Winnersbet bookmaker logo

5

Winnersbet

9.6

  • Best tote odds for Australian gallops

  • Fixed odds on all thoroughbreds, harness and greyhound races

  • No e-sports online betting available

  • No live betting

BoomBet bookmaker logo

6

Boombet

9.5

  • Easy navigation and modest design

  • Mobile app available

  • Advantageous fixed odds

  • Lack of live streaming

  • Limited selection of markets

Palmersbet bookmaker logo

7

PalmerBet

9.4

  • Various secure payment methods

  • Android and iOS mobile app-Great odds for all major Australian competitions

  • Oversimplified web design

  • No in-game betting

Neds bookmaker logo

8

Neds

9.3

  • Live betting enabled-24/7 support via phone

  • Convenient filtering feature

  • Underdeveloped live section

  • Elementary website layout

Bluebet bookmaker logo

9

Bluebet

9.2

  • Versatile bonus list

  • Jockey and Box challenges available

  • Live betting is possible

  • Lacks live streaming

  • Narrow selection of markets compared to competitors

Ladbrokes bookmaker logo

10

Ladbrokes

9.2

  • A huge range of racing and sports markets

  • Android and iOS mobile app available

  • Live betting via 24/7 available phone

  • Displays odds only in a decimal format

  • Somewhat deficient live streaming options

Betstar bookmaker logo

11

Betstar

9.1

  • Numerous sports and races to wager on

  • Android and iOS mobile apps available-Live Betting on a range of sports via phone

  • No live-chat

  • Promotions hidden for visitors

RealBookie bookmaker logo

12

RealBookie

9.0

  • Scarce sports and racing events to bet on

  • Responsive live chat support-High-definition live streaming

  • Limited selection of payment methods

  • Smaller sports markets omitted

Picklebet bookmaker logo

13

PickleBet

8.9

  • Biggest esports betting platform

  • A decent selection of other bet sports-Possibility to enter Pick’Em contests

  • No horse racing or greyhounds

  • No live betting nor streaming

Draftstars bookmaker logo

14

DraftStars

8.8

  • Play and bet on 15+ fantasy sports

  • Australian-based and licensed-Well-functioning mobile app for Android and iOS

  • No betting on real sports or races; fantasy only

  • Not enough payment options

TopSport bookmaker logo

15

TopSport

8.7

  • A rich list of races and sports

  • In-play wagering available

  • An Android and iOS app available

  • No streaming

  • Scarce promo list

Best Bookmakers List

Bet365 is an online Australian site that has operated since 2000 and is licensed by Malta Gaming Authority, regulated by Northern Territory Racing Commission. Here, Aussie punters can select from more than 40 sports to bet on and also enjoy live streaming and in-game betting. The site offers many features, such as various odds displays, Australian Horse Form, and various promos.

Bet 365 - Main Logo

Unibet was established in 1997 and had since been offering a range of markets for punters to choose from. The bookmaker is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, regulated by Northern Territory Racing Commission, and is a holder of numerous awards, such as the Socially Responsible Operator of the Year. This sports betting platform enables placing bets on over 30 sports, concentrating mainly on horse racing.

Unibet - Main Logo

Sportsbet portrays many features, but some might struggle to find them because of the confusing web design. Nevertheless, this sports betting website offers wagering on races and various sports, as well as live betting. Flutter Entertainment PLC is the company owner, and the site is licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.

Sportsbet - Main Logo

PlayUp is an Australian-owned website founded in 2009 by PlayUp Interactive PTY LTD. The online sports betting Australia bookie provides favourable odds for many markets, including many Australian Rules Competitions such as AFL 2024 Futures, AFL Brownlow Medal, AFL Rising Star, and more. It is licensed and regulated by NT Racing Commission.

Playup - Main Logo

Winnersbet is a betting online Australian site that allows multiple opportunities for betting on sports and races. This small-sized sports betting website is licensed by Racing Victory, with license number Bl2002171. Aussie punters can choose to place bets on 15 different sports and 3 races, but live betting and streaming aren’t currently enabled. 

Winnersbet - Main Logo

Boombet is an Australian online betting site providing opportunities for betting on sports since 1997. This sports betting bookie holds a license issued by the Northern Territory Government and has also developed a mobile app for both Android and iOS users. Even though limited in diversity when it comes to bet sports and markets, rookies can find decent fixed odds and other promos.

Boombet - Main Logo

PalmerBet has been providing Australian punters with online betting services since 2013, and the company is owned by Palmer Bookmaking Pty LTD. This betting Australia online bookmaker enables wagering on 26 different sports, including the major Australian Rules, as well as Esports, politics, snooker, and others. Regulated by Racing NSW and OLGR.

Palmerbet - Main Logo

Neds is regulated and holds a license by the Northern Territory Racing Commission, and it was launched recently in 2017. This betting Australia online site provides unique features for its registered punters, such as the Neds Toolbox and the obtainable Neds Card, which simplifies the betting and cashout process. Here, punters can place wagers on 27 different sports as well as horse, greyhound, and harness races. 

Neds - Main Logo

Bluebet has launched the site in 2015 by Pty LTD. The online betting operator and its services are approved and licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. Punters can also place wagers and claim promos via the official app for Android and iOS users and also bet on live events from the AFL, NBA, NFL, NHL, and many more leagues.

BlueBet logo

Ladbrokes is definitely the most experienced sports betting online Australia site, staying active since 1886. The bookie is licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission and uses 2048-bit encryption to protect data and transactions. Registered bettors can place wagers on 27 different sports and the three most popular races. Moreover, the obtainable Ladbrokes card can be used anywhere and will speed up withdrawals via an ATM.

Ladbrokes - Main Logo

BetStar is another reputable sports betting AUS bookmaker that was founded in 2007. This online betting site is quite similar to Ladbrokes, both in appearance and the services it provides. Punters here can bet on a range of sports and racing events, including the Australian most popular competitions. Live betting fans can also enjoy this section located among the main menu buttons on the homepage. Regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.

BetStar - Main Logo

RealBookie is a relatively small sport betting website that was established just recently, in 2020. It holds a license issued by Racing Victoria and is regulated by the Victorian Commission for Gambling. Despite offering a rather limited selection of bet sports and races, Aussie punters can still find the leading Australian Rules such as Toyota AFL Premierships, NAP AFL Women’s, and AFL Futures.

RealBookie - Main Logo

PickleBet focuses primarily on esports, presenting a selection of 8 esports to wager on, including Valorant, LOL, FIFA, CS: GO, Dota and others. Besides esports, punters can also check odds and place bets on other real sports events such as basketball, cricket, Aussie Rules, baseball, among others. Betting on thoroughbreds, harness, and greyhound races is currently unavailable at PickleBet. licensed and regulated by Northern Territory Government.

Picklebet - Main Logo

DraftStars is the only bookmaker on our list that specialises in fantasy sports and related services. The site is powered by PlayUp, and it’s licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. All new punters who are unfamiliar with fantasy betting can check The PlayBook for guides and advice and then proceed to the lobby to enter or create a contest.

DraftStars - Main Logo

TopSport is a well-established bookmaker site that offers wagering on horse, harness and greyhound races, as well as around 30 different sports. The bokkie was established in 1998 and is Licensed by the NSW Government. The site is additionally regulated by Greyhound Racing NSW.

TopSport - Main Logo

How we can help you to Find the Best Betting Australian Platform

Selecting out of the countless Australian online betting can be challenging. Online bookmakers often share the similarities but also stand out with some distinctive features that Aussie players prefer – be it a payment method of their liking, an uncommon sport to bet on, or the availability of free bets.

We have explored the best variants for betting on sports and gathered some valuable information that will surely help you in choosing a suitable sports betting site.

  • Promotions. Free bets and risk-free bets are the most common prizes tailored for sports bettors. All Australian online bookies require players to sign up in order to view the active promotions, but there are also some that give a hint for visitors as well. A reputable online sports betting site in Australia should provide several promotions and other prizes for newcomers and regular players.
  • Mobile app. Many punters prefer mobile betting. As a result, many betting platforms have developed a dedicated mobile app incorporating all available features such as the desktop one. A well-functioning mobile betting app should allow players to bet on various markets, claim promotions, and deposit or withdraw at any time. 
  • Betting site variety. Is soccer, cricket, or a greyhound race your favourite sport to bet on? Maybe politics and e-sports are your things. Bet sports variety is one of the crucial aspects that make online sports betting AUS platforms attractive. Search through the sports available on the site and the markets related to the sports, and then decide whether the site is worth wagering at. 

Hands are holding puzzle in case to help each other and onlinebettingaus logo

  • Payments. Bettors have individual needs when it comes to payment methods. Some Australians prefer paying via an e-wallet, the most commonly required being PayPal, but most of them prefer paying via Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency available.
  • Site Experience. A clear interface, user-friendly site, and easily-navigated buttons are other vital aspects to consider before choosing an online bookie. Most commonly, the sports and races available are placed in a left vertical banner, and on the right site is your organised betting slip so that you can easily track your placed bets. 
  • Support. Responsive, helpful and reliable customer service is another crucial feature of a good sports betting site. Aussie punters should be able to contact an agent in various ways – email, phone, live chat or consult an FAQ section for a quick answer. 
  • Odds. The most reputable online bookies in Australia offer favourable odds for many sports and races. There are three main formats of odds to be aware of – fractional, decimal, and moneyline odds. The best bookmakers have the feature to present odds in all three different formats to make it easier for players to understand and read them. Moreover, some sites offer how-to guides that explain how odds work and how to calculate them. 

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Online bookies in Australia

Australian punters have a vast selection of online bookies to pick from and choosing the right one can be tricky. 

Bettors have to be certain that the site they choose is legit, licensed, and reliable, consider the promotions and the availability of risk-free bets, inspect the convenience of mobile betting, and last but not least, check if the payment methods on offer fit their needs.

That’s why we have narrowed down the selection based on the aforementioned criteria and have selected the top 15 Australian bookmakers that allow betting on sports.

If you still struggle to reach a decision and choose one, visit us at Online Betting AUS and read through the professional advice and recommendations that we have meticulously prepared.

Hippodrome with horse racing

Australian Licensed Bookmakers

Having a valid license issued by a reliable regulatory body is a key aspect that speaks for a bookmaker’s credibility and security. We have reviewed several online sports betting platforms in Australia and have also checked how safe it is to play there – we’ll present the details below. 

Here are the best of the best Australian licensed bookmakers:

  • Ladbrokes – This bookmaker is fully licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission and protects users’ data using 2048-bit encryption.
  • Bet365 – Another expert in its field, Bet365 is licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.
  • Neds – This is yet another sports betting site that is licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. The transactions scheme at Neds is stable and secure, and all transactions are processed via the National Australia Bank.
  • Unibet – This bookmaker is regulated and licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.
  • Sportsbet – Another bookie whose services are licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission.

List of the Australian bookies: Ladbrokes, Sportsbet, bet365, Unibet, Neds

Why Trust OnlineBettingAUS?

We are a dedicated, collaborative team of betting professionals whose expertise is online Australian betting. Our selection criteria are based on long-lasting research that correlates many conditions that a site has to fulfill in order to make it to the best 15 sites.

We are a trustworthy team of reviewers that put a lot of effort into finding and gathering useful information regarding betting on sports in Australia. 

Lastly, we offer honest and impartial reviews that include the most important aspects to consider before placing bets. 

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Reliable Payment Providers

Having a range of banking options can be vital throughout your journey, which is why the site of your choice has to offer credit/debit card payments, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies.

The most common payment alternatives Aussie players select are the following:

  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • PayPal
  • POLi
  • Apple Pay
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • BPay 

Remember to also check the limits related to each payment alternative, as well as the processing time of every transaction. 

Someone enters his payment card data into the laptop

New Australian Betting Platforms

The number of Australian betting companies is constantly rising, and many new sites offer modernised services and a variety of markets. 

Among the new Australian betting companies worth a visit, we can pinpoint the following: PlayUp, Draftstars, Neds, WinnersBet, BoomBet, etc. 

Hippodrome with races and several jockeys

Mobile Sports Betting

All the sports betting Australia platforms we have included in our review offer mobile betting in one way or another – be it via a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-adaptive version of the site. Being able to follow a live stream, participate in live betting or choose miscellaneous types of bets via their mobile is very appreciated by mobile punters. 

Read along, as we will give you the best advice on what to consider when looking for a decent mobile app, and also recommend some.  

What to Look For

When looking for a mobile app, every punter should consider the availability of the following points:

  • Betting markets: Check if you can bet on several types of sports, such as rugby, ice hockey, cycling, and netball, but also the less frequent ones such as political, financial and entertainment betting. 
  • Live betting: The most well-developed mobile apps allow in-play betting via mobile devices. This is done by calling a phone number. 
  • Sports Competitions: Check whether the mobile app or mobile site you selected has a clear division of competitions to easily choose from. For example, Australian players should be able to find the Australian Rules with a simple click and then choose to bet on AFL, AFL Futures, Brownlow Medal, Rising Star, etc.
  • Live streaming: Watching your favourite sport live via your mobile phone is a great feature to enjoy, but make sure that the app or site allows this feature via mobile. 

Happy australian man making bets on smartphone

Sports Betting Apps

Placing bets via a mobile app is simple and easy if you choose one of our selected sites that we included in the list. The best sports betting mobile apps we recommend trying are available for both Android and iOS users, and some of them are Unibet, PlayUp, Betstar, and Palmerbet.

Illustration of a horse on a smartphone background

How to Use Online Betting Sites?

If you are new to sports betting, there’s no need to worry – we will present a detailed guide on using online sites. Follow our steps below:

  1. Visit one of the sites mentioned in this article or simply scroll over and click on one of them
  2. Search for the ’Register’ button, which is usually placed in the right or left upper corner of the site
  3. Insert the necessary details to complete the creation of an account
  4. Visit the banking section, look through the payment alternatives and deposit a certain amount
  5. Look through the sports by clicking on ‘All sports’ or clicking ‘Races’ if you wish to bet on a horse, harness, or greyhound racing. 
  6. Select your sport and choose the odds that work most in your favour
  7. Create your betting slip and place the bet

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Horse Racing

Betting on horse races is very popular among Australian punters. Australians spend their leisure time placing bets and watching horse races, the central part taking thoroughbred races. 

Among Australia’s most popular horse racing events are the Caulfield Cup, the Melbourne Cup, and Cox Plate. Read through the details on each of them below.

Caulfield Cup betting

Caulfield Cup is a well-known thoroughbred horse race taking place every October in Melbourne. This 2,400 metres long race has a prize pool of several million Australian dollars, and online bettors can find odds and handicaps even a couple of months before the race starts. 

Melbourne Cup Betting 2024

Probably the most famous of them all, the Melbourne Cup Race 2024 is a 3,200 metres race organised by the Victoria Racing Club in Melbourne. The race has punters swarming online bookmakers in search of the best odds. Many punters often prefer placing exotic bets, like trifecta or superfecta, to include several races in one slip.

Cox Plate Betting 2024

Moonee Valley Racecourse is the home to the Cox Plate Race, another of Australia’s widely-known racing events. The race has a prize pool of around AU$5,000,000, which attracts punters to do their resea

Woman horserider stroking a horse

Sports Betting

Australians are avid sports bettors, placing their calculated bets on many domestic and international competitions. 

Regarding domestic events, the most followed and bet on competitions are the AFL, the NRL, but also soccer and cricket, with their respective major leagues – the A-league and the Sheffield Shield. Australian Open is among the largest national sports events, both in Australia and worldwide. 

The most famous international sports events that Aussies like to bet on are the Premier League of England and the NBA. 

Cricket

Cricket is many Australians’ choice to place bets on. Cricket allows placing exotic and single bets, predicting different outcomes on a single or several matches. The most popular cricket events that punters bet on are the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Australian Tri-Series, T20 matches, and other local competitions. 

Cricket icon

Rugby

The Rugby League became popular in some parts of Australia in the 1930s, stealing the attention from Rugby Union. Starting primarily in New South Wales and Queensland, the impact of rugby quickly spread throughout the whole territory of the country. With the league becoming professionals, bettors started placing bets on the most popular rugby events.  The most common bets that Aussie players place on rugby are over/under and handicap bets. 

Rugby Icin

Australian Rules

Aussie Rules is a typical native sport that includes 18 players on a field. Punters place all kinds of bets in the most popular AFL league, but other markets are available on all sites we have selected. These are usually placed in a separate Australian Rules Category, among the other sports. 

Australian Rules icon

AFL

The Australian Football League (AFL) is a professional men’s football league consisting of 18 competing teams. The annual AFL Grand Final unites many Australian bettors, and the most common bets they place during this event are money line, over/under, parlay bets, prop bets, etc. 

AFL Icon

Tennis

Australians love betting on tennis mostly because of the choices it offers – you can predict the winner, the precise score, the player who will score the next point, and others. Among the major tennis, competitions are the recognizable Australian Open.

Tennis Icon

Golf

Online sports betting Australia sites include wagering on golf, and the primary competitions that Aussie punters choose are the Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship, and Australian Masters. 

Golf Icon

Soccer

Many sports betting Australia sites offer various soccer markets, and punters can check odds for current matches, filter through leagues, and also take part in in-play betting. The most popular markets include NSL, A-League Men, and A-League Women. 

Soccer icon

Basketball

Aussies place mostly over/under bets, point spread, and money line on the major basketball events such as NBL, FIBA World Cup, etc. 

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NRL

The National Rugby League is the most-watched rugby tournament in Australia, which involves 15 teams for Australia, and one from New Zealand. Many online sports betting sites present their odds even before the league commences.

National Rugby Legaue icon

Boxing

Many of the bookmakers on our list offer odds for wagering on boxing. Boxing as an individual sport attracts many spectators and punters, and the most popular Australian professional boxing competitions are Flyweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight, and Heavyweight, involving both male and female competitors. 

Boxing icon

Election

Many of the bookmakers on our list offers both national and international election betting. 

Election icon

Live betting in Australia

Live betting makes it possible for bettors to place a bet in-play, throughout the duration of a certain event. Aussie punters love the thrill of placing a bet in real-time, trying to keep up with the odds constantly changing, thus adjusting their predictions.

However, the Interactive Gambling Act forbids websites to advertise or provide online wagering options, including in-play. This is why some websites have managed to find a loophole in the law and provide in-play bets which doesn’t classify as online – it can be solely done via phone.

We reviewed many online bookmakers, and the ones that offer very convenient live betting are Sportsbet Neds, Bluebet, and Ladbrokes. 

Man and woman with a loudspeaker and a soccer ball

Live Streaming

The live streaming feature allows punters to watch a live stream of games available on the betting site they’ve selected. 

Searching through odds and placing an online bet goes hand in hand with enjoying live streams, and punters often enjoy the live streams available on one site but may prefer to check out favourable odds on another.

The sites that offer uninterrupted live streaming are Bet365 and RealBookie.

Live streaming icon

How is Online Betting Regulated in Australia?

Online legal betting activities have been introduced by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which sets a list of precise rules for online punters and online bookies residing in Australia.

The ACMA makes sure that online sports betting sites refrain from offering welcoming prizes for bettors or including call-outs to attract punters. Moreover, live bets are made via phone exclusively, and the only bookmakers who can offer betting services are the ones that have been licensed by an Australian regulatory body, such as the Northern Territory Racing Commission.

Judge's gavel and onlinebettingaus logo

Security at Australian Online Betting Agencies

Our list of top online betting Australia sites includes trustworthy names that offer secure betting experiences. 

We confidently confirm this because each site is licensed and regulated by a valid licensing body, offers credible payment solutions, and encrypts transactions using the latest technology.

Since different provinces impose different laws, residents in South Australia can also trust the bookmakers on our list because they all operate by the South Australian Gambling Codes of Practice. 

Blue lock with asterisks

Responsible online betting

Sites like Ladbrokes, Bet365, Unibet, Neds or any other on our top 15 list have a dedicated Responsible gambling section to prevent addiction issues when betting. 

What’s more, most of them also offer pre-commitment limits, which are basically restrictions on losses a bettor can reach in a session.

A thoughtful Aussie sits at his laptop

The future of online betting in Australia

Online betting is viral and widely practised throughout the whole territory of Australia. Currently, the Interactive Gambling Act signed in 2001 forbids any kind of marketing or welcome prizes on online betting sites in Australia.

We believe that the act will be soon revised, and the governing bodies will implement more favourable conditions for both punters and bookmakers. 

A girl looks through binoculars

FAQ

What is the best betting site in Australia?

All the 15 presented betting bookmakers are perfectly safe and fun to use for any Australian player. Out of all, Bet365 is probably the most all-encompassing Australia betting site.

Which Australian bookmakers have the best odds?

There are many bookmakers that offer favourable odds, but probably the best ones can be found at Bet365, WinnersBet, and PlayUp.

How do online sports betting work?

They all function in a similar manner. After you register, deposit and place a bet, you have to wait for the sports event or race to finish in order to find out whether you’ve won or lost your bet.

Can I bet online in Australia?

Most certainly. Australians are allowed to bet online on bookmakers that are licensed by an Australian regulatory body and abide by the rules of the Interactive Gambling Act.

How risky is online betting?

Online betting carries a certain risk since you can always predict the wrong outcome of a sporting event. However, if you play responsibly and do not spend more than you can afford, the risk is close to none.

Are betting platforms legal & safe in Australia?

Yes, they are. The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 approves the operation of online Australian betting.

Which Australian betting platforms have cash out?

Many sports betting AUS bookies allow cashouts. Most of them are included in our list, and they are Bet365, BlueBet, Sportsbet, Neds, Ladbrokes, etc.

Which Australian betting bookies offer free bets?

AU online betting bookies aren’t allowed to advertise promotional prizes, such as free bets to visitors. So, if a particular bookie offers free bets, you can only use them after you have created an account.