Where can we bet securely and which are the leading bookmakers in Australia?
Look at our table with the top bookmakers in Australia. They have different sports and good betting services. Choose your bookie and try their services by signing up.
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
- Among the Highest Odds in the industry
- Wide Variety of Sports Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Great Range of Sports Betting Markets
- Wide Variety of Casino Games
- Generous Bonus Offers
- Mobile App is Available
Introduction
Australia, as a country, loves gambling more than almost any other country in the world. Although there are a number of opportunities for Australians to bet in physical brick-and-mortar casinos or sports betting shops, the laws regarding online betting are somewhat stricter, in fact, it is illegal. As a result, the Australian market is slightly smaller than other international markets, especially given the fact that betting is such a popular pastime. This works to the benefit of users, however, because the stronger competition forces registered companies to provide the very best services.
Interesting Facts about Gambling in Australia
- Australians spend more money on gambling than any other country – on average $1,200 per person
- 80% of Australian adults have gambled at least once in their life, also one of the highest rates in the world
- Australia generates over $18 billion in revenue from gambling each year
- Although Australia has 0.33% of the worlds’ population, they have 20% of the worlds’ electronic gaming machines
- The most popular form of gambling is poker
- The worlds’ most massive casino scam was undertaken by an Australian punter, who got away with $32 million
Gambling Legislation and LawsBetting has a long history in Australia and has been legal for several years, through brick-and-mortar casinos all over the country. However, the government takes a slightly stricter approach to online gambling. In 2001, the Australian government passed the Interactive Gambling Act. This was designed to make online betting illegal. However, it was explicitly targeted at vendors and not punters. Australian bettors will not be prosecuted for accessing online gambling sites that are registered overseas. In regards to bookmakers, any organization offering real money online gambling services, whether it is an Australian or international company, are not allowed to advertise to Australian customers. The law is not considered watertight, and several loopholes still allow online lotteries to exist, and for Australian companies to offer their services to an overseas market. The law also does not apply to sports betting or in-play sports betting, which is still allowed to be placed online. Although there are overarching federal laws, each Australian state is responsible for regulating gambling, both physically and online, in their jurisdiction. |
Top Online Betting Websites in Australia
Although there are many different sites that are registered in Australia, here are some of the best ones:
Competition between Operators
Based on the illegal status of online gaming, there are not as many operators providing their services in Australia as there are in other countries. There are approximately ten Australian conglomerates that offer in-person and online betting. Despite this smaller market, a monopoly does not exist. Players can still always choose to utilize the services of offshore companies if they are looking for something alternative that the local market does not provide.
?There is, however, a monopoly on poker machines. Almost all of the poker machines in Australia are owned and operated by a company called Woolworths, which is actually better known as a supermarket chain. This is an exception to the rule; however, the rest of the brick-and-mortar gambling scene does not operate under a monopoly, and there are several different bookmakers.
Bonuses from Australian BookmakersAustralian bookmakers offer a number of different bonuses and promotions for their customers. Although there are no specific bonuses for their Australian bettors, these punters are generally able to enjoy all of the perks that overseas customers have, regardless of the legal situation in Australia. Almost all sites offer lucrative sign-up bonuses. This varies from site to site, so it is always recommended to do thorough research to find a perfect bonus. The majority of sign up rewards involve some kind of matching of the initial deposit made by customers. So if a customer deposits a certain amount of money, this will be matched by the company, sometimes by 50%, or even 100%. There are also bonuses for returning players, encouraging ongoing use of the sites. These vary more widely between sites but are often specific to a certain sport, or different styles of bets with improved odds. Some bookmakers can even provide a no deposit bonus offers. |
Betting Features and Options in Australian Bookmakers
Australian betting sites are some of the most reputable in the world, and there is a good reason for that. These sites strive to provide the latest in innovation and opportunity for their clients, to stay ahead of the market, and keep online betting fun. Some of the available betting features and options include:
Cash-out | |
Bet Builder | |
Live Streaming | |
Live Betting |
Available Payment Methods
Australian gambling sites accept a wide range of methods when depositing and withdrawing money from the site. Most sites will allow the usual Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, etc. These methods are all instantaneous and free. Several sites offer bettors the opportunity to use cryptocurrencies and other e-wallets. However, these vary from site to site. Customers can also use bank transfers and bank wires, however, these options are not immediately effective, and users may have to wait up to 7 working days.
?All sites accept payments in AUD, but many will also accept international currencies such as USD, GPD, and the EUR. Although the Australian betting sites will offer their services, in AUD, many international sites will not. This does not mean that Australian punters are restricted, it simply means that they must play using another currency. More significant sites will allow players to deposit AUD, then convert it to a different currency that is used on the platform.
Mobile Betting in Australia
All large sites offer their services through apps available for Android and Apple devices. These apps are usually free and can be downloaded to play wherever and whenever. Due to the fact that there are few restrictions on the actual players, the Australian government cannot stop companies providing these apps to players. Australians speak English, and almost all betting sites offer their services in this language, and the apps are no exception.
?If players do not wish to download the apps, but still wish to play on a mobile device, often sites will offer a mobile version of their website, changing the interface to make it easier to navigate on a mobile or tablet.
Online Casinos
Online casinos are illegal in Australia. Under the Interactive Gambling Act, it is illegal for companies to offer casino-style games to Australian customers. This law applies to all Australian companies, as well as international companies trying to target Australian players.
?This does not stop Australian players from continuing to seek out these services. Several international casinos happily continue to accept Australian players, giving them just as much choice as elsewhere in the world where online casinos are legal. While there is no risk of prosecution, because the law applies to providers, not players, customers must understand they have no protection if they are the victims of fraud.
Leading Sports for Betting in Australia
Sports betting has been a common pastime for decades, and certain sports have consistently been crowd favourites to bet on. These include:
- Football
Although not one of the most popular sports in Australia, punters still love to bet on football, and with such a large betting population, sites ensure that there is still a range of games and tournaments to bet on. These vary from local to international, and always draw a crowd. - Cricket
A sport that Australia excels at, both at a national and international level, people love to bet on this game. The Big Bash League is a national championship that is very popular with punters, as well as massive international competitions such as the Ashes. - Rugby
The Australian national team is arguably one of the best teams in the world when it comes to rugby, and their games are often incredibly close. Punters love the thrill of the game, and many sites offer both local and international championships for betting. - Horse Racing
One of the oldest sports that has been bet on, Australia retains its love of horse racing. The Melbourne Cup is the country’s largest and most famous horse race. Also known as the “Race that stops a nation,” due to its massive popularity, several punters love tuning in to bet on their favourite steed. - Tennis
Tennis is another crowd favourite with punters in Australia. Local tournaments such as the Australian Open always draw many punters, but so too do the international championships such as Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open. All good betting sites offer extensive betting options on these popular games. - Basketball
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular with Australian bettors, with the NBA being the most popular league to bet on. Despite being an international league, the best Australian sites will still offer full coverage, sometimes with live streaming as well.
The Profile of an Australian Bettor
Statistically, the average Australian bettor is likely to be male, and over the age of 50, often retired. Although it’s a relatively small country, Australians are some of the biggest bettors in the world, and the average bettor is likely to spend more on gambling than counterparts from other countries. A bonus to this is that although they are the largest bettors in the world, they are not actually the most significant losers. Lotteries are the most common form of gambling, followed by instant scratch tickets and electronic gaming machines coming in a close third.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Australia?
Sports betting online is legal in Australia. However, casino-style games, poker, and slots are not. It is also currently illegal to place live-bets on the sport.
?How to choose the right Australian bookmaker?
When looking to sign up to a betting site, punters should do thorough research to ensure that the site is safe and reputable. Due to the patchy nature of the legality of online gambling, Australians might not always be legally covered if something goes wrong. But finding the right bookmaker is ultimately to do with personal preference. There are a number of excellent services available, but it is essential for punters to find one that is right for them. This should involve checking the variety of sports they offer, the features on their site that improve the betting experience, and the bonuses and promotions that they offer. The sites mentioned previously – 1xBet, and 22Bet are all great options.
?What are the best AFL betting websites in Australia?
1xBet and 22Bet are all great options for punters looking to bet on AFL – Australian Football League. Any site registered and licensed in Australia will have excellent coverage of the sport, but another one of the best places for AFL is SportsBet. The site offers competitive odds on the sport for different state leagues, as well as the national championship.
?Are there any betting restrictions for players in Australia?
The only restriction that Australian players might face is that several online betting sites will not serve Australian customers due to the Interactive Gambling Act. This creates a smaller market for customers, although they still have several excellent services to choose from.
?What betting sites are licensed in Australia?
Some sites operate in Australia but are not legally licensed for the country. Players should always check the website thoroughly, because if a site is licensed, legally they must display that somewhere on their website.
?Will I be taxed?
No, players are not taxed on their winnings because the government does not view gambling as a legitimate profession. Companies may be taxed, but they should not pass this cost onto customers.
Our Verdict
Australia’s massive and long-standing love of betting is not necessarily reflected in their laws. However, customers still have more than enough opportunity to play online. Because online sports betting is safe and legal, there are a number of different sites that offer great betting opportunities on almost any sport imaginable. Although online casino betting is illegal, there are still several websites that allow Australian users to sign up illegally, so they can still play.
?The limited market in Australia creates intense competition between providers, meaning that punters who sign up with any Australian-licensed company know that they will be receiving high-quality services. This is true of all international players as well – a company that is licensed in Australia is well known to be reputable and trustworthy.
?Only time will tell if the Australian government will relax their stance on online betting to reflect trends in popularity, but until then, punters should just remain vigilant about what sites they are using, and what sites they give their money to. Understandably these laws exist to protect citizens from problem gambling and addiction, but they do not necessarily reflect the modernization of the betting world. As it stands, there are more than enough reputable and safe sites willing to offer their services to the Australian market despite the law, and customers can enjoy their pastime knowing they are still safe.