Is Sports Betting Legal in Australia?
Yes — sports betting is legal in Australia for adults aged 18 and over. Australia has one of the most established and regulated sports betting markets in the world. You can legally place bets on AFL, NRL, NBA, EPL, horse racing and most other sports through licensed bookmakers and exchanges.
However, there are important rules and restrictions that every Australian punter should understand.
The Legal Framework
Sports betting in Australia is primarily governed by state and territory legislation, with federal oversight provided by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Key points:
- All licensed bookmakers must hold a licence from a state or territory gaming authority (e.g., Northern Territory Racing Commission — the most common licensor for online betting operators).
- The IGA prohibits unlicensed offshore gambling services from offering betting to Australians.
- The minimum legal age is 18+ in all states and territories.
What Is and Isn't Legal
✅ Legal
- Pre-match sports betting through licensed bookmakers (Betfair, Sportsbet, TAB, Ladbrokes, Neds, PointsBet, etc.)
- Horse racing and greyhound betting
- Betting exchanges (Betfair Australia)
- Fantasy sports with cash prizes (in most states)
- Using a licensed overseas bookmaker (varies — grey area)
❌ Not Legal (or heavily restricted)
- In-play internet betting — live/in-running betting online is restricted under the IGA. You can bet in-play by phone (calling the bookmaker), but not via app or website for most sports. Betfair's in-play exchange markets are an exception for racing.
- Online casino games and poker from Australian-licensed operators (prohibited under the IGA — though offshore sites operate in a grey zone)
- Betting under the age of 18
- Credit betting — bookmakers are prohibited from extending credit to punters under the National Consumer Protection Framework
The In-Play Betting Rule
This catches a lot of punters by surprise. Under the IGA, licensed bookmakers cannot accept in-play bets via internet or app for most sports. However:
- In-play bets placed by phone are legal
- Betfair's exchange allows in-play betting on horse racing and some other markets under its licence conditions
- This rule is under ongoing review and may change — some operators have lobbied for reform
Practically speaking, most punters aren't affected by this since pre-match betting covers the vast majority of tips we publish.
Are Betting Winnings Taxed in Australia?
Generally no. The ATO does not consider recreational gambling winnings to be taxable income. This applies to the vast majority of Australian punters — you don't need to declare your Betfair winnings on your tax return.
The exception: if the ATO determines you are a professional gambler (i.e., gambling is your primary source of income and you approach it in a systematic, business-like way), your winnings may be treated as assessable income. For most people following a tipping service, this does not apply.
See our full guide: Sports Betting Tax in Australia
Responsible Gambling Obligations
Licensed bookmakers in Australia are required by law to:
- Offer deposit limits and self-exclusion tools
- Display responsible gambling messaging
- Allow customers to close accounts on request
- Provide access to problem gambling support resources
We strongly recommend setting a deposit limit with your bookmaker before you place your first bet. It's one of the most effective tools for staying in control.
National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop)
Australia launched BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register — in August 2023. It allows you to self-exclude from all licensed Australian betting operators in one step. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, visit betstop.gov.au.
Which Bookmakers Are Licensed in Australia?
The major licensed operators in Australia include:
- Betfair Australia — licensed exchange, our recommended platform
- Sportsbet (owned by Flutter Entertainment)
- TAB (state-owned in NSW/VIC/QLD)
- Ladbrokes / Neds (owned by Entain)
- PointsBet (ASX-listed, Australian-founded)
- Bet365 (licensed under NT Racing Commission)
All of the above are legal and regulated. Stick to licensed operators — unlicensed offshore sites offer no consumer protections.
The Bottom Line
Sports betting is legal, accessible and well-regulated in Australia. As long as you're 18+, using a licensed platform, and betting responsibly within your means — you're operating completely within the law. The key restrictions (in-play internet betting, no credit) are unlikely to affect most recreational punters.
If you want the best odds on every bet, we recommend Betfair Australia — the only exchange in the market, with no bookmaker margin and no account restrictions.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Free confidential support: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 (24/7).