
Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina Lopez, roams the globe in pursuit of stories, currently visiting the Land Down Under.
One of my favourite things to do whenever I visit a new country is to see what kinds of sports are available there. Yes, soccer (not football!) is always a safe bet, as is basketball, but beyond that, there are some crazy games being played all over the globe.
And Australia might just be home to some of the craziest.
Of course, if you find a place with crazy sports, it would be rude not to bet on them. Australia has an interesting sports betting scene, but I wasn’t looking to head into an actual betting parlour – too intense for my tastes.
Instead, I wanted something that I could do from the privacy of my hotel room, so I asked some of my companions for some online betting tips.
Top Betting Sites Australia
Rabona | Top choice overall | 130% match up to A$100 |
BassBet | Runner-up | A$200 welcome package |
Casinia | Top pick for in-play betting | Welcome offer up to A$200 |
Spinanga | Mobile-friendly sportsbook | 120% match up to A$100 |
Nomini | 50% weekly reload bonus | A$100 sign-up bonus |
Librabet | 10% cashback available | 100% match up to A$200 |
RoboCat | Offers early payouts | A$100 welcome package |
Sportaza | Exclusive sport tournaments | 100% match up to A$100 |
Frumzi | Great boosted accumulators | Deposit bonus up to A$100 |
AmunRA | Dozens of lucrative challenges | A$100 free bet |
I spent a little time on each of these sportsbooks, and I’ll let you know my favourites in a bit.
Sometimes it feels like Australia just took the most popular sports from elsewhere and…well…Australia-fied them. American football? Sure, they have that – except there are no pads, and it’s called rugby. It’s basically a demolition derby without the cars.
Bowling? They have something called “kegel” here (which means something very different from where I’m from).
And have you ever wondered what would happen if you put every sport in a blender and turned it on? Turns out that’s called “Australian Rules Football.”
I had no idea what any of these sports were before I got here, but I was quickly fascinated by them – especially Australian Rules Football. I’ve never seen such organised chaos in my life, and I knew from the first moment I laid eyes on it that I just had to bet on it.
There’s nothing quite as exciting as wagering on a sport you don’t truly understand; it’s why I’ve spent hundreds of dollars betting on the New Jersey Devils despite not being able to define “icing” to save my life. Now that’s gambling!
But before I go into the nitty-gritty details of my gambling journey, let me share a little slice of my Australian adventure. Visiting Australia wasn’t all about placing bets and shouting “bloody ripper!” on my phone screen. I actually got to explore some breathtaking parts of this beautiful country. That being said, not every part of my journey went exactly as planned.
Take this photo, for example. I’d heard great things about Jourama Falls National Park, so naturally, it was among my must-visit locations. Imagine my surprise when I got there and found out the park was closed due to flooding. The sign even kindly reminded me – “Road Subject to Flooding,” as if the raging torrent just beyond the gate wasn’t clear enough. Lucky me!
It felt a little like getting hyped for an epic Aussie Rules Football game, only to find out the match was cancelled because someone left the sprinklers on. Still, I couldn’t help but laugh. Mother Nature: 1; My Instagram Feed: 0.
So, while Jourama Falls didn’t make it onto my highlight reel, it was a perfect reminder that sometimes, life – much like betting on Australian Rules Football – throws you a curveball. And you just have to roll with it.
First Australian Betting Site I Tried: Rabona
- AFL Wager: Geelong Cats (+15.5) 1.85 vs Brisbane Lions
- Other Bet: Boston Celtics (-9) 1.27 vs San Antonio Spurs
- Bonus Claimed: 130% match up to A$100
- Cashout Speed: 18 hours
One of the biggest difficulties many online sportsbooks face is how they present themselves. You want to demonstrate that you offer a sleek and modern contrast to traditional online bookmakers – without reinventing the wheel.
Rabona manages to do just that. The interface is attractive and sophisticated, with eye-popping flashes of red on a dark background. It’s a beautiful bit of branding that stands out anywhere.
However, they didn’t sacrifice traditional functionality in the process. It’s easy to find what you’re looking for (and there’s plenty to look for here).
What I liked:

There are so many sports to bet on at Rabona that I almost listed that as something I didn’t like. You can scroll endlessly down the sidebar looking for your league of choice – but more is always better when it comes to choices, right?
Even when the league wasn’t in season, the breadth of their AFL betting markets was impressive. There were over a dozen futures categories to choose from, ranging from the eventual winner (I chose the Geelong Cats because I liked the name – sue me) to the state the winner will hail from.
Of course, you can’t evaluate a sportsbook if you don’t check out their live betting interface, so I also placed a bet on an NBA game that was running at the time.
While they didn’t offer live streaming for this particular game, the stats and odds update quickly on their live betting interface.
Beyond that, my favourite thing about the site is the sports betting bonus — a 130% match up to A$100, which is one of the most generous I’ve found anywhere.
What I didn’t like:

Ok, I’m going to harp on this: the sidebar needs to be improved. They need a way to find your preferred league quickly, as time is of the essence, especially when betting live.
That’s also true when trying to find a live game to bet on. At peak times, there are so many games listed it can be hard to read everything the interface throws at you. Alternating colour blocks would go a long way toward improving the user experience here.
They do allow you to pick your favourite teams or sports, which helps quite a bit, but if you don’t have that set up, finding what you’re looking for is a pain.
On the other hand, all of their sports betting bonuses are clearly marked on the promotions page – a nice touch that many sites miss entirely, sadly.
Second AU Betting Site I Tried: BassBet
- AFL Wager: Geelong Cats (+15.5) 1.90 vs Brisbane Lions
- Other Bet: Boston Celtics (-8.5) 1.29 vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Bonus Claimed: 100% match up to A$200
- Cashout Speed: 36 hours
If you had told me before I started this assignment that a fish-themed sportsbook would become one of my favourite betting sites ever, I would’ve called you a liar.
Here we are, though, and a site with a big splasher in the logo has cemented itself as one of the top online bookies in Australia. BassBet does a better job than almost any betting site I’ve played at in terms of providing players with all the info they need to make an informed punt.
If you’re a stats and data junkie who wants as many details as possible before you place a bet, this is the site for you.
What I liked:

One of my biggest pet peeves about betting online is that most sites drip-feed you their lines. They’ll show the moneyline, spread, and total, but you have to keep clicking to find alternate lines, props, and the rest.
Finding that BassBet doesn’t fall into the same trap was a breath of fresh air. There are plenty of lines available at first glance, and the rest are easy to find without endless clicking.
This is especially useful in their live betting interface. No one wants to have to hunt for the lines they want in the middle of the action, so BassBet puts everything front and centre, allowing you to focus on the game at hand.
Also, a helpful “Top Bets” sidebar lets you know what everyone else is betting on, so you will never miss a juicy wager.
What I didn’t like:

For a site that clearly prides itself on giving bettors as many options as possible, the futures section (at least for the AFL) was a bit drab. I had the ability to wager on upcoming matches… and that’s about it.
It’s not a deal breaker by any means. Still, it was a bit surprising, especially considering how much thought went into the live betting interface and the number of lines available in general.
To be fair, much of my disappointment likely stemmed from the fact that I still had some of their bonus to spend and wanted to place a long-term bet on my newly beloved Geelong Cats, but still.
Last on My List: Casinia
- AFL Wager: Geelong Cats (+15.5) 1.84 vs Brisbane Lions
- Other Bet: Boston Celtics (-9) 1.94 vs San Antonio Spurs
- Bonus Claimed: 100% match up to A$200
- Cashout Speed: 28 hours
While Rabona might aim for a modern feel, Casinia leans heavily into an old-school vibe – it looks like a website you’d see in The Sting if The Sting had been made in 1998.
One thing I’ve noticed about sports bettors is that they care more about functionality than flashy design. As long as placing a bet is quick and easy – and the competitive odds are there – they’re happy.
Luckily, Casinia excels in the latter two categories, making it easy to overlook any questionable design choices.
What I liked:

If you like to bet on in-play matches, then Casinia deserves a long look.
All matches are updated in real time, down to the ticking clock. While it would be nice to see streaming matches, this is as close as you can get without actually witnessing the action first-hand.
I also appreciate how the in-play betting interface allows you to track multiple matches in each league at the same time. This is perfect for anyone who likes to spread bets around.
Little touches like this show that this site is for serious bettors. I don’t know if I’d recommend a newbie start here, but if the sports betting bug bites you, this site should be in your rotation.
What I didn’t like:

While most sites have some sort of approval process before a withdrawal, it usually doesn’t take a whole three business days, as it does at Casinia.
That’s a long time to wait for your cash – and that’s before any transaction times are tacked on by your payment provider.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait nearly that long for my cashout, and I suspect most people don’t, either; this smacks of CYA-type wording added at the insistence of a lawyer.
Either way, you can get up to A$200 when you sign up, which makes up for the slimmer bonus.
Check out Casinia for yourself
My Verdict: Comparing the Three Betting Sites I Tried in Australia
As I learned firsthand, Australians are as serious about their sports betting as they are about sports in general. The online betting scene here is fantastic – one of the best I’ve found anywhere.
It can be hard to tell sports betting sites apart, in particular; after all, one site may be better for one match than another.
That being said, I think there are some clear ways these sportsbooks outperformed the others, and I’ll discuss them more below.
Best Sport Selection: BassBet
BassBet is a truly global sportsbook. Yes, they offer odds on things like the AFL and rugby, but you can find lines on about any competitive event worldwide. Their extensive sports and racing markets cover everything from major leagues to niche competitions, making it a top choice for variety.
Yes, global sports are available at most of the other sportsbooks I tried, but BassBet stood out. It’s just as good for domestic sports betting, too.
Best Betting Types: Rabona
You can bet on literally anything at Rabona – straight bets, parlays, futures, it’s all on the table.
I was impressed by the variety here, especially for niche sports like the AFL. You can make the exact bets you like at any time.
That’s true for the other sites as well, of course, but to a lesser degree when I played at them. If I were betting seriously in Australia, I’d start at Rabona before moving to the others.
Best Live Betting Experience: Casinia
While I liked all of the sites I tested for in-play betting, Casinia was the standout, largely due to the speed with which it updates its odds.
Everything is done in real time, right down to the ticking clock. You’ll know exactly what’s happening every step of the way, and they’ll even notify you if the lines change.
I also liked how BassBet lists several lines at once rather than just one or two, making it easy to see everything available at a glance. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome Casinia here.
My Favourite Betting Site Overall: Rabona
Listen, you can have a great time at virtually any site on this list, but I’m picking one to take on a deserted island, it’s Rabona (I probably should take something other than an online sportsbook, honestly).
Rabona has a great collection of bet types, a seemingly endless number of sports to wager on, and some juicy bonuses.
There may be a bit of an adjustment period at first due to just how much info the site throws at you, but once you get used to it, it’ll be hard to play anywhere else.
Analysing the Data: How the Best Australian Betting Sites Compare
Comparing betting sites can be a dicey proposition for the reasons outlined above – they’re not as static as regular Australian casino sites. Instead, they change with every day, as new events roll in and old ones drop off.
With that in mind, I tried to compare some of these sites with objective criteria to the best of my abilities, and this is what I found:
Sports Selection Comparison
Site | Sports Available |
Rabona | 42+ |
BassBet | 45+ |
Casinia | 40+ |
Things are close in this category, as all of the sites support wagers on at least 40 sports. That’s incredible, honestly – back in the pre-internet days, you’d be lucky to find bookies who accepted bets on half that many.
While BassBet was the winner in this particular contest, it’s unlikely that the few extra sports it offers will make a huge difference to most punters (unless you’re into super-niche games, of course).
Also, while I took the time to count all of these, I didn’t dive too in-depth into what was present and missing at all the sites. It could very well be that BassBet just has some futures racing and sports markets that aren’t in season, and once those leagues start up in earnest, they’ll also be available at the other sports betting sites in Australia.
Bonuses and Promotions Comparison
Site | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code |
Rabona | 130% up to A$100 | Rabona130 |
BassBet | 100% up to A$200 | Bassbet200 |
Casinia | 100% up to A$200 | Casinia200 |
One problem when you have a bunch of sportsbooks all competing for the same territory is that they’ll often find a “sweet spot” when it comes to bonuses, and that seems to be what’s happened in Australia.
These offers are very similar, with Casinia and BassBet’s virtually identical. Rabona offers something a bit different, as they boast a more generous match with a lower cap.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you want to stretch your gambling dollar as far as it will go, you won’t find a better deal than Rabona’s. However, if you want the most actual money in your account, BassBet and Casinia both have excellent offers.
Cashout Comparison
Site | Banking Options | Cashout Speed |
Rabona | FunID, Mastercard, Neosurf, Paysafecard, Skrill, Bitcoin, and Other Cryptos and e-Wallets | 18 hours |
BassBet | FunID, Mastercard, Neosurf, Paysafecard, Skrill, Bitcoin, and Other Cryptos and e-Wallets | 36 hours |
Casinia | FunID, Mastercard, Neosurf, Paysafecard, Skrill, Bitcoin, and Other Cryptos and e-Wallets | 28 hours |
All of the top 3 picks support crypto payments, which is a massive plus. This means that most payouts are processed very fast, usually within a few minutes.
In fact, the deposit and withdrawal options are very similar at all three top betting sites in Australia. This is common in most countries, as bookies will take advantage of whatever payment options are available.
The payout times are in the same ballpark as well. Rabona was the fastest in my experience, but none of them made me wait too terribly long for my funds.
It’s likely that the biggest issue in terms of cashout speed will be verifying your account. Once you’ve done that, chances are these speeds will increase dramatically.
If you are all about fast payouts, make sure to check out this page.
New to Sports Betting Sites in Australia? Here’s My Advice
While I may not be qualified to offer tips on the upcoming AFL season, I do know a thing or two about online sportsbooks. If you’ve never gambled on the internet, I have a few pointers to share before you get started.
Don’t Limit Yourself to One Bookie
Before the internet, you didn’t have a lot of choices when it came to sports betting. You had your local bookie (legit or otherwise), and… that was pretty much it.
Want to find a better price? By the time you drive across town, the price will have changed a half-dozen times.
That’s not the case anymore. You have dozens of online sportsbooks just a click away, so you can always find a great price on whatever match you want to bet on.
It’s smart to keep accounts at several different sportsbooks so that you can jump on a juicy line when you see it. After all, while it’s easier for punters to find great lines, it’s also easier for bookies to change them quickly, so don’t dawdle.
Check Everything on Your Phone
Let’s face it: you’re going to do a lot of your betting on your phone.
There’s nothing quite as exciting as watching a game and gambling on it at the same time, and there’s no better way to do that than betting on a phone or tablet.
That means you must test out any site on a mobile device before signing up. If it doesn’t look and function like a million bucks, move on. There are a ton of other best sports betting sites in Australia that are mobile-optimized, so there’s no sense wasting your time on one that’s stuck in the Stone Age.
Use Those Bonuses
These sportsbooks have many bonuses and other promotions on tap, and it would be a sin to let them go to waste.
Each of these can be used to pad your bankroll and could possibly take you from break-even to profitable.
And unlike casino bonuses, sports betting bonuses are usually easier to claim, as they have smaller wagering requirements. Be sure to check the promos page before you ever make a deposit at a sportsbook.
Want to play online slots? Check out this guide to the best pokies in Australia.
Available Bonuses at Online Betting Sites in Australia
Whenever I check out new sites, I’m always immediately drawn to the promo page. After all, who doesn’t like getting something for nothing?
Sports betting bonuses can be all over the board, though, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the best betting sites Down Under. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found – it turns out Australia’s sportsbooks can compete with any in the world in this regard.
Here are my favourites:
130% Up to A$100 at Rabona
New players who sign up at Rabona and enter code “Rabona130” will get their first deposit matched at a 130% clip, all the way up to A$100. It’s the most generous deposit match I’ve seen, as most sites cap out at 100%.
100% Match Up to A$200 at BassBet
This is one of those offers that caps at a 100% match, but they more than make up for it by giving players up to A$200 in bonus funds (use code “Bassbet200”). If you’re looking to get a ton of bang for your buck, maxing out this offer is the way to do it.
A$200 Bonus at Casinia
Casinia is just as generous as BassBet, as they’ll also match 100% of a player’s deposit up to A$200 if you enter code Casinia200. Considering this was my favourite live betting site in Australia, I think getting as much money in your account up-front as possible is wise.
Beginner’s Guide To Australian Online Betting Sites
Once you’ve selected your sportsbook (or sportsbooks) of choice, here are some tips for making sure you get the most out of your online betting experience.
Think Three Steps Ahead
In-play wagers can present some juicy opportunities, but most players only try to profit by being faster than the sportsbooks – by making a big wager before the lines move after a star player is injured, for example.
This isn’t a sustainable way to bet. The books are faster than you, I guarantee it.
However, a better strategy is to think two or three steps down the line. If a star basketball player fouls out, don’t automatically try to bet against his team – the bookies will change those lines first.
Instead, think about who will benefit from that player being out. Is another play likely to go over their scoring or rebounding prop? Is the guy he was guarding on the other team likely to go off now?
These are the things to think about, not ways to speed up your trigger finger.
The More Obscure the Bet, the Juicier It’s Likely to Be
A few bets make the bookies a lot of money: props, over/unders, and moneylines. That’s what most people want to bet on, and that’s what the bookies focus on fine-tuning. This is especially true for big matches that draw a lot of attention.
You’re probably not going to beat them at these bets.
However, if you go off the beaten path, you could possibly find some treasure. If it’s an obscure sport or a game that features two teams no one’s ever heard of, then you’re likely to find better lines than you would for the match everyone’s eagerly anticipating.
Likewise, consider making futures bets a cornerstone of your strategy. Bookies are often slow to update these lines after major news breaks, especially if you’re thinking three steps ahead, as I advise.
Check Those Lines Often
If you know you want to bet on a certain match, don’t just check the lines once and call it a day. Check back often – daily if possible – and be sure to log on right before the match begins.
Odds can change significantly throughout the week, so waiting might get you a better deal. Once the game is about to begin, no new information can affect the odds, meaning you’ll see the most accurate or “true” price.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Australian Sports Betting Sites
Sports in Australia are wild, to say the least. I’ve learned about all sorts of new games, including Australian Rules Football and rugby. I’m not sure I’m ready to abandon my Jets just yet, but I’ll be tuning in a few months when those sports are in full swing.
What I’ll truly remember, though, is how crazy the sports betting sites in Australia are. Almost all of them seem to be on the cutting edge of the industry, from their reliance on cryptocurrency to their super-advanced live betting interfaces.
Not everything is perfect in Oz, to be sure. I think many of their best betting sites could use some curating to make them easier for newbies to use, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker.
If I’m ever lucky enough to come back here, you can be sure I’ll be placing more bets at my newfound favourite sportsbooks. In the meantime, though, I’ll be watching from across the pond (or several ponds), cheering on my beloved Geelong Cats on their drive to the championship.
Top Betting Sites Australia – FAQs
Can I Win Real Money Betting on Sports in Australia?
Yes, you can win real money betting on sports in Australia. As with any other form of gambling, though, the house has the edge, so I recommend playing for fun rather than profit.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Australia?
You can bet on almost any sport in the world – literally. Rugby, soccer, the AFL, Kazakhstani water polo, it’s all here.
What Types of Bets Can I Place in Australia?
You can make any bet that you’d make at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, including futures, over/unders, props, and more.
Which Aussie Betting Sites Have the Best Odds?
The site with the best odds will vary from game to game, as betting odds are a fluid market. However, in my time analysing these sportsbooks, I found that Rabona has some of the best odds Down Under.
How Do I Pick Which Sports Betting Site to Use in Australia?
The best way to choose a great Australian betting site is by comparing them regularly. I also recommend reading reviews first, so that you can be sure that any site you’re considering is legit.
From there, it’s simply a matter of checking in periodically to see which sportsbook tends to have the best odds on the sports you love.
Got a suggestion for where Valentina should travel next or what to explore on upcoming adventures? Reach out at [email protected] – always looking for something new to try!