Sports Betting in Australia
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Just like in the United Kingdom, online gambling in Australia is big and it’s changing how people enjoy their online entertainment. According to a number of studies, around 80% of the population is engaged in some form of gambling. On top of this information, Australia is also known for its iGaming companies. This is possible thanks to a friendly regulatory climate for different types of gambling in the country including online sports betting.
In this online sports betting guide, we take a look at the Australian experience and check how popular online sports betting is in the country. We also review some of the pertinent laws, the different sports covered by online sportsbooks, and the steps on how you can choose your next Aussie online sportsbook.
Online Sports Betting- What the Australian Laws Say
Online sports betting is allowed in Australia, and there are a number of state-licensed casinos and sportsbooks operating today. However, the licensing laws and rules to follow may vary from state to state. For example, in the Australian Capital Territory, it is the job of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission to regulate the issuance of licenses to operators. In New South Wales, the agency tasked to regulate the operations of these businesses is the Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing. And in South Australia, it is the job of the Independent Gambling Authority to impose compliance. In addition to these organizations, there is also the Australian Communications and Media Authority that helps in managing the industry. It is the assigned watchdog of iGaming advertising in the country.
Since the laws and rules vary by state, the sign-up promotions and games can be played may vary. Although there are some variations in the laws, there exist two standard rules that apply to all states. One, the interested player must bet at least 18 years of age to create an account. Two, the operator must collect relevant information to establish the identity of the player.
One important law in Australia related to online sports betting is the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. Under the law, it’s illegal to advertise or offer real money interactive services like casino and online poker. It is the responsibility of the operator and not the individual to adhere to this law. This is one grey area in the law that allows a player to play online. Under the same law, online sports betting is allowed provided that this is offered by a licensed operator. Also, the bets should be placed before the event. This means that in-play betting is now allowed. However, there are a number of operators that are contesting the rule and still offers in-play betting.
Popular Sports and Events You Can Bet On
Aussies are also passionate about their sports and this can be seen in the most popular sports and events covered by online sportsbooks. For regular sports bettors, the most popular events and sports are horse racing, rugby, and cricket. On top of these sports, Australians also follow international soccer and golf, eSports, the National Basketball Association, and Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Thoroughbred racing is a popular spectator sport in the country and a popular subject of bets. In 2009/10 alone, the industry reported A$14.3 billion in total bets wagered. In Australian gambling, you have four main avenues for race betting. The most popular is through licensed on-track bookmakers. Bettors can also enjoy the services of online sportsbooks when it comes to betting on races. Most of the racing bets focus on the places and the winners of the races.
What to Check Before You Place Your Bets
Thanks to the popularity of betting, a number of online sportsbooks are now available online which cater to the needs of enthusiasts. Before you sign up and bet with real money, we suggest that you check first the following.
1. Compare the Prices and Odds Available.Online sportsbooks are not designed in the same way. Each website has its own strong point and you need to identify these and decide what works for you. The betting odds will tell you how much you will be paid if your prediction is correct.
2. Availability of a betting app. If you prefer to play and bet on games on-the-go, then you should choose an online sportsbook that’s compatible with mobile. Most sportsbooks will require you to download the app and install this in your preferred device. The sportsbook should allow you to bet, deposit, and withdraw funds using your mobile device.
3. Quality of promotions and bonuses. You can increase your chances of winning cash prizes if the sportsbooks reward you with deposit bonuses and free bets.
4. Availability of support. You also want to sign up with an online sportsbook that gives your 24/7 support through multiple channels. On top of this, you can also get the best experience if the sportsbook offers Game Statistics, Odds Comparison, Payout Calculator, and Live Streaming of games.
Start Betting Today by Checking Our List of Top Aussie Sportsbooks
If you want to simplify your job, we highly recommend that you read our complete guide. At Sport One, we cover the Australian online betting industry and we review the leading online sportsbooks that accept players from Australia. For the purpose of our review, we take a look at the quality of bonuses and perks available, usability of the platform, covered sports, and availability of support. So when you choose an Aussie sportsbook from our site, you can be sure that the website has been checked and assessed for you. Also, our list of casinos and online sportsbooks is regularly updated so you only get the freshest offers and odds!