Australia has long been recognized as one of the world’s most enthusiastic gambling nations. From the dust of the outback racetracks to the high-tech interfaces of modern mobile apps, betting is deeply woven into the Australian cultural fabric. As we move through 2025, the landscape is shifting rapidly. With the market projected to reach a staggering AUD 8.32 billion this year, the intersection of sports, technology, and regulation has never been more complex.
Whether you are a casual punter looking to back your favorite AFL team or someone interested in the economic mechanics of the industry, this guide covers everything you need to know about the current state of sports betting in Australia.
The Evolution of the Australian Betting Market
Historically, Australian betting was centered around “the track”—horse and greyhound racing. While racing remains “king” in terms of heritage, the digital revolution has democratized sports wagering. Today, online platforms account for nearly 80% of all sports betting revenue in the country.
The rise of the “corporate bookmaker” has replaced the traditional local bookie. Names like Sportsbet, Tabcorp, and Ladbrokes now dominate the scene, offering sophisticated apps that allow for split-second wagering. In 2025, we are also seeing a massive surge in social betting, where apps like Dabble allow users to follow and copy the bets of successful punters, turning a solitary activity into a community experience.
Popular Sports and Markets: What Aussies Bet On
In Australia, the “Big Three” dominate the betting volume, but the diversity of markets is expanding into niche territories.
- AFL (Australian Rules Football): The undisputed heavyweight of the winter months. Punters focus heavily on player props (e.g., “How many disposals will Nick Daicos get?”) and “Same Game Multis.”
- NRL (National Rugby League): Dominant in NSW and Queensland, the NRL sees massive volume on try-scorer markets and margin betting.
- Horse Racing: Still a year-round powerhouse. The Melbourne Cup remains the single biggest betting event in the nation, often referred to as “the race that stops a nation.”
- Cricket: As the primary summer sport, Test matches, the Big Bash League (BBL), and international ODIs attract significant volume, especially in “live” or “in-play” markets via telephone.
- Emerging Markets: 2025 has seen a significant uptick in eSports and NBA betting, driven by a younger demographic that favors fast-paced, high-scoring US sports.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
Australia does not have a single “national” gambling regulator. Instead, it is a complex patchwork of state-based authorities and federal oversight.
State vs. Federal Control
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) is the primary federal law. It prohibits “interactive” gambling like online casinos but allows for online sports betting provided the operator is licensed. Crucially, it prohibits “live” online betting—meaning you cannot place a bet on a digital app once a game has started; you must pick up the phone and call a bookmaker to bet in-play.
New Laws in 2025
The regulatory environment has tightened significantly in 2025 to prioritize consumer protection:
- BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register is now fully operational, allowing Australians to ban themselves from all licensed interactive wagering services in a single step.
- Real-Time Loss Displays: New federal legislation, the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses) Bill 2025, requires apps to show a permanent, real-time display of a user’s net wins and losses.
- Credit Card Ban: To prevent debt-funded gambling, the use of credit cards for online wagering is now strictly prohibited across the board.
The Future: Technology and AI
In 2025, the “tech” in “FinTech” has fully migrated to betting. Top-tier Australian bookmakers are now using machine learning algorithms to provide personalized betting feeds. If you frequently bet on the Brisbane Lions, your app interface will adapt to show you Lions-related markets first.
We are also seeing the integration of Blockchain for faster, more transparent withdrawals and the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, where punters can watch a race in a virtual suite while viewing real-time data overlays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is sports betting legal in all of Australia?
Yes, sports betting is legal throughout Australia, provided you use a bookmaker that holds a valid license from an Australian state or territory (most are licensed in the Northern Territory).
2. Can I bet on a game while it is currently in progress?
Under the Interactive Gambling Act, you cannot place an “in-play” bet through a website or app. However, you can do so legally by calling the bookmaker’s dedicated betting line.
3. What is BetStop and how does it work?
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It is a free government 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.
4. Are my winnings from sports betting taxed in Australia?
No. In Australia, gambling winnings are generally not considered income and are therefore not taxed. The government taxes the betting operators (the bookmakers) rather than the individual punters.
5. Can I use my credit card to deposit into a betting account?
As of 2024/2025, the Australian government has banned the use of credit cards and credit-linked products for online gambling to help prevent financial harm.
6. What are “Same Game Multis”?
A Same Game Multi (SGM) allows you to combine multiple outcomes from a single match (e.g., AFL) into one bet. For example, you might bet on a team to win, a specific player to score a goal, and the total points to be over a certain amount.
7. Why do I need to verify my identity when signing up?
Australian law requires all wagering providers to verify the identity of their customers to prevent money laundering and ensure the user is over 18 years of age. This is usually done through an automated system using your ID (like a driver’s license).
8. Which state has the most betting activity?
New South Wales currently holds the largest market share in Australia (approximately 31.7%), followed closely by Victoria.
9. Are offshore betting sites legal for Australians?
No. Using “offshore” or unlicensed betting sites is illegal and risky. These sites are not bound by Australian consumer protection laws, meaning you have no legal recourse if they refuse to pay out your winnings.
10. Where can I find help if I think I have a gambling problem?
You can contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 or visit their website for free, confidential support. You can also register for BetStop to immediately cease all legal online betting activity.
