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Top Sports to Bet on in Australia - A Beginners Guide
Australia has a strong sports culture, and betting on various sporting events has become increasingly popular across the country. Sports betting in Australia is well-regulated, and punters can enjoy a wide variety of options when it comes to punting on different events. Some sports are more popular than others in terms of betting volume, and this typically corresponds to both the national interest in those sports and the opportunities they bring for winning. Here are the most popular sports to bet on in Australia:
Top 10 Sports to bet on in Australia
Below, we list the top 10 sports that Aussie punters bet on.
1. Australian Rules Football (AFL)
Australian Rules Football, commonly referred to as AFL, is arguably the most popular sport to bet on in Australia. During the AFL season, fans hone in on player prop markets to add to their Same Game Multis which have become the most common bet type for AFL punters. With the season running from March to September, AFL offers plenty of opportunities to wager on match outcomes, player performances, and season-long events.
Popular AFL Betting Markets:
- Match winner (head-to-head)
- Total points over/under
- Goal scorers
- Player performance (e.g., disposals, marks, tackles)
- Margin betting (e.g., exact margin of victory)
If you are looking for a variety of markets, better odds and the most immersive betting experience from your AFL punting, take a look at our guide to the Top 5 AFL Betting Apps and Sites in Australia.
2. Rugby League (NRL)
Rugby League, specifically the National Rugby League (NRL), is another highly popular sport in Australia. It is the most popular sport in NSW and QLD, but the rest of the country leans towards AFL. The NRL draws large crowds and has a significant betting following, especially during the rugby season, which runs from March to October. NRL betting markets are vast, ranging from match outcomes to player-specific bets.
Popular NRL Betting Markets:
- Match winner (head-to-head)
- Total points over/under
- First try scorer
- Player-specific bets (e.g., tries scored, line breaks)
- Handicap betting (betting with a points spread)
Discover the top NRL betting apps and sites in Australia for a wide range of markets, superior odds, and the most engaging betting experience in our comprehensive guide.
3. Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of the oldest and most established betting sports in Australia. It has a massive following, with major races like the Melbourne Cup drawing millions of dollars in wagers each year. Horse racing events are held on every day other than Christmas Day in Australia, giving punters countless opportunities to place bets on races at both metropolitan and regional tracks.
Popular Horse Racing Betting Markets:
- Win and place betting
- Exacta & Quinella (picking the first two horses past the post)
- Trifecta (predicting the first three horses to finish)
- First 4 (choosing the first four horses home)
- Quaddie (selecting the winner of four consecutive races)
- Same Race Multi (between two and four selections in the same race to fill certain positions)
- Futures betting (predicting the winner of a major race months in advance)
- Melbourne Cup (Australia’s most bet on race that takes place on the first Tuesday in November each year)
If you're after diverse markets, competitive odds, and an all-encompassing horse racing betting experience, check out our guide to the top 10 horse racing betting apps and sites in Australia.
4. Cricket
Cricket is an immensely popular sport in Australia, particularly during the summer months. The Australian national team is one of the top-ranked teams globally, and the domestic competitions such as the Big Bash League (BBL) and Sheffield Shield also attract significant attention from punters. Major international events like the Ashes and ICC World Cup provide further opportunities for betting.
Popular Cricket Betting Markets:
- Match winner (head-to-head)
- Top run scorer/top wicket taker
- Total runs or wickets over/under
- Player performance (e.g., number of wickets taken, runs scored)
- Session betting (betting on outcomes for individual sessions in a test match)
Want better odds, more markets, and the ultimate cricket punting experience? Our guide to the Top 5 Cricket Betting Apps & Sites in Australia has everything you need.
5. Soccer (Football)
Soccer, or football as it is known globally, has grown in popularity in Australia, with the A-League being the country’s top domestic competition. International events like the English Premier League (EPL), FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League also attract widespread interest, and betting activity follows suit. Major European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga) also have a strong following in Australia.
Popular Soccer Betting Markets:
- Match winner (head-to-head)
- Over/under goals scored
- Correct score
- First goal scorer
- Asian handicap betting (betting with a goal advantage for one team)
Explore the top 5 soccer betting apps and sites in Australia for a richer selection of markets, enhanced odds, and the most immersive betting experience available.
6. Tennis
Tennis is another widely popular sport to bet on in Australia, largely due to the country’s historical success in the sport. Events such as the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, draw large audiences in Melbourne and a significant amount of betting action. With year-round tournaments on the ATP and WTA tours, there is always a tennis event to bet on.
Popular Tennis Betting Markets:
- Match winner
- Set betting (predicting the scoreline in sets)
- Total games over/under
- Player performance (e.g., aces, double faults)
- Handicap betting (betting on a player with a game or set advantage)
For the best tennis betting experience, featuring a range of markets, great odds, and unparalleled immersion, take a look at our guide to the top 5 tennis betting apps and sites in Australia.
7. Basketball (NBL and NBA)
Basketball has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, both domestically and internationally. The National Basketball League (NBL) is Australia’s premier basketball league, and the NBA has a massive following among Australian punters, especially with Aussie players like Ben Simmons, Patrick Mills and Josh Giddy in the NBA. Both leagues provide ample opportunities for betting.
Popular Basketball Betting Markets:
- Match winner (head-to-head)
- Point spread betting (handicap)
- Total points over/under
- Player-specific bets (e.g., points scored, assists, rebounds, threes, blocks, steals)
- First team to score
If you’re seeking more options, better odds, and a superior NBA betting journey, our guide to the Top 5 NBA Betting Apps & Sites in Australia is your perfect resource.
8. UFC and MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), particularly the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has experienced significant growth in Australia. With Australian fighters regularly competing on the UFC circuit, local fans take a keen interest in betting on UFC events. MMA betting has become a major niche, with many Australian punters placing bets on fight outcomes, round totals, and performance statistics.
Popular MMA Betting Markets:
- Fight winner (head-to-head)
- Method of victory (e.g., knockout, submission, decision)
- Round betting (betting on the round in which the fight will end)
- Total rounds over/under
Uncover the best UFC betting platforms in Australia, offering top odds, diverse markets, and an engaging experience with our rundown of the Top 5 UFC Betting Apps & Sites.
9. Golf
Golf, while not as popular as the other sports listed, still has a strong following in Australia. Events like the Australian Open and international tournaments like The Masters and the British Open attract significant attention from punters. Golf betting is particularly attractive due to the number of potential outcomes, including individual performance predictions and tournament results.
Popular Golf Betting Markets:
- Tournament winner
- Top 10 finish
- Head-to-head matchups between two golfers
- Number of birdies/eagles
- First-round leader
For an exciting golf betting experience with a wide array of markets and top-tier odds, check out our guide to the Top 5 Golf Betting Apps & Sites in Australia.
10. eSports
With the rise of digital gaming, esports has also grown as a popular betting market in Australia. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) attract a substantial following, and major international tournaments feature betting opportunities on team outcomes, map winners, and player statistics.
Popular eSports Betting Markets:
- Match winner
- Total maps played (over/under)
- Individual player performance
- Handicap betting
Looking for the best esports betting experience? Find more markets, competitive odds, and a truly immersive experience in our list of the Top 5 Esports Betting Apps & Sites in Australia.
Conclusion
In Australia, sports betting is a huge part of the nation’s sports culture. The most popular sports to bet on include Australian Rules Football (AFL), Rugby League (NRL), Horse Racing, Cricket, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, UFC, Golf, and even esports. These sports offer a wide range of betting markets, providing punters with ample opportunities to test their knowledge and enjoy the thrill of competition. Whether you're an avid fan of AFL, NRL, or international events like the NBA and EPL, there’s always a sports betting market for you to explore in Australia.
