Sports betting sites in Australia aren’t what they used to be. Local bookies now face strict bonus limits, and live betting is no longer available online. That’s why more Australians are turning to international sites.
These offshore platforms offer better bonuses, live in-play betting, and crypto options. Let’s dive into the top 10 betting sites for Australians and see who’s offering the best value right now.
How We Rate the Best Betting Sites for Australia
We only recommend trusted betting sites that accept Australian customers. These are sites we’ve used ourselves, and we rate them on a few key things that matter:
- ✅ Proper Licensing – We only list legit sites with valid licences and solid reputations.
- 🏉 Sports Coverage – Sites must include Australian favourites like AFL, NRL, cricket and racing.
- 📈 Good Markets & Odds – Competitive prices across a range of markets.
- 🎁 Fair Bonuses – Promos should be clear without hidden catches or unfair wagering.
- 📱 Mobile Experience – Should work smoothly on phones and tablets via app or browser.
- 💳 Banking Options – Local methods, crypto, fast payouts, and low fees.
- ⚡ Live Betting – In-play odds, game trackers, stats, and cash out options
- 🔥 Modern Features – The top sites offer extras like live streaming, bet builders, & in-play tools.
💡 Did You Know? – Reload bonuses, rebates, and loyalty perks are common offshore, but they’re almost nonexistent at Aussie-licensed sportsbooks due to local restrictions.
Best Bonuses at Betting Sites in Australia
Aussie-licensed sportsbooks can’t offer sports betting sign-up bonuses, but offshore sites still can.
Many offer bigger welcome deals, reload bonuses, free bet credits, loyalty rewards, and even crypto-only promos. Most Aussie betting sites offer deposit match bonuses or free bets, but the rollover terms can vary wildly.
Welcome Bonus
International sportsbooks have a significant advantage over our local betting agencies. They can offer us massive deposit bonuses to join their site. These are worth more than $1000 at many sites and often don’t have harsh turnover requirements.
💡 Our Tip: Look for turnover requirements of 20x and under to make the most of a welcome bonus.
Reload Bonus
These bonuses are another big advantage to betting offshore, where they are often called a re-up bonus. Many sites will offer bonuses on your first 2-5 deposits, which gives you multiple chances to take advantage of the value on offer.
💡 Our Tip: As with a welcome bonus, check the turnover requirements for any reload bonus before withdrawing.
Rebates
Rebates have gone the way of the Dodo bird in Australia due to the POCT (point of consumption tax) changes on sports betting. This is not the case overseas, though, where many operators offer a weekly rebate on net sports betting losses.
💡 Our Tip: Many offshore operators are more generous with their rebate offers on horse racing. Look out for them.
Multi Bonus Back
The multi bonus back is known in offshore circles as parlay insurance.
This promotion means that if you miss one leg of your multi, you will receive a bonus bet so you can try again. The rules change depending on which site you bet at, with some offering on 3, 4, or 5 legs and varying minimum odds requirements.
💡 Our Tip: Be sure to investigate the rules around how many legs your multi needs to include to qualify for a bonus back offer.
Free Bets
Overseas betting sites run fewer free bet offers than their local counterparts, but plenty offer them on a first losing bet in-play.
Free bet offers are where online betting sites in Australia lead the world, as it’s the main area they can reward local players. Plenty of great free bets are on offer, no matter where you play.
💡 Our Tip: Keep an eye out for bonuses back on in-play or horse racing bets. These markets are where you’re most likely to land a freebie.
Loyalty Programs
Sites in Australia will offer bonuses based on turnover. You earn points as you place bets, which are then converted into free bets. These offers are small compared to the loyalty programs offered abroad.
International bookies’ programs are often tiered and allow you to earn points faster as you get to a higher tier.
💡 Our Tip: Find a sportsbook that lets you redeem points for cash and other offers rather than just free bets like local operators.
💡 Did You Know? – Local Aussie bookies haven’t been allowed to offer sign-up bonuses since 2019. That’s why offshore sites can look way more generous, as they’re not tied down by the same ad laws.
Most Popular Sports at Australian Betting Sites
As any proud Aussie knows, this depends on where you live. Victorians are laughed at in NSW for their love of aerial ping-pong, much like NSW sports fans are laughed at for watching rugby league. The one thing for sure is that most Aussies love a bet, regardless of location.
So, what are the most popular sports to bet on in Australia?
- 🏇 Horse racing – The “Sport of Kings” is massive in Australian culture, and the turnover is enormous. The year’s highlight is the Melbourne Cup, known as the race that stops a nation, and Aussies know why. No other Tuesday in the calendar is quite like it.
- 🏉 AFL – Aussie Rules is Australia’s national sport, despite what Queenslanders and NSW locals would have you believe. The betting turnover is massive, and with the inclusion of a Tassie team, the competition is as close to a national competition as it’s possible to be.
- 🏉 Rugby League – The NRL is Australia’s second-biggest sports competition and dominates the landscape in Queensland and NSW, with only the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders residing outside of those power states. The Penrith Panthers are undisputed modern-day greats and one of the best teams ever.
- 🏏 Cricket – Another hugely popular sport in Australia. Cricket has grown in popularity again with the emergence of T20 cricket. The local Big Bash competition is an extremely popular betting option, as well as big competitions like the IPL, World Cup, and Ashes.
- 🏈 NFL – The Super Bowl is the second-biggest sporting event for gambling turnover in the world (behind the soccer World Cup). American football has continued to grow as a sport in Australia, with the NFL commissioner recently announcing plans to hold a game in Melbourne annually in the near future.
- ⚽️ Soccer – Soccer is known as The World Game, and it ranks highly for sports betting turnover in Australia, as expected. The English Premier League and the Champions League are the most bet-on soccer leagues at Australian betting sites, with the A-League also popular.
- 🏀 Basketball – The NBA rules the roost when it comes to basketball betting, with huge turnover and betting options. The local NBL league also holds plenty of bets, as do leagues worldwide. Aussies love player prop bets, with legends like Lebron and Kevin Durant being bet on frequently.
- 🎾 Tennis – Aussie punters love a flutter during the Australian Open in Melbourne, but the global calendar offers year-round tennis betting. Most sites let you bet on match winners, total games, set scores, or even live points in play.
- ⛳ Golf – Major tournaments like The Masters and The Open draw big interest, with betting options like outright winners, top 10 finishes, and round-by-round matchups.
- 🥊 UFC / MMA – The fight game continues to grow in popularity. Expect markets on bout winners, method of victory (KO, submission, or decision), and round betting.
- 🎮 Esports – A newer niche, but growing fast. Esports betting in Australia is gaining traction, with many sites now offering betting on CSGO, League of Legends, and other major titles with markets like match winners, map scores, and total kills.
💡 Did You Know? – In 2024, Aussies wagered over $214 million on the Melbourne Cup. That’s more than five times the turnover of any other horse race nationwide.
Bet Types Found at Australian Betting Sites
The bet types at offshore sites compared to our local sites are very similar. There are often more prop markets and unique futures available at overseas operators, and some, like esports betting sites, are dedicated to more niche sports. So, what are the different bet types available?
Win Markets
- Known internationally as the moneyline and the easiest bet to place by far. If we bet $100 on the Magpies to win at odds of $1.91, and they won, we would get $191 back for a profit of $91.
Line Markets
- Offshore sportsbooks call this spread betting, and it’s the most popular bet type in the world.
- The favourite of a given game gives a head start to the underdog team. For instance, if Manly were -5.5 point favourites against Parramatta and we backed Manly, we would need them to win by 6 points or more for the bet to win.
Totals (Over/Under)
- This is the same idea as betting on the line, but with the game’s total score as the focus.
- For example, if Richmond and Hawthorn played each other in the AFL, and the total was 184.5, we could bet the over or under. If we took the over, we would need the two teams’ combined score to be more than 184.
Props
- Player prop bets are huge amongst Australian punters on the AFL and NRL.
- They allow you to bet on things like: How many possessions will Patty Cripps get? Will Josh Addo-Carr score a try?
- Then, there is the vast variety of team props. Who will lead at quarter time? How many goals will Fremantle kick?
Multis
- Overseas sportsbooks call this bet a parlay.
- It involves betting on multiple results on the one bet ticket, creating better odds. All selections must win for the bet to land.
- You can take results across many sports. For example, Brisbane Lions to win the AFL premiership, Cronulla Sharks to win the NRL premiership and the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA championship.
Same-Game Multi
- This is known as a same-game parlay overseas and is extremely popular. It works the same as a multi, but the selections are all on the one event.
Futures
- These are long-term bets on who will win events like the AFL or NRL premierships, the Melbourne Cup, or the Brownlow Medal.
- These events are covered at international books, with plenty of Aussie betting markets available.
Live Betting
- This one is a bit tricky. Since the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill in 2016, live online betting in Australia has been banned at local sportsbooks operating under an Australian licence. To place a live bet at Aus betting sites, you need to pick up the phone and start dialling old-school style.
- Overseas operators can take live bets online, so setting up an account with one of them will allow you to bet in-play easily.
💡 Quick Tip – Live odds can shift in seconds, especially in esports and fast-paced games. That’s why it’s worth using an offshore site with proper in-play tools and fast response times.
Live Betting Sites & In-Play Odds in Australia
As we mentioned earlier, licensed Aussie bookies can’t offer live betting online, only over the phone.
Betting apps and sites operated offshore don’t have the same restrictions, meaning you can bet in-play online during games, races, or matches, no phone calls required.
You may need a VPN to access some offshore betting sites, but once you’re in, it’s just a few taps to place a bet.
Mobile Sports Betting in Australia
Most offshore sportsbooks don’t need a download. Their mobile sites work like apps, often rivalling the best gambling apps in Australia for speed, features, and ease of use. You can deposit, withdraw, place bets, or even stream live events, all from your phone or tablet.
This is where mobile betting is essential. If you’re out watching the action, quick access is everything. The best sports betting apps in Australia and mobile sites let you jump on shifting odds in real-time, with the full platform right there in your pocket.
💡 Quick Tip – You can save an offshore mobile betting site to your home screen as a shortcut. Just tap the browser menu and select “Add to Home Screen.” It’ll open like an app, no downloads needed.
Banking Options at Best Australian Betting Sites
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to payment methods. Some are faster for withdrawals, others offer more privacy. Here’s a quick look at what’s available at most Aussie betting sites.
- 🔒 PayID – Some betting sites in Australia accept instant PayID (Osko) transfers. Funds are taken directly from your linked PayID bank account to fund your betting account.
- 💳 Credit / Debit Cards – Offshore sites still accept both. As of June 2024, credit cards are banned at locally licensed Aussie bookies.
- ₿ Cryptocurrency – The boss of banking methods at offshore sportsbooks. Crypto betting sites offer security, privacy, small deposit minimums, high withdrawal limits, and instant payouts.
- 🏦 Bank/Wire Transfers – This method is slow for depositing and withdrawing. There are also fees on your transactions.
- 👛 E-wallets – Some punters like to use e-wallets like PayPal as a way to fund their accounts. Deposit and withdrawal times vary from site to site, so check carefully for any fees.
How Payment Methods Compare at Betting Sites in Australia
Here’s how the main payment options stack up at offshore betting sites accepting Australians—covering speed, fees, and what each method is best suited for.
| Payment Method | Best For | Withdrawal Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayID | Instant local bank transfers | Fast (within minutes) | Usually free |
| Debit Cards | Simple, widely accepted | Medium (1–3 days) | May include bank fees |
| Credit Cards | Offshore deposits only | N/A (banned locally) | 1–3% deposit fee typical |
| Cryptocurrency | Near-instant payouts, privacy & high limits | Fast (instant–1hr) | Low / None |
| Bank Transfer | High rollers moving large amounts | Slow (2–5 days) | Often high (AU$10+) |
| E-Wallets | Quick withdrawals and added privacy | Fast (within hours) | Varies by provider |
💡 Quick Tip – Some offshore betting sites accept cryptocurrency for withdrawals, even if you deposited using a card or e-wallet. This can offer faster cashouts and enhanced privacy.
How to Bet in Australia: Expert Tips
Online betting in Australia has grown fast, but making the most of it still comes down to smart choices.
Before you start placing bets, it pays to know a few basics. These quick tips cover everything from finding value to managing your bankroll like a pro.
Only bet with offshore sites that have a legit licence
When betting offshore, make sure to only invest your cash at reputable online sportsbooks in quality jurisdictions. Investigate where the sportsbook is licensed and how long they have been operating. If you’re trying a lesser-known sportsbook or offshore platform, the licence is even more critical.
Shop around to find the best bonus offers
It’s hard enough to back a winner, so finding the best bonuses and taking advantage is a great way to boost your bankroll. Check all the different online betting sites and locate the best bang for your buck.
Always compare lines – a point can make the difference
Betting sites in Australia don’t always offer the same lines. One site might have Geelong at -17.5, while another lists them at -16.5. That single point can be the difference between winning and losing your bet, so it pays to shop around. You wouldn’t buy a new car without checking prices and getting the best deal. Do the same when having a bet.
Use a simple staking plan to protect your bankroll
Managing your bankroll is important. There is no point losing on the Saturday AFL and NRL and then going five from five on Sunday with no money left after Saturday’s shenanigans. We recommend using a staking system such as the Kelly Criterion. If it’s good enough for Warren Buffett, it’s good enough for me.
Check team injury reports before placing your bet
It doesn’t matter which sport it is. AFL, NRL, NBA, cricket, soccer, and everything in between, injuries play a role, and be sure to keep up to date with the current reports.
Look at recent head-to-head records to spot hidden value
This one is simple. Some teams match up well against others and not as well with other teams. Look for a team with a recent head-to-head advantage and try to find some value.
Don’t place totals bets without checking the weather forecast
Weather can impact sports in so many ways. Rain can have a significant influence on the totals in the AFL. Wind has an influence on totals in the NFL. Then there are the differences in cricket results when sessions are lost to rain, or the Duckworth Lewis system comes into play. Always be sure to know the predicted weather before having a bet.
Is Online Betting In Australia Legal?
Yes, you can legally bet online in Australia if the site is licensed and follows local laws. Offshore sportsbooks are also accessible, but they aren’t licensed domestically and aren’t part of the national self-exclusion scheme.
Live in-play betting is banned online at Aussie-licensed sites. To bet in Australia live, you must call by phone, which is far from ideal. Offshore platforms don’t have this issue, letting you place bets in real time without the hassle. These include betting sites not on BetStop.
➡️ Did you know? – Australia’s first legal betting took place at a horse race in 1810 at Hyde Park, Sydney. Horse racing has long been legal and popular, while broader sports betting wasn’t officially legalised until 1983.
Trends & Stats on Betting in Australia
Aussies love a bet. It’s part of the culture, and for many, it plays a big role in daily life.
But just how big is the market now, and is it growing? Total gambling turnover dropped from AU$232 billion in 2018 to AU$174 billion in 2019. By 2022–23, though, it had bounced back to over AU$240 billion.
Most of that growth came from online betting in Australia, with many now turning to offshore sites for better odds and bonuses. Offshore sportsbooks are helping drive the rise of esports betting in Australia, with full coverage of tournaments like IEM, The International, and VCT.
Digital gambling turnover jumped by more than 165% year-on-year, hitting AU$75.4 billion, around 31% of all gambling activity. Online participation also rose sharply, with 1 in 3 adults placing bets online in 2024.
Here’s how the market is shifting:
- 📈 Turnover is rising again after a pre-COVID slump
- 💻 Online betting now makes up nearly a third of all gambling activity
- 📲 Aussies are betting on mobile more than ever — especially via offshore sites
- 🆕 Fresh new betting sites are flooding in, offering crypto, fast payouts & in-play options
- 🔮 Market revenue is forecast to double by 2030 — despite tighter local rules
As a sports-loving nation, these trends aren’t surprising. Australian sports betting is booming, and with Australian online casinos also expanding, these numbers are expected to keep climbing.
Looking ahead, the Australian online gambling market is projected to grow from AU$2.5 billion in annual revenue in 2024 to around AU$5.3 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 13.6%.
Must-Have Features of Top Betting Sites in Australia
After reviewing the top 10 betting sites in Australia, these are the features we think every platform should offer if they want to stay competitive.
- Banking Options – Simplicity, security, fast cashouts, and low fees all matter. It’s hard enough to win—don’t lose out waiting for your payout.
- Mobile Functionality – Which is the best betting app in Australia? That’s a personal call, but top sites make it quick and easy to bet from your phone.
- Live Streaming – Watching the event you’ve bet on adds to the experience. Many sites offer streams for major sports and races.
- Live Betting – Players want to bet live online, not over the phone. Fast platforms let you follow the momentum and jump on shifting odds.
- In-Play Stats – Real-time scoreboards, player data, and match trackers help you make better calls while betting live.
- Competitions – Free contests are great value and often come with big prizes. Look out for sites that run regular promos.
- Early Cashout – Multis can fall apart in the last leg. A cash-out option allows you to lock in a return before it’s too late.
- 💡 Quick Tip – Some sites even let you cash out anonymously. See our guide to betting sites without verification.
FAQs about AU Betting Sites
The legalities are a bit of a grey area. The current Interactive Gambling Bill is in place to regulate the providers, not the consumers. This is where betting overseas is advantageous, as many jurisdictions allow Australian punters to bet at their site.
Absolutely. Australian sportsbooks are strictly monitored by their state-based gaming authorities. Your personal details and funds are extremely secure, as is your betting experience.
You can bet at every Australian-licensed sportsbook in AUD. When betting offshore, the most common currency used is USD. This won’t matter if you are trading with cryptocurrency, however.
Gambling is treated as a form of entertainment in Australia, not a form of income. So, no, gambling winnings are not taxed.
Crypto is definitely the king of the international betting world. Many sites allow players to use any of more than a dozen different coins for deposits and withdrawals. Transactions are fast and, more importantly, private and secure.
References
- https://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/statistics/theme/society/gambling/australian-gambling-statistics (Queensland Gov – AU Gambling Stats)
- https://tribune-intl.com/australia-in-the-worlds-top-ten-most-prolific-gambling-nations-of-2024/ (Tribune International – Top Gambling Nations)
- https://www.dss.gov.au/system/files/resources/d19_887121_final_baseline_study_-_national_consumer.pdf (DSS – 2019 Bonus Ban Overview)
