How we picked the legal betting sites in Australia?
Australia has quite a few online sports betting sites available and with very strict and complex laws in place, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which of these sites are following all of them.
It is simply too risky to just start playing at random betting sites Australia online without first doing a thorough check – that’s why we have done it all for you!
We have compiled a comparison review to give the inside scoop on 10 of the best betting sites Australia so that you can make an informed pick. Our site uses an experienced team of researchers to test out all of these sites and highlight the pros and cons of each for the user.
Our review team has assessed all the factors that determine the best betting sites for sport: trustworthiness, security and range of betting, amongst other factors. We have been extremely thorough in our testing, so much so that we have even tested the mobile sites and mobile apps of all the bookmakers, just to make sure you know about every aspect of the betting sites for sport before you make a decision on which to join.
Bookmakers sites to bet online
bet365
|
What we like
|
What we don’t like
|
| Established and well-known platform worldwide |
Lots of T&C’s regarding withdrawals |
| Excellent streaming options on a huge variety of events |
Complex homepage and navigation |
| Unique and competitive betting products |
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Unibet
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What we like
|
What we don’t like
|
| A wide selection of sporting and racing events |
Slow live streaming |
| Vast eSports betting options |
Not a lot of help resources |
| 24/7 live phone betting line |
Largely focused on American sporting events |
Pointsbet
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What we like
|
What we don’t like
|
| 24/7 Live chat |
No score updates for live events |
| Great spread betting options |
Website difficult to navigate |
| Well designed app |
Not as many betting options as competitors |
New betting sites available for the Australian market
There are so many new Australian sports betting sites online that it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose which one suits you best. To narrow it down, we have selected our top 10 favourite new betting sites for sport in Australia, in no particular order, they are: Bet365, Betfair, Ladbrokes, Neds, PointsBet, Unibet, Bookmaker.com.au, and BetEasy.
Signing up to any of the sites listed above entails completing a very similar process:
- Navigate to the best betting sites online
- Select Sign up/Join now/Register
- Fill in your basic details, such as name, email, cell phone number, birth date, and address
- Enter your code if you have one or the site requires one at this point
- Complete your registration.
Each site’s sign up process will be slightly different, but the above steps are the main ones that all online new betting sites involve. 
Here is an overview of the best Australian new betting sites that we have reviewed and verified:
Betfair Exchange
Betfair is the largest peer to peer betting platform in the world and the only betting exchange available in Australia. As of 2016, the operator is licensed to take bets in the Northern Territory. A joint venture between CrownBet and Betfair allows Betfair to focus on exchange wagering and BetEasy to provide fixed odds.
Betting exchanges are different from fixed odds sportsbooks by operating as a marketplace. Punters can buy (also known as “back”) and sell (also known as “lay”) an outcome to sporting events. This enables users to act as both a punter and bookmaker.
Fixed odds operators generally generate revenue by offering less efficient odds. Whereas betting exchanges normally generate revenue by charging a small commission on winning bets. Thus, exchanges are known for providing better margins than fixed-odds betting sites. The commission at Betfair Australia is 5% of winning wagers.
Top Features:
Live Betting*- live bets can be made via phone by using the Betfair hotline. Odds for live bets are displayed in the live betting section of the website and app.
Mobile App- the Betfair mobile app is available on iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded by visiting the Betfair Exchange website. The award-winning app provides an exchange, lay and back betting, and quick deposits/withdrawals.
The Hub- the hub is a betting guide that presents a wealth of valuable betting data that can be used to make winning bets. Betting data includes prediction models, expert tips, horse and greyhound ratings and data science ratings. The Hub is available 24/7 and puts out new data every single day.
Betfair Live- is a market watching tool that is a one-stop-shop for everything that’s happening on the Exchange. By watching the market closely, you have a great chance to find your edge.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is a UK-based online sports betting platform whose origins date back to 1886. The brand launched in Australia in 2013 and has since become one of the most popular betting sites Australia has to offer.
Ladbrokes acquired other top sportsbooks Bookmaker.com.au in 2013 and Neds Australia in 2018. Both sportsbooks have been running alongside the Ladbrokes Australia flagship sportsbook with similar user interfaces and products. All three sites use the same odds and betting markets.
Top Features:
Live Betting*- Live betting is available via phone with odds displayed online through the website and app. A special QuickCall feature is available, which enables punters to place live wagers using their computer’s microphone.
Mobile App- a mobile app version of the platform is available with all the same functionality as the browser-based client. The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices respectively.
Ladbrokes EFTPOS Card- with the Ladbrokes EFTPOS Card winnings can be withdrawn from an ATM within seconds after a bet has concluded. You can use the debit card to withdraw up to $1,000 cash/day from ATMs or complete EFTPOS transactions of up to $2,500 per/day.
Same Game Multi- allows you to place multiple bets using a combination of legs within the same AFL and NRL match. Normally multi bets cannot be placed on legs within the same match.
Neds Australia
Neds was created by well-known bookmaker Dean Shannon in 2017 and has since been acquired by Ladbrokes in 2018. Despite being one of the newest betting sites Australia has to offer, Neds has been able to capture a large audience.
This can be chalked up in major part to the top user interface and technology used by the bookmaker. Neds uses Goland, the computer programming language developed at Google in 2007. Goland is known for its ability to deal with high volumes of inquiries and transactions.
Neds is licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Government. South Australian residents’ gambling operations are governed by the South Australian Gambling Codes of Practice.
Top Features:
Live Betting*- Live betting options can be found at Ladbrokes in the ‘In-Play’ section of the platform. Unfortunately due to Australian laws, online live bets are not available. Instead, users may phone in their live bets on the Neds Australia hotline.
Mobile App- the Neds mobile app is among the best of betting sites in Australia. The app, much like the website, has a great user interface which is easy to navigate. To download the app you may either visit the website and download directly or search in the app stores.
Punters Toolbox- the Punters Toolbox at Neds is a combination of multiple betting products built to give horse racing bettors an advantage. There are four unique products at the moment: Fluc Up, Back Up, Jump Off and Price Boost.
PointsBet
PointsBet launched in 2017, making it one of the newest betting sites Australia has on offer. What’s different about PointsBet is that it’s the only bookmaker which provides spread betting in the region.
Spread betting is a type of betting which pays out variable amounts which depends on the accuracy of the wager. So basically, the amount that a punter wins or loses is dependant on the margin by which they win/lose by. Typically fixed odds betting, on the other hand, pays a set amount of money if a criterion is completed. Pointsbet allows punters to both spread bet and used fixed odds bets on their platform.
Pointsbet is licensed in the Northern Territory by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. The operator is also a partner of AFL, Cricket Australia, NRL, Tennis Australia and the Football Federation Australia.
Top Features:
Spread Betting- as the only licensed spread betting platform in Australia, Pointsbet holds an edge over all fixed odds betting sites. Spread bets are ideal for bettors looking for a little more gamble in their wagers, with bigger wins and losses.
Live Betting*- live in-play wagering is available on the site via phone call-ins on the operator’s designated hotline. The odds for live bets can be viewed in ‘In-Play’ section of the website and app.
Mobile App- punters can spread bet through the Pointsbet mobile app on both Android and iOS. The app has a built-in spread betting calculator and alerts and notifications for completed wagers.
Live Chat Support- you may contact the Customer Support Team via live chat 24/7 by simply clicking on the chat widget. Response times for live chat are generally under a minute.
Unibet
Unibet has been one of the world’s leading sportsbooks for over two decades now. The brand has more than 5 million customers worldwide and is among the largest betting sites Australia has on offer. Unibet acquired BetChoice to expand its customer base in Australia when entering the market. BetChoice rebranded into Unibet Australia in 2012.
Unibet is the winner of multiple service provider awards including the eGaming Review Sports Betting Operator of the Year (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2016). The brand also won the Live Operator of the Year Award in 2009.
Unibet is an approved betting partner of several Australian leagues including the NRL, Australian Rugby Union, Cricket, AFL, Australia, Tennis Australia, Netball Australia PGA Australia, and the UFC.
Top Features:
Live Betting*- live betting at Unibet is available over the phone and live betting markets can be viewed online. The in-play betting section is very easy to use and consists of more betting opportunities than most other sportsbooks in the region.
Mobile App- the Unibet mobile app has won multiple awards for its software. It’s currently available on both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded directly from the website. Live betting, live streaming and quick deposit/withdrawals are just a few of the many great features available with the app.
Unibet TV- live streaming of thousands of sporting events is available each year on Unibet TV. Just click on tv icon above live sporting events for access to the streams. Users are required to have a funded account or a bet placed within the past 24 hours to use Unibet TV.
Bookmaker.com.au
Bookmaker.com.au went live in 2012 and was quickly bought over by UK bookmaker Ladbrokes in 2013. As with Neds Australia, Bookmaker.com.au and Ladbrokes Australia use the same markets and odds. The interfaces and designs on each site are different, however.
Bookmaker.com.au is one of the few betting operators approved for NRL, AFL, Australia Rugby, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia and PGA Australia betting. The sportsbook was originally licensed and regulated by the Norfolk Island Gaming Authority but switched to Northern Territory in 2016.
Top Features:
Live Betting*- as with most sports betting sites Australia has, live betting is only available via call in by phone. Users may, however, view up to the minute odds on live bets on the Bookmaker.com.au website.
Mobile App- the Bookmaker.com.au mobile app is available for both iOS and Android downloads. The app gives mobile bettors the chance to get alerts and notifications for completed and upcoming bets. Quick deposit options are also available for getting money onto the site in a hurry.
Bookmaker Card- the Bookmaker Card gives you access to your winnings instantly. Not only that, you can use the card for purchases everywhere Visa is accepted, even online. All you need to do is activate your card and transfer some winnings from account to your card. Card fees and load limits apply. Jockey Challenge- horse racing fans have the option of taking part in jockey challenges throughout the year. The Jockey Challenge allows you to pick which jockey you think will come out on top at a select meeting. If your jockey finishes the day on top, you win a prize.
bet365
Top Features:
Live Betting*- although online live betting is prohibited due to Australian gambling laws, punters may place bets via phone at bet365. Odds for the live bets can be found online with up to the second changes.
Mobile App- a bet365 mobile app is available to all Android and iOS users. The app can be downloaded directly from the bet365 website or in their respective app stores. The app gives users the same betting markets as the browser-based client with the ease of one-tap logins and betting alerts. Quick deposits live betting and live streaming are all available via mobile app.
Live Streaming- live streams to thousands of sporting events are available on the site with just the click on a button. To use live streams, users will be required to have a funded account or have placed a bet within the last 24 hours.
You can watch live sport on your mobile, tablet or desktop including Soccer, Tennis and Basketball. All you need is a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to qualify.
Under Australian law, we are required to inform you that Live Streaming on bet365 is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018.
*Disclaimer: due to the Interactive Gambling Act in Australia, any form of live betting cannot be conducted online.
Sport betting sites: bet on football, cricket, horse racing
Since these are the top 10 sites that we could find for new betting sites for sport online in Australia, they all offer a good range of the best online sports to choose from. All of our top 10 sites offer sports betting for:
| Type of sports betting |
Type of sports betting |
| Tennis |
Australian rules |
| Basketball |
Baseball |
| American football |
Boxing |
| Athletics |
Cricket |
| Cycling |
Darts |
| eSports |
Golf |
| Ice hockey |
Motorsports |
| Rugby league |
Rugby union |
| Soccer |
MMA |
The only difference when it comes to gameplay variety is the extra exciting events that various sites allow you to bet on that are more niche. Some of the more niche events that you can find at only a selected few Australian bookmakers are the Olympics, the Winter Olympics, snooker, surfing, politics, entertainment, and Netball. One of the most fun betting categories we enjoy is the ‘Novelties’ category.
This section is usually reserved for players to come up with their bets on random events – they will almost let you place a bet on anything. Unibet is especially great at this section. If you head over to Unibet, you will be able to place a bet on things such as:
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first child’s name
- The next Time’s Person of the Year
- The next person to be killed off in Game of Thrones
- The next Eurovision winner
- The price of gold
- when Britain will officially exit the European Union
The above mentioned are just a small group of bets available in the Unibet Novelty section – there are more than 80 currently – plus most of the other top 10 sites also offer their own “Novelty” sections with similar bets. But for us, Unibet wins in the novelty section hands down, they will take a bet on almost anything which leads to some very fun and interesting bets!
In the more traditional sporting categories, we think Bet365 comes out on top. Bet365 is one of the biggest bookmakers in the entire world, and its Australian platform is no different. Not only do they offer extremely competitive odds, but they also have one of the biggest collections of sports to bet on that we have ever seen.
Bet365 also offers very in-depth bets on some of the more niche sports that we mentioned above, which means that there is pretty much always something to suit just about anybody’s sport betting tastes at Bet365.
Which betting sites in Australia with the best features?
| Betting Sites In Australia With Best Features |
Special Features |
Check bookie’s site |
Ladbrokes |
Live Betting via Phone
Mobile App
Ladbrokes Blog
Same Game Multi Bets |
|
bet365 |
Live Streaming*
Live Betting via Phone
Mobile App
Form & Stats
Bet365 Mastercard |
|
Unibet |
Unibet TV
Live Betting via Phone
Mobile App
Stats & Live Scores
Blog |
|
Betfair |
Exchange Betting
Live Betting via Phone
Mobile App
The Hub
Betting Statistics |
TBA |
Neds |
Live Betting via Phone
Mobile App
Punters Toolbox
Blog |
TBA |
*Under Australian law, we are required to inform you that Live Streaming on bet365 is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018
Melbourne Cup 2021 latest news
The Melbourne Cup 2021 is fast approaching, with runners, odds, tips and riders information on the brink of release. We expect the operators to start putting out their Melbourne Cup betting very soon. Check our complete guide on the Melbourne Cup 2021.
