Australia has one of the most vibrant and deeply ingrained gambling cultures in the world. From the iconic “race that stops a nation” to the weekly ritual of the AFL or NRL “multi,” sports betting is more than just a pastime—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry. As we move into 2025, the landscape is shifting rapidly due to new technologies, evolving regulations, and a heightened focus on consumer protection.
Whether you are a casual punter or looking to understand the market dynamics, here is everything you need to know about sports betting in Australia today.
The Current State of the Australian Market
The Australian gambling sector is projected to generate over US$15.4 billion in revenue in 2025, with online sports betting leading the charge. Unlike many other global markets, Australia has a high “user penetration” rate, with roughly 70% of the adult population participating in some form of gambling annually.
While horse racing historically held the crown, the rise of digital platforms has seen a surge in betting on:
- AFL (Australian Rules Football) & NRL (Rugby League): The bread and butter of winter sports betting.
- Cricket: High volume during the Big Bash League and International Test summers.
- Basketball & Soccer: The NBA and English Premier League attract massive domestic interest.
- eSports: A fast-growing segment among younger demographics (18–34 years).
2025 Regulatory Reforms: A New Era of Protection
2025 marks a turning point for regulation. The Australian government and state bodies like the VGCCC (Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission) have introduced stricter measures to address gambling-related harm.
- Mandatory Loss Displays: New federal legislation now requires interactive wagering services to provide real-time “Know Your Losses” activity statements. These show wins and losses on a monthly, yearly, and lifetime basis directly on the app interface.
- BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register: This government-operated service allows individuals to ban themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering services in Australia with a single application.
- Credit Card Ban: To prevent “betting with money you don’t have,” the use of credit cards for online gambling has been largely prohibited across the country.
- Advertising Restrictions: While a total ban on gambling ads is still being debated in Parliament, 2025 has seen a significant reduction in the frequency and placement of ads during prime-time sports broadcasts.
Choosing a Platform: Top Betting Apps in 2025
With over 170 mobile betting apps available, competition for your “punting dollar” is fierce. Here are some of the market leaders currently dominating the space:
| Platform | Best For | Key Feature |
| Neds | Overall Experience | The “Punters Toolbox” featuring various odds-boosting tools. |
| Ladbrokes | Racing & Fixed Odds | Highly competitive odds and a seamless interface. |
| Dabble | Social Betting | Allows users to follow and “copy” the bets of successful punters. |
| bet365 | Live Streaming | Unrivaled access to live sports and racing broadcasts. |
| Betfair | Value & Trading | An exchange model where you bet against other punters, not the house. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is sports betting legal in all Australian states?
Yes, sports betting is legal throughout Australia. However, each state and territory has its own regulatory body that oversees licensing and consumer protection. While you can bet anywhere, the specific rules regarding promotions and “inducements” (like sign-up bonuses) vary—for instance, NSW has very strict laws against advertising betting incentives.
2. Can I use a credit card to fund my betting account?
As of 2024 and 2025, most Australian licensed bookmakers are prohibited from accepting credit cards for online wagering. This is part of a federal push to promote responsible gambling. Punters typically use debit cards, PayID, Apple Pay, or bank transfers.
3. What is “BetStop” and how does it work?
BetStop is the National Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Register. It is a free service that allows you to exclude yourself from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering providers for a period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime. Once registered, bookmakers are legally required to close your accounts and stop sending you marketing materials.
4. Why can’t I see sign-up bonuses anymore?
Under the National Consumer Protection Framework, Australian bookmakers are prohibited from offering “inducements” to open an account. This means you won’t see “Deposit $100, Get $100” ads. Instead, bookmakers focus on offering better odds, “Same Game Multi” features, and tools like the Neds Punters Toolbox for existing customers.
5. What are “Same Game Multis”?
A Same Game Multi (SGM) allows you to combine multiple selections from a single match into one bet. For example, in an AFL game, you could bet on a team to win, a specific player to kick 2+ goals, and the total points to be over 160. Because the events are related, the odds are calculated differently than a standard multi.
6. Is eSports betting legal in Australia?
Yes. eSports betting has seen massive growth and is fully legal through licensed providers like Picklebet or Ladbrokes. You can bet on major tournaments for games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Dota 2.
7. How are my winnings taxed in Australia?
In Australia, gambling winnings are generally not taxed. The government views gambling as a hobby or recreational activity rather than an income-producing profession. Instead, the government taxes the betting operators (the bookmakers) directly through “Point of Consumption” taxes.
8. What is the “Know Your Losses” statement?
Introduced in 2025, this is a mandatory feature on betting apps. It provides a clear, real-time dashboard showing exactly how much you have deposited, won, and lost over various periods. It is designed to give punters better transparency over their spending.
9. Can I bet on sports while a game is “In-Play”?
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, online “in-play” or “live” betting is restricted for sports. While you can see the live odds on an app, you generally have to call a dedicated betting line to place the bet over the phone. However, live betting on horse racing is permitted via the app.
10. Who do I contact if I have a dispute with a bookmaker?
If you have a dispute regarding a bet or account, you should first contact the bookmaker’s customer service. If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate it to the gambling regulator in the state where the bookmaker is licensed (most corporate bookmakers are licensed by the Northern Territory Racing Commission).
