Whenever a tourist thinks of Australia, they probably remember sunshine, surfing, the Sydney Opera House, kangaroos, koalas, and the Outback. I think of some of that, too – but I also think of the best betting sites Australia has to offer.
You’ve got it in one: I’m Michael, a sports betting tourist who was eager to visit Australia, catch up with a buddy I met online, and do a few “touristy” things before checking out the local retail bookmakers and signing up to the best betting sites here.
In this article, I’ll show you how I froze to death watching Shakespeare in the open Melbourne air, as well as how I got on at 3 of Australia’s land-based sportsbooks – and how I rate their top online sports betting sites.
Excited? You should be. Let’s get started.
Best Betting Sites in Australia
- MyStake: Best overall – A$600 welcome bonus
- FreshBet: 30+ sports to bet on
- Playzilla: Fast payouts
- GreatWin: Mobile-friendly sportsbook
- GoldenBet: Top pick for live betting
Where I Did in Australia
My mum always says I should never travel alone because I “can’t spot danger” and I’m “terrible with maps.” This time, I made sure to remember all of her tips and travel professionally!
My journey in Australia started with seeing a Shakespeare play in Melbourne, roller skating around the streets of Sydney, and seeing a ballet. Is that enough culture for you, Mum?
Yes, I also spent a lot of time in brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, including the adorable TAB in Melbourne and the TAB in Sydney, which isn’t far from the King Street Wharf Darling Harbour. During my “chill time” in my hotel, I slipped into one of those lush white gowns and signed up to some of the best Australian betting sites.
How did I get on? Let’s find out together.
Online Betting Sites I Tried in Australia
Betting sites in Australia aren’t a new concept for me, but they might be for some of you. They’re basically online sportsbooks that let you place bets, grab bonuses, and withdraw your winnings without leaving your home.
Here’s how I rate the top betting sites in Australia, including the large and small betting sites Australia:
MyStake
MyStake offers new players an up to A$600 welcome bonus. I only had to deposit A$20 to claim it, and there was no need to enter a bonus code.
Other than that, MyStake has endless betting options and sports markets. I could bet on the NRL, hundreds of soccer leagues around the world, basketball, the NFL, cricket, and more.
I also soon noticed that MyStake offered better odds than everyone else when I compared them, which is always a sign of a strong online sportsbook.
This site isn’t short of deals, either. Each time I placed 3 bets on the spin at qualifying odds, MyStake gave me my fourth bet on the house. This is an unlimited deal that – I admit – I used a lot.
My only real criticism of this online betting site is that weekend withdrawals aren’t available. On the flip side, crypto is supported alongside 10+ regular payment methods, and customer support is 24/7.
FreshBet
FreshBet tempted me with a 100% up to A$500 welcome bonus. The deal is the same, which means I needed to make a first deposit of at least A$20 to trigger it.
Now, I’ll level with you – I didn’t have enough time in my hotel room to become a VIP at FreshBet. But I checked it out thoroughly and read what people are saying about it on the forums, and it’s clear that this is the place to be for VIP perks.
These perks include 10% cashback, even for those on the bottom rung of the VIP program, higher withdrawal limits, and appreciation chips. To become a FreshBet VIP, you just need to keep making those deposits and placing those bets.
A downside to FreshBet is that it looks too similar to other Aussie online bookmakers I reviewed. However, that’s hardly a bad thing when you consider how gorgeously designed this site is. You can bet pre-game, in play, and choose from alternative lines and a wide range of other sports markets.
Playzilla
All online bookmakers have bonuses and an assortment of deals, but Playzilla is more generous with its offers than anyone else in Australia.
I compared their deals with rival online bookmakers and the land-based sportsbooks I visited and decided Playzilla was the winner. Not only can you claim a welcome package worth up to A$1,500, but you can also grab an A$1,050 reload bonus every week.
There’s also a 100% accumulator boost offer, which I took full advantage of when I placed a soccer and NBA parlay. And if a soccer game in one of the major leagues ends in a “bore draw”, you’ll get all your money back.
None of the soccer bets I placed ended in a bore draw, but this is still a great offer. Early payout is available, too, which is when Playzilla settles your bet early if the soccer team you’ve bet on goes 2 goals ahead.
And while it’s true that many of Playzilla’s promotions are centred on soccer betting markets, I’d wager most bettors are soccer fans anyway.
GreatWin
What do I want from a mobile betting site? I want competitive odds to go alongside a slick interface, an easy sign-up process, and pages and betting markets that load quickly.
This is exactly what I personally found at GreatWin, an Australian bookmaker that has everything I needed when betting on the move (seriously, I was checking the latest odds when waiting for an elevator at my hotel).
You can bet on over 20 sports, including soccer, ice hockey, NFL, NBA, and tennis, with GreatWin seemingly covering more leagues, competitions, and tournaments than you probably thought existed.
You can compete in weekly challenges and enter betting tournaments for cash prizes and bonus funds, and I loved how easy it was to deposit funds on my Android.
GoldenBet
As a new customer at GoldenBet, I was immediately entitled to A$500 cashback on any bet I placed. Alternatively, I could claim a 100% up to A$500 deposit bonus, for which the minimum deposit was A$20.
However, the in-play betting experience at GoldenBet impressed me the most. Live betting has its own section, and competitive odds are available on a variety of live betting markets, including the money line, the totals, and the handicap.
You can also choose from a raft of in-play props bets, such as the next goalscorer in a soccer game, something you can’t do at a land-based sportsbook in Australia.
I would have loved to have seen some live streaming, but GoldenBet makes up for this with an in-game graphic visualiser that keeps you up-to-date with the latest action in real time.
I placed numerous live bets here, taking advantage of the competitive odds. I also loved the fact that I could cash out my in-play bets whenever I wanted.
Land-Based Sportsbooks I Visited in Australia
I travelled to two Australian cities – Melbourne and Sydney – where I visited a land-based sportsbook in each one. Here are my thoughts, impressions, and experiences (and if I become a millionaire, I’ll let you know):
TAB, Melbourne
The mortifying truth is that I almost didn’t make it to TAB. When I arrived in Melbourne, my friend had already booked tickets for us to see an open-air showing of Macbeth that night. That’s exactly what we did.
And Melbourne in late summer? You expect 30 degrees of heat, right?
Wrong.
Being a typical Brit, I brought the rain with me. By the time the three-hour play was over (it felt more like 556 hours), I was frozen and went to my hotel feeling feverish. Fortunately, I woke up after a good night’s sleep feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the sports betting scene. You can’t keep a good bettor down!
What It’s Got
TAB is one of Melbourne’s few remaining retail bookies after the popular BetEasy halted operations last year. I visited the TAB on St Kilda Road – which, ominously, used to be an undertaker’s building.
From the outside, the building looks super tiny. But since it’s set on a corner, it also strikes a pose, especially in the sunshine. There’s also ample room for parking nearby, and – in many ways – it’s in the perfect spot.
Inside, it’s more spacious than you’d think, though the huge windows help with this. It also helped that I strolled in on a Wednesday afternoon when the place was fairly empty.
In terms of what it’s got, there were 3 human tellers at the counter (2 women and a dude), a couple of TVs pinned to the wall screening horse racing and betting analysis, as well as a cluster of tables and chairs, where I could rock up, pick up a paper slip and figure out a bet.
How I Did
Since there was live AFL that day, I made sure to bet on the Magpies, who my buddy is a die-hard fan of. The action took place later that night, so I picked out an AFL single and added an AFL pick to a parlay that consisted of a few A-League and J-League soccer picks.
I spent a bit of time watching the gee-gees (horse races for the uninitiated), and after a shaven-headed guy sitting next to me in a bomber jacket told me he was waiting for the 15:50 (it was the only reason he was there that day), I decided to join him. I had the same bet as him and pocketed a cool $50 profit. While, of course, wishing I’d have placed the same $400 stake as he did.
The pokey setting got a tad cramped as the day wore on and more locals arrived, many of whom were there for the horse racing. They knew the tellers by heart, and there was much hooting when their horses came good.
Overall Impressions
I haven’t used the word ‘hipster’ for years. But if I could describe bookies as being perfect for hipsters, it would be Melbourne’s TAB.
Of course, it’s a fitting venue for everyone else, and it’s especially ideal if you love horse racing betting. The tellers are super friendly and helpful, and the venue is cozy and welcoming.
There might not be as many TVs on the wall as you’ll find at some of those ‘mega sportsbooks’ in Vegas, but that’s hardly the point here. If you want a dedicated, down-to-earth bookmaker in Melbourne, TAB is the one.
TAB, Sydney
At this point, they may as well rename Australia ‘TAB Land,’ am I right?
Well, it seems to me that there’s a real dearth of betting shops in Australia, with TAB holding something of a monopoly. That’s not a huge issue, provided each TAB has its own distinct flavour.
I strolled along to the TAB on Pitt Street in Sydney, right in the heart of the city’s thriving CBD. If you like a bit of hustle and bustle, you’ll probably enjoy coming here, especially midday when the area is at its busiest.
This one is located near a hotel and a little tucked away. It’s definitely one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” type buildings, and you’ll need to find a parking space elsewhere.
What It’s Got
TAB in Sydney is open from 9 am until 6 pm most days (it’s open until 7 pm on Fridays). Those closing times seemed a little tight to me as a Brit who is used to retail bookies staying open until 11 pm. But hey, I’m just a tourist, right?
Inside, there was something of a party atmosphere. There was bunting on the ceiling, inflatable soccer balls here and there, and a few Australian flags. Like the Melbourne TAB, there were also stickers of jockeys riding their horses all along the walls, though this TAB felt a little more corporate.
There were plenty of TVs plastered to the walls. Some were screening live races (greyhounds and horses), while others kept me in the loop with live odds and other betting updates. There are a couple of benches with stools, plenty of disposable bins, as well as a coffee machine. The place was neat and tidy, and the tellers at the betting stations were always eager to get my bets placed as quickly as possible.
How I Did
There’s no doubt that TAB is extremely dedicated to horse racing. For most of the time, all I could hear was the excited racing commentary on the TVs as the man on the mic described the action, growing in enthusiasm as the jockeys reached the finish line.
However, there are still many other things I could bet on here, including Aussie Rules, the NRL, soccer, greyhounds, motorsports, and cricket.
I decided to place a few soccer singles bets, as well as a couple of Aussie Rules parlays. I went up to the counter and asked for the odds a few times for a couple of handicap bets I had planned, and the girl at the desk was more than willing to help me out.
I also decided to test the waters with a $300 straight bet at odds of (- 200) to see if they’d accept it. They were all too happy to take my money and wished me luck.
Before leaving, I placed an in-play cricket bet on England and chatted to a regular about the horses. He gave me a few tips, though rather mystically told me he only bets on horses with ‘palindromes’ in their names.
Overall Impressions
Like the other TAB I visited in Melbourne, this one on Pitt Street, Sydney, has a laid-back atmosphere. It’s not a big place by any means, and it reminds me a lot of some of the retail bookies we have back in the UK. However, situated in the CBD, it’s extremely accessible.
The garish lighting isn’t exactly aesthetically pleasing, but it’s totally necessary when you’re writing out your bet slips.
I noticed instantly the rapport that the tellers had with the regulars, who they were on first-name terms with. It’s the kind of friendly feel that we have at many UK bookies.
TAB was also noticeable for some of the deals they had, including odds boosts and cashback. However, this isn’t a showy sportsbook by any means. Instead, it’s just a place to come, place a few bets, have a coffee, and have a chat.
Things I Learned Placing Bets in Australia
One of the biggest things I learned about the Australian betting market is that there are a lot of sports and racing markets. I don’t say this lightly – Australians love their horse racing as much as us Brits.
However, what I really want to share in this section are a few things I learned that will help you if you’re ever thinking of betting in this great nation:
You’ll Need a Budget
I’m not the best with figures, so it wasn’t easy for me to budget exactly how much I would need to cover my travel and betting expenses.
But if you’re going to visit Australia to book hotels and gamble at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, you’ll need to sort out your budget first. Otherwise, that pizza you ate in Melbourne, while fun at the time, could end up eating into your bankroll without you realising it.
Australia Isn’t a Mecca for Land-Based Sportsbooks
You won’t be able to fly into Adelaide and expect there to be a sportsbook on every corner. In fact, some Australian cities don’t have land-based sportsbooks at all, with the Australian betting industry not quite as “booming” as the UK’s.
My advice is to do your research first; otherwise, you may end up looking around for a sportsbook for a long, long time.
Ask for Help
Sports betting agencies employ really friendly staff who a) know what they’re doing and b) are happy to help. If you’re unsure of something (such as the odds for a particular market), don’t be shy – walk up to the counter and ask for a bit of help.
As an alternative, ask your fellow bettor. In my experience, Aussie bettors are generally good people who will be willing to help you out.
Explore the Different Sports Betting Markets
Whether you’re playing at Australian betting sites or land-based betting companies, there are so many sports betting markets you can take a look at, including the handicap, the totals, and props, such as whether both teams score in a game of soccer.
That said, I found that Australian betting sites offer more options than land-based sportsbooks. However you play, just remember that there are more markets than the traditional moneyline option.
Claim the Bonus Bets
If you’re playing at an online sports betting site or betting app, I recommend that you claim the welcome bonus. Usually, you just need to make a minimum first deposit, which the betting site Auss will match by X percent.
It’s a great way of boosting your bankroll straight away, and it certainly helped me.
You can also claim many other regular offers, including reload bonuses and cashback. You don’t need to claim every bonus that comes your way, but I recommend opting in to push notifications so that you never miss a deal.
The Australian Betting Landscape Is In a Promising Position
I don’t speak lightly when I say Australian horse racing dominates many of the best betting apps and websites. But even with that in mind, offline and online betting as a whole is very healthy in Australia.
There are so many awesome best betting sites to choose from, all of which let you snap up incredible bonuses and dive into various betting options, from the simple moneyline bet to the tougher-to-get-right handicap bet.
And while there aren’t as many land-based betting agencies around at the moment as there used to be, the major cities still have enough of them to keep you entertained whenever the mood takes you to have a bet.
Would I return to Australia and do it all again? You bet I would. This time, I’d probably come during The Ashes so as to soak up the atmosphere and spend many days betting on the best sport of them all.
Best Betting Sites in Australia: FAQs
How Do I Find Land-Based Betting Agencies in Australia?
If you know someone who lives in Australia and likes to bet on sports, the best thing to do is to ask them (they’ll probably know the top betting sites in Australia, too). Alternatively, you could use Google, but make sure to refine your search to something like ‘betting shops in Australia.’
In my experience, tracking betting agencies down isn’t easy, but it’s worth knowing that TAB is one of the country’s biggest retail sportsbooks, with branches in several cities.
Is There a Dress Code at Land-Based Sportsbooks?
Not really, no. A lot of Australian bookies are small, down-to-earth type places that aren’t strict when it comes to what you wear. All that matters is that you’re polite and respectful.
Remember, we’re not talking glitzy casinos on the Vegas Strip here. Just wear your “normal” everyday clothes and be a good person.
When is the Best Time to Visit an Australian Sportsbook?
There’s no “best time”. As long as you get there in good time to place your bets, you’ll be A-Okay.
That said, there’s probably the worst time, which is during a huge sporting event, such as the Melbourne Cup, when the bookies will be packed to the rafters with people like you clamouring to place their bets.
What Are the Best Betting Sites in Australia?
The best betting sites in Australia include MyStake and FreshBet, two fairly new betting sites in Australia that let you bet on over 30 sports and get you started with 100% up to A$500 welcome bonuses.
Some of the other best Australian betting sites include Playzilla, which has an awesome VIP program, and GoldenBet, which offers the best live odds.
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