The Best Sports Betting Sites in Australia
Struggling to pick a betting site to join in Australia? You’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find our list of top Australian betting sites, plus our suggestions for finding the best betting site in Australia best tailored to your individual sporting and gaming needs.
Dabble
- App only – no desktop site
- Live streaming of racing and fully presented shows
- Fair odds on most markets, especially horse racing
Best Betting Sites Australia September 2024
Aussie punters want different things. What you might crave, another punter might not be overly concerned about, but that’s why there are so many tastes and styles of Australian betting sites out there. We’ll be covering all the bases below, among the following best betting sites Australia has to offer in 2024:
- Bet365
- Ladbrokes
- Neds
- Betfair
- Bluebet
- Picklebet
- Unibet
- Dabble
- Betright
- Colossalbet
1. Bet365 - An epic betting site in every sense
bet365 is, without a doubt, one of the very best betting sites Australia has.
There are hundreds of markets to choose from. Horse racing and football are definitely a main focus and have been since the brand was founded back in 2000, but they offer so much more than that.
Promos exist for established customers, including bet365’s Top Tote+ and their odds drift protector. This huge platform sets bet365 apart from any new betting site and even most of the top Australian sports betting sites.
Key information about bet365 in Australia:
You can place wagers on pretty much every sport you can think of, including:
- Bet365 Referral Code: 365PLAY
- Number of sports to bet on: More than 30 sports and events to bet on including Esports
- Live betting and streaming on some sports
- Deposit from as low as $5
- Licensed to trade in Australia by the Northern Territory
- Headquartered in the UK since 2000, in Australia for 12 years
- soccer
- rugby
- cricket
- tennis
- basketball
- futsal
- Gaelic sports
- MMA
- esports
- darts
bet365 pros and cons
Pros
- Huge range of markets with fair odds
- Fast payment options
- Excellent live betting section
Cons
- No bet365 casino, which is offered in other countries
- The bet365 mobile app can crash during major sports events
2. Ladbrokes – Great for horse and soccer betting
Another brand that is known as one of the best betting sites in Australia is Ladbrokes. Originating from the UK, Ladbrokes made its mark in the Australian market in 2013.
It stands out from the competitive betting landscape in the country by excelling in two key areas: horse racing and football betting. And while these sports take the spotlight, Ladbrokes also covers other popular choices like Aussie rules, golf, tennis, and more.
Some of their great products for racing fans include the Ladbrokes Racing Club and Racing Extras, while elsewhere in the sports section you’ll see other outstanding features.
Top info you need about one of the best betting sites Australia has:
- Ladbrokes welcome code: STAR
- Almost 30 sports and events, including Esports and novelties
- Strong range of markets including same-race multis, trifecta and more
- Good range of deposit and withdrawal options
- Licensed by the Northern Territory and covered in SA by the Code of Practice
- Registered in London, trading in Australia since 2013
Ladbrokes pros and cons
Pros
- Very good free apps
- Massive range of sports
- Top live betting, including for racing
Cons
- Not always the best odds on racing
- Could add more streaming
3. Neds – An Aussie favourite
Neds was started in 2017 by a former Ladbrokes boss, and subsequently bought over by Ladbrokes. Nonetheless, Neds started out as a truly Aussie bookmaker, automatically making it to the list of best online betting sites in Australia.
Neds offers horse racing, AFL, NRL and other sports, however, they are particularly beloved among fans of horse racing and greyhound racing. Here are the key features of the Neds sports betting platform:
They offer a quick and easy signup process, excellent betting odds, as well as an educational section to help users make informed betting decisions. Plus, there are regularly pretty unique betting options for such sports, including futures for some of the world’s largest races. The Neds betting site covers action from all over the globe, including domestic races in Australia.
- Neds code: STAR
- Nearly 30 sports/events available including Esports
- Top betting features inc MultiBuilder, same-race multis etc match Ladbrokes
- Minimum deposit only $5 and PayPal withdrawals available
- Licensed to trade in Australia since 2017
- Office based in Newstead, Queensland
Neds pros and cons
Pros
- Large range of sports/bets
- Very good free apps for iOS and Android
- Low deposits available
Cons
- Middle of the road odds (not the best nor worst)
- Same platform already available at Ladbrokes
4. Betfair – Unique betting experience with exchanges and fixed odds
Boasting two different ways to bet, Betfair is easily one of the best betting sites in Australia.
While the other brands on this list operate primarily as sportsbooks, Betfair has a different setup – offering an exchange platform. This allows punters to bet against set outcomes on fixed betting markets, known as ‘lay betting’. In addition, you can back or lay, use the Betfair Hub, and use multi-betting.
Established in 2000, Betfair also has some of the best odds around. Key facts about Betfair:
- Bet on over 20 sports OR use the betting exchange to back or lay
- Live betting shown on soccer, tennis, basketball, cycling etc
- Free Betfair app for iOS and Android users
- Deposits available from $5 on a multitude of payment methods
- Trading in Australia since 2004
Betfair pros and cons
Pros
- Often biggest odds (especially on exchanges)
- Low deposits
- Choice of fixed odds and exchange prices
Cons
- Not always the top price on fixed odds
- Commission payable on exchange wins
5. Bluebet – another quality bookie with Aussie roots
A new name adding to the list of best sports betting sites Australia can boast is BlueBet. While not as extensive as some of the other major brands listed here, Bluebet does boast quality.
Only founded in 2015 by a former William Hill CEO, BlueBet is now one of the top betting sites Australia has owing to their great customer service, free apps, good odds and live horse racing streaming.
With their dedicated horse racing section, BlueBet offers around 18 different sports and events. There are hundreds of individual markets offered daily.
Top facts and features about BlueBet:
- BlueBet referral code: Available for new customers in September 2024
- Nearly 20 sports with a dedicated horse racing section
- Lots of bet types; quaddie, double, treble, mystery bets, quick multi
- $5 deposits available, good range of banking options
- Fully licensed in Australia since 2015
- Offices in New South Wales and Northern Territory
Bluebet pros and cons
Pros
- Good odds on various sports
- Live streaming on horse racing
- Excellent free Bluebet app
Cons
- Not much live betting (apart from racing)
- No extras such as bingo
6. Picklebet – Virtual sports, esports and more
Picklebet is a proper Aussie bookie, founded in 2017. It offers 20+ sports and events to choose from, plus virtual sports. With a focus on horse racing and e-sports, the sign-up procedure is straightforward and quick. There are some promos at Picklebet for existing customers, such as the Pick’Em Contests. Same-game and same-race multis also help the brand keep up with the best betting sites Australia offers. Top facts about Picklebet:
- PickleBet affiliate code: PICKMAX
- 20+ sports available
- Bet types include same-game and same-race multis
- Mobile app available
- Visa, Mastercard and Bank Transfer ($10 deposit)
- Headquartered in Brisbane
Picklebet pros and cons
Pros
- Good mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Dedicated racing and Esports sections
- Competitive odds on sports
Cons
- Little live betting
- Few banking options are available
7. Unibet – More diverse than other Australian bookmakers
Unibet has had over twelve years to embed itself as one of the top betting sites Australia has – and they’ve done it. They bought Australia’s own BetChoice in 2012 and have been trading here since then.
In contrast to Bluebet above, Unibet aims to cover it all. Since launching in Australia, its goal has been clear: to bring the most diverse and flexible betting options. Unibet AU offers the possibility to place live bets and watch live streams of over 400 events each week.
They’ve won many awards, including Sportsbook Operator of the Year in 2014, followed by the In-Play Sports Operator of the Year and Online Sports Operator of the Year in 2015. In 2016, they won the Sports Betting Operator at the EGR Awards.
Top features include live streaming and their range of bets including same-game multis. Here are some key points about betting with Unibet:
- Unibet referral link: New users can sign up
- Over 30 sports and events including Esports
- Live betting on tennis, soccer, basketball, darts, Esports and more
- Good mobile betting for wagering on the move
- Licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission
- Headquartered in Malta and trading in Australia since 2012
Unibet pros and cons
Pros
- Very wide range of betting options
- Live streaming available
- Top odds on many events (not racing)
Cons
- Racing odds often below major competitors
- Mobile app occasionally works slowly
8. Dabble – a bookie and a social media app
While looking for the best betting sites Australia offers, we found one of the most unique.
Dabble is the forerunner in the social betting market. As well as horse racing, which is the speciality, punters can bet on the likes of AFL, NRL, NFL and other sports.
Only on the market since 2020, Dabble is already offering fair odds, live-streamed shows and lots of social betting features.
Via the Dabble app you can bet on all sorts of horse racing wagers, that sport being most definitely the focus and it’s what punters are talking about on the app.
The top things you need to know about betting with Dabble:
- Dabble sign up code: STAR
- Bet on horse racing, NFL, AFL, NBA, UFC/MMA and supercars
- Varying betting markets with social features
- Low $5 deposits available, including on Apple Pay
- Licensed in Australia
- Offices in Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Albury, trading since 2020
Dabble pros and cons
Pros
- Great social features – unique in online betting
- Very good horse racing odds
- Live streams including full presented shows as well as live horse racing
Cons
- Only bank transfer is available for withdrawing money
- No desktop site – Dabble is app only
9. BetRight – horse racing, sports and Esports
Another of the best betting sites Australia has at its disposal is BetRight.
This brand allows customers to deposit with Apple and Google Pay and choose from dedicated horse racing, sports and Esports sections.
Customers here can take advantage of Four Place Payouts and Best Tote Exotics. A large platform on the market since only 2021, BetRight is making great strides in the market.
The top info you need before betting with BetRight:
- BetRight referral code: For new customers only
- Bet on over 20 sports (focus on horse racing and Esports)
- Mobile betting – fast apps available for iOS and Android
- Easy deposits with Google Pay and Apple Pay
- Licensed to trade in Australia since 2021
- HQ’d in Sydney
BetRight pros and cons
Pros
- Fair odds on sports
- Good variety including Esports
- Great free app with quick payments
Cons
- Only basic payment methods on desktop site
- No casino or other extras
Colossalbet – fresh and Australian-owned
There is a huge concentration on racing at ColossalBet – and they do it well.
Initially Ryman Racing, ColossalBet still focuses on its core of thoroughbred, harness and greyhounds but these days they are about so much more than just racing.
The sportsbook at ColossalBet covers all the major events including cricket, NRL and AFL, while with the Colossal IQ you can get some personalised betting tips to help you along. Though new, this is one of the top Australian sports betting sites.
Major info about ColossalBet in Australia:
- Established in 2021 in Australia – initially based on-track at Royal Randwick
- Live betting and early cash-out available
- Multi-bet (accumulators) available across the platform
- Same-game multis
- 24/7 live chat available for customer support
- Licensed by Racing New South Wales
- Soccer
- Aussie rules
- Cricket
- Rugby league
- Rugby union
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Baseball
- American football
- Motor racing
- MMA
- Golf
- Ice hockey
- Darts
- Esports
ColossalBet pros and cons
Pros
- Biggest range of racing markets
- Personalised betting tips
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Limited options for withdrawals
- Fewer sports to bet on than major competitors
Popular sports to bet on in Australia
By far the most popular sport to bet on in Australia is horse racing. In fact, the whole range of collective sports betting types put together still come second to racing.
Individually, these are the sports and events Aussies like to bet on most.
Horse racing
Popular around the world, horse racing is the bedrock of the Aussie betting industry. It goes without saying that things reach a peak on the first Tuesday in November when the Melbourne Cup rolls around, but Aussies bet on so much more than that. The daily turnover for racing is huge, and with dozens of Group 1 events taking place right through the year, huge amounts are bet on events such as the Cox Plate, the Caulfield Cup, and overseas races such as those at Royal Ascot.Aussie rules
In terms of viewers, Aussie rules football is probably the most popular sport in the country. Aussie rules has a huge audience right across the country and with that, there is also plenty of betting revenue with all the top sites offering odds on the games.Soccer
The world’s most popular sport has a huge following in Australia these days. The A-League is big, but most of the betting turnover comes from wagers on the English Premier League as well as international tournaments.Cricket
Reaching a peak during World Cup tournaments and of course The Ashes, cricket remains hugely popular in Australia. Viewing figures outrank betting money for this sport, but it remains a big one for betting apps and players.Rugby
Both the rugby league and the rugby union provide good money to the betting industry. Domestic games remain popular, but in union the Rugby World Cup is the biggest draw with interest going through the roof.How we rated the best betting sites in Australia
When researching the best betting sites in Australia, we considered various criteria to rank them. Our list of top betting sites in Australia covers sportsbooks, odds and markets, user experience, and more. See our explanations below.
Operating license
This is the most important detail you should look for in every operator. All bookmakers from our list are licensed to operate on the territory of Australia and its provinces. This means that they adhere to the gambling regulations, and you, as a customer, are always protected. If you have any issues with the operator you can file a formal complaint with the licensor, who acts as an independent body in sorting out disputes.Security and trustworthiness
The most important feature, above all others, is how secure a betting site is. This is proven firstly by evidence of a valid gambling license and secondly by safety elements such as firewall technology and SSL encryptions for transactions. When using betting sites, the user’s identity must be protected, their credit card information must be secure, and their information must be encrypted.Special sports coverage
Besides having a wide range of sports available, which all top sites tend to have, it’s nice to find sites with a specialty sport. For example, Neds is most certainly a specialist racing bookmaker, whereas Ladbrokes might be viewed as a specialist for football betting. If you know you like to bet on one of these sports, it makes sense to sign up with a bookmaker that has phenomenal offerings for that sport. Even Betstar Australia exhibits a huge degree of betting market coverage. Once you register as a customer with Betstar Australia, you can place single bets or multiple bets. Besides, this bookmaker allows the punter to place accumulator bets or a systems bet.Overall market range
Having the option to bet on various markets keeps things fresh and exciting. After all, nobody wants to bet on the same few markets all of the time, as this can get rather boring quite quickly. And to add to that, the more markets you have available to wager on, the better chance you have of finding a market that has some hidden value.Availability of mobile betting
Placing sports bets on mobile is something that most punters will want to do at some point. So as you’d expect, it helps to find sites that have either an optimized site or a native app that you can download. The latter provides the best performance really, and it’s important to check that these platforms have the same offerings as their desktop counterpart. For example, clients with mobile devices can download the Ladbrokes app and install it for convenient betting. Unibet also has a unique app for Android and iOS players in Australia.Quality of the odds
Finding sites with quality odds means you stand to receive a greater return on winning bets. Of course, you won’t always know the exact odds when placing a bet, but if your odds are better than 1-in-2, it’s a good bet. You’ll have the chance to get a return on your investment if you win. It feels better to make a wager with high odds rather than settling for a site that only offers average odds.Trusted Payments
Payments are the biggest problems punters face when betting at online bookmakers. We put the payments to the test for each of our operators and make sure they match what they promote. Each bookmaker we promote offers punters the most popular payment methods in the industry and promotes fast payouts. All punters want to get their winnings as fast as possible and nobody wants to wait for days at a time to get paid.Overall Reputation
A rock-solid reputation is an absolute must when choosing a bookmaker. We do our due diligence and research to see what kind of a reputation the bookmaker has across the community. If they pass with flying colours they can earn our seal of approval. Only the most reputable bookmakers can earn a spot on our list.Customer Support
A virtue of the best bookmakers in the industry is professional, round-the-clock support. This is very important as you need to resolve your query as soon as possible if it arises. The bookmakers we promote offer a 24/7 live chat or phone service. This allows you to contact a support agent in minutes and resolve your issue as quickly as possible.Extra Features
We always appreciate when a bookmaker goes the extra mile to make their customers’ stays as pleasant as possible. The top bookmakers in the industry ensure players can enjoy their stay and offer perks like live betting and live streaming. Many also have blogs and tutorials for new players to show them the ropes and have an overall quality service. All of this contributes to the customer staying loyal to the bookmaker and not going to the competition.How to Open an Account with an Australian Bookmaker
So now that you have chosen which site you want to open an account with from our list of best betting sites in Australia, let’s go through the steps needed for registering with the bookmaker of your choice.
Step 1: Choose your site
The very first step in the process is to choose a site that you feel is suitable for what you are looking for (Bet365, Ladbrokes, Neds, etc.). Each punter has its specifications (horse racing, football, sports, etc.), so your choice will likely be different from somebody else’s.Step 2: Provide the information required
Although most betting sites have a very straightforward sign-up process, you still need to provide the information requested. More often than not, betting sites will ask that you provide your date of birth, Australian residence address, full name, title, and some contact details. Make sure that the information you entered is correct here, as you may be asked to verify such details once provided.Step 3: Set up security features
Security measures in this sense relate to private questions, deposit limits, login attempt restrictions, and more. These can be set up during the sign-up process, although once your account is up and running, you can then make adjustments to this in your settings. Of course, this also relates to picking a secure password initially, which is highly recommended.Step 4: Login and make a deposit
After running through the first three steps, you’ll already have your account established. Since it is now ready for you to log in and make the most of the features, the final step is to make a deposit. With funds loaded up, you can start to explore the markets and find a suitable bet to make. Don’t just stick with the mainstream markets either, for many sports have hidden gems to spice things up. Now you are all set to start your betting experience. All that’s left to do is decide which site!Responsible gaming – Australia’s betting rules
Betting in Australia, as well as its rules and responsibilities, has long been a hot topic. Gambling is regulated by:
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.
- New South Wales – Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
- Northern Territory – Racing Commission (Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade).
Australia’s betting laws
Wagering laws have changed over time in Australia. There are two major things to remember, that 1) you must be 18 or over to bet and 2) betting operators are obliged to get proof of your identity before you bet.
The Australian Government passed the IGA, the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, back in June of that year. Internet betting has surged further since then.
Now, it is illegal of online betting operators to offer what the government calls “inducements”. In other words, sign-up or welcome offers are not allowed as you see in other countries.
Existing, already sign-up customers can claim some promotions, but operators aren’t allowed to promote themselves to new customer by way of offering what can look at a glance like free money.
Responsible gaming
Betting responsibly is dual concern of both the betting operator and the customer.
The policy is that operators should exercise control and informed choice to make sure that betting is kept within affordable limits. It must remain enjoyable and in balance with other activities. We aim to help you by reviewing operators and offering advice.
Those struggling can visit gamblinghelpline.org to get advice. Alternatively, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. This can be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why trust our recommendations
Our recommended Australian online betting sites are chosen based on decades of experience in this industry. Our in-house casino experts know first-hand what it takes to be among the leading bookmakers in the industry.
They put every brand to the test through real-life experiences and only once it passes with flying colours it can begin the process of ending up on our site. We always aim to recommend only the best bookmakers for the Australian market and ensure that all of our visitors have expert reviews so they know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Our list of the best online betting sites in Australia offers all the best brands. The best betting sites for you depend on what you’re looking for, with bet365 having the biggest platform on offer.
All of the best betting sites in Australia that we’ve listed are trusted and secure. Again, bet365 is right at the top of that list.
Always check with your bookie, some betting sites Aus have used PayPal in the pasty such as bet365, Dabble, Unibet and others.
None, not even the best sports betting sites Australia has can offer inducements to new players. Many however do have good promotions for existing players.
Yes, all of the bookmakers on our site are licensed to legally operate on the territory of Australia. We don’t promote unlicensed bookmakers, making sure you as a player as always protected.
It depends on the bookmaker, as well as the payment method you choose for withdrawing your winnings. In most cases, you can expect to get your withdrawal within 24 hours, but for some payment methods, it can take a few days for the funds to arrive. The fastest withdrawal methods are usually e-wallets like PayPal.