Australian Betting Sites

The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 states that Australian betting sites with a local license can only offer in-play betting through a mobile phone. Casino games and welcome bonuses are also prohibited. This has led the majority of the 8,000,000 active bettors to switch to offshore operators.

There, they can enjoy loose restrictions, a wide range of promotions, crypto payments, and a diverse casino section. Read on to learn more about the gambling framework in the country, as well as get insightful tips on how to choose the best bookmakers. But first, here is a list of online betting sites in Australia.

Bookmaker Comparison	Local Licensed	International
Licensing	Depends on the state	Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators
Payments	Debit Cards, Credit Cards, POLi, BPAY, E-wallets, PayID, Osko	Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options
User Experience	Fully localised for Australian bettors (currency, language, payments)	All sites support the English language
KYC Verification	Mandatory	Depending on the website
Taxation	No Taxation	No Taxation

As you can see, there are notable differences between local and international Australian betting sites online. Players can pay with almost any method they want, and they are not subject to taxation. The primary difference is that local bookmakers do not typically offer casino sections.

Full List of Online Betting Sites in Australia

How to Find the Best Betting Sites in Australia

As you can see, the number of available bookies is abundant. Before picking one or more operators to place wagers, you must consider the following criteria:

Sports & Markets: The most popular sports in Australia include Aussie rules football, rugby, cricket, and basketball. You must ensure your selected bookies come with competitive odds on those sports, alongside a wide range of betting selections that cover all aspects of the sport.

Live Betting: Live wagering is far more popular compared to pre-match betting. Check our bookmaker ratings for sites that offer a competitive payout after the event has started, alongside hundreds of markets.

Betting Features: A lot of local and international bookmakers provide an array of services that have become essential to players. Some of the most notable ones are Cash Out and Bet Builder. Live Streaming is also key, especially when it comes to live betting.

Payments: POLi, BPAY, and PayID are the most popular local transaction gambling options. However, few international Australian betting sites have included them in their cashier sections. If you want to deposit and withdraw through them, you must opt for local operators.

Localisation: All websites allow you to navigate in English and employ agents that you can contact in English. Where brands differentiate themselves is by allowing users to perform transactions through Australian dollars and local methods.

What You Need to Know About Online Betting in Australia

Active Players	Legal Age	Local Currency	Player Protection
8,000,000+	18	Australian Dollar (A$)	Depends on State

On a federal level, all new Australian bookmakers must abide by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. It is the main piece of gambling legislation in the country. The act covers all online gambling activities and overrides any state law.

According to its provisions, licensed online operators are not permitted to offer casino games and are only allowed to provide in-play betting services via phone. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing federal interactive gambling laws.

Is Online Sports Betting in Australia Legal?

Yes. The legal age for signing up on all online betting sites in Australia is 18. This is a nationwide requirement, and you will be required to provide a copy of your ID to verify your account. It is also worth noting that in Australia, betting sites that don’t hold a license issued by a state or territory are considered illegal.

Players who place their wagers on offshore betting sites in Australia are not prosecuted. Due to the restrictions imposed on local online licensees (i.e., no casinos and live betting are only allowed via the phone), many users opt for international operators that have optimized their online platforms based on their needs.

What Are the Tax Implications in Australia?

Despite all the restrictions, the good news is that all winnings derived from land-based and online gambling are tax-free. This is because the government does not see gambling as a profession but as a hobby. It also considers gambling winnings as a result of luck, rather than as income.

Taxes for licensed bookies differ from state to state and depend on which gambling products they offer. Depending on the state, operators can be taxed on their turnover, player loss or net profit.

What Are the Upsides of International Australian Betting Sites?

Offshore sportsbooks come with multiple welcome bonuses and promotions, high odds, and dedicated casino sections, which are banned on local bookies. Australians are renowned worldwide for their passion for sports betting.

That’s why the best betting sites in Australia offer hundreds of sporting events. Along with cricket, rugby and basketball, Aussie bettors can find markets on the nation's favorite sports. However, international bookies do not pay close attention to sports like Aussie rules football that many locals love.

Can You Use Betting Apps in Australia?

Yes. Since in Australia you can only place live bets on your smartphone, all local bookies have thoroughly optimised their mobile websites and have developed mobile applications. This makes your life noticeably easier. Most offshore operators, on the other hand, do not offer a betting app. They allow you, though, to place live wages and bets on casino games on your desktop.

What Are the Gambling Laws per State?

State	Licensing Authority	Land-Based Casinos	Pokies Allowed	Major Laws	Key Gambling Measures
New South Wales (NSW)	Liquor & Gaming NSW / ILGA	1 (The Star Sydney)	✅ Yes	Gaming Machines Act 2001, Casino Control Act 1992	Facial recognition tech, cashless gaming trial, and exclusion programs
Victoria	Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)	1 (Crown Melbourne)	✅ Yes	Gambling Regulation Act 2003, Casino Control Act 1991	YourPlay (pre-commitment), staff training, royal commission oversight
Queensland	Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR)	4	✅ Yes	Gaming Machine Act 1991, Casino Control Act 1982	Community Benefit Fund, regional caps, Indigenous outreach
Western Australia (WA)	Gaming and Wagering Commission of WA	1 (Crown Perth)	❌ No	Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987	Strictest EGM laws, limited access, post-royal commission reforms
South Australia (SA)	Consumer and Business Services (CBS)	1 (SkyCity Adelaide)	✅ Yes	Gaming Machines Act 1992, Casino Act 1997	Third-party exclusion, pre-commitment, real-time data
Tasmania	Liquor and Gaming Branch	2 (Wrest Point, Country Club)	✅ Yes	Gaming Control Act 1993	MyPlay mandatory pre-commitment, Community Support Levy
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Access Canberra Gambling and Racing Commission	1 (Casino Canberra)	✅ Yes (clubs only)	Gaming Machine Act 2004, Casino Control Act 2006	$5 max bets, pre-commitment, reduction of EGM numbers
Northern Territory (NT)	NT Racing Commission	2 (Darwin, Alice Springs)	✅ Yes	Racing and Betting Act 1983, Gaming Control Act 1993	Basic harm minimization, corporate bookmaker regulation, and community concerns

All licensed Australian betting sites are subject to laws and regulations in their respective state or territories. Each one of them has different provisions when it comes to regulating gambling. Additionally, each jurisdiction has its licensing authority, and operators must comply with its rules to obtain a gambling license.

New South Wales: NSW has the most extensive gambling infrastructure and the highest number of poker machines in the country. Liquor & Gaming NSW is the main regulatory authority, operating under the Department of Customer Service. New reforms to the 2001 Act, more notably cashless gaming trials, mandatory facial recognition technology, and bans on political donations, have been introduced recently to address problem gambling.

Victoria: Gambling in Victoria is regulated by the VGCCC. Established in 2021, it replaced the old authority after investigations exposed several instances of misconduct. The main legislation includes the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, which oversees all online betting sites in Australia and is responsible for ensuring that all regulations are followed.

Queensland: The OLGR, which falls under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, regulates gambling in Queensland. There are four casinos in the state, with one on the way. Most gambling laws date back to the 1990s, which means the state follows the federal laws regarding Australian online betting.

Western Australia: WA has the most restrictive gambling environment in the country. There is only one casino, and pokies are not allowed outside of its premises. The state's regulatory body is the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with the Gaming and Wagering Commission Act 1987 being the key legislative framework. All these restrictions have led the state to the lowest per capita gambling losses in Australia.

South Australia: SA’s gambling sector is regulated by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). Pokies are permitted in licensed clubs and hotels, and SkyCity Adelaide is the only licensed casino. There is also an independent gambling authority, which is tasked with overseeing the compliance and responsible gambling policies of all Australian betting sites.

Tasmania: Tasmania was the first state to introduce a pre-commitment system for electronic gaming machines. The MyPlay system is now live all over the state and is overseen by the Liquor and Gaming Branch of the Department of Treasury and Finance. The state has also established the Community Support Levy, funded by gambling revenue, to assist problem gambling treatment and prevention services.

Australian Capital Territory: The Access Canberra Gambling and Racing Commission is responsible for licensing and oversight under the Gaming Machine Act 2004 and the Casino Control Act 2006. It has imposed strict limits on pokie machines. The local authorities are active in gambling reform through mandatory player statements.

Northern Territory: The NT is known for its relatively relaxed regulatory environment, particularly in relation to online sports betting. Most notable Australian betting sites, including Sportsbet, Betfair, and Bet365, are based in the state. These companies often operate nationwide under NT-issued licenses, creating tension with other states.

What Are the Most Popular Sports for Online Betting in Australia?

The country's annual gambling revenue exceeds US$15.88 billion. Interestingly, football is not ranked number one in the country. Rugby, cricket, Aussie rules football, and basketball are responsible for most of the revenue.

Rugby Betting in Australia

Rugby is one of the most popular sports for betting in Australia, particularly during the National Rugby League (NRL) season, when the State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final take place. The best betting sites in Australia offer a wide variety of markets, including match winner, first try scorer, total points, and winning margin. You can also bet on multiple in-play selections and even watch the matches live. Rugby Union is less popular, but you can see spikes in interest during international tournaments like The Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.

Aussie Rules Football Betting in Australia

The Australian Football League (AFL) is a dominant force in the country’s sports culture. Every winter, millions of bets are placed across 23 rounds of the season and into the finals. The most popular options are WDW, totals, first goalscorer, and most disposals. What you need to note here, though, is that international Australian betting sites do not cover this sport thoroughly. This is why you should opt for local bookmakers if you are looking to place wagers on Aussie rules football.

Cricket Betting in Australia

Huge events like The Ashes and the Big Bash League (BBL), as well as others involving Australian teams, drive the popularity of cricket in the country. Apart from the match winner, a lot of players enjoy betting on the top run scorer, wicket taker, total runs, method of dismissal, and man of the match. Both local and international betting sites in Australia cover all major and minor cricket competitions. You can, among others, find high odds, in-play markets, cricket-related promos, and live streaming services.

Basketball Betting in Australia

Basketball betting is rapidly gaining popularity in Australia. The National Basketball League, alongside the NBA, is one of the two main leagues. The action is fast and available all year round, especially through markets like match winner, total points, first basket scorer, handicap betting, and player props. Finding the best basketball bookmakers is simple, mainly due to the fact that most sites pay close attention to the sport.

How To Bet Online in Australia - Step By Step

Creating a new account, depositing money for the first time, and placing wagers on all betting sites in Australia is straightforward. If you are an amateur, simply follow the steps below:

• 1
  Choose a site: As you can see from the information above, hundreds of bookmakers offer their services to Australians. Make sure to read all ratings and reviews thoroughly before choosing a site to register.
• 2
  Create a new account: Add all the necessary personal information, including password, username, email, address, phone number, and preferred currency to create a new online betting account.
• 3
  Top up your balance: With your new account up and running, it's time to visit the cashier and make your first deposit. If you qualify for a welcome bonus, ensure you top up your account with sufficient funds to claim it.
• 4
  Place your bets: With a funded account and the bonus money at your disposal, it is time to start the action. Pick the sport you want to bet on, add as many markets as you want to your coupon, and start your journey.

Which Payments Do Australian Bettors Prefer?

Although there are several ways in which you can fund your betting account, most Aussie players prefer payment methods that are popular domestically.

⏩ POLi: POLi betting sites are by far the most common in Australia. It is an instant banking payment that allows you to transfer money quickly and without the hassle of credit cards.

⏩ BPAY: BPAY is yet another convenient payment option. The only drawback is that it is a deposit-only method, as withdrawals are made via bank transfer, and it can take several days for the funds to be credited to your account.

⏩ PayID: This method offers instant and secure transactions and is compatible with all major Australian banks, including ANZ and NAB. It is worth noting, though, that most local payments are not available on offshore betting sites.

⏩ Other methods: E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill & Neteller, mobile payments like Apple Pay and vouchers like Flexepin & Neosurf are also widely used for Australian online betting.

Do International Australian Betting Sites Allow Cryptocurrencies?

Yes. Crypto transactions are not available in any locally licensed bookie in the country. On the other hand, you can find a wide range of bookmakers that have already included them in their cashier sections and offer their services to Aussie players. Note that cryptocurrencies are the best option to bet under the radar.

Online Sports Betting in Australia: What Does the Future Hold

Placing your wagers on online betting sites is more convenient than doing so on land-based operators. However, those who opt for local licensees should be prepared to face several restrictions. Firstly, you can only place live bets via your phone.

Casino games are also banned on local betting sites in Australia. On the other hand, there is a growing number of punters who opt for international bookmakers, such as NZ betting sites that operate in the country.

Those sites offer welcome bonuses to new players, a wide variety of in-play markets on all the popular Australian sports, higher odds, and a dedicated casino section. They are a great alternative, especially since we do not expect any radical changes to take place anytime soon.