Question 1

Are online betting sites legal in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Australia provided the bookmaker holds a valid licence issued by an Australian state or territory. All of the platforms mentioned in this guide — including Bet365, Sportsbet, TAB, Ladbrokes, Neds, and PointsBet — are fully licensed and regulated. They operate under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and are overseen by state-level regulators such as the Northern Territory Racing Commission. It is legal to place bets as a customer; it is only unlawful for unlicensed providers to offer services to Australians.

Question 2

What is the best bookmaker for AFL betting in Australia?

Accepted Answer

There is no single "best" bookmaker for AFL — it depends on what you value most. Bet365 and Sportsbet consistently receive top marks for market depth, same-game multi features, and live streaming. TAB has the deepest retail presence and is the most trusted name for many long-time punters. Ladbrokes regularly offers competitive odds on AFL head-to-head markets. Our recommendation is to open accounts at two or three platforms so you can shop for the best odds on each game — a practice known as line shopping.

Question 3

Can I bet on NRL State of Origin online?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. State of Origin is one of the most heavily covered events on every major Australian bookmaker's calendar. Markets open weeks in advance, covering series winner, individual game winners, first try scorer, player props, correct score, and many more. During Origin week, most bookmakers run special promotions — including enhanced odds, money-back offers, and bonus bet giveaways — specifically tied to the series. In-play betting is also available via phone (click-to-call) during the live matches.

Question 4

How do same-game multis work in AFL and NRL betting?

Accepted Answer

A same-game multi (SGM) allows you to combine multiple selections from the same game into a single bet. For example, in an AFL match you might combine: Team A to win + Player X to kick 3+ goals + Player Y to record 30+ disposals. Each leg of the multi contributes to a combined odds price. Because the legs are correlated (from the same game), bookmakers apply a correlation adjustment to the odds, which means the combined price is typically lower than if you multiplied independent odds. SGMs are popular because they allow punters to use game-specific knowledge and can generate significantly higher returns from a small stake. Most major Australian bookmakers now offer SGMs with up to 10 or more legs.

Question 5

What is BetStop and do I need to register?

Accepted Answer

BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, launched in August 2023. It allows any Australian to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed interactive wagering services (online bookmakers) with a single registration. You do not need to register unless you believe your gambling is causing harm. Once registered, all licensed bookmakers are legally required to close your account and refuse to reopen it for the duration of your exclusion period. If you are struggling with problem gambling, BetStop at betstop.gov.au is one of the most effective tools available.

Question 6

How do I compare odds between different betting sites?

Accepted Answer

The most effective approach is to hold accounts at two or more licensed Australian bookmakers and manually compare the prices offered on your intended bet before placing it. This practice — called odds shopping or line shopping — can meaningfully improve your returns over time. For example, if one bookmaker has the Geelong Cats at $1.85 to win and another has them at $1.95, consistently taking the better price adds up significantly across a full season. Several free odds comparison websites cater specifically to the Australian market and allow you to see prices from multiple bookmakers side by side in real time.

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