There is no doubt that sports betting has become huge worldwide. But, is this an activity that is legal and popular in Australia? The nation down under is known for having a lot of gambling opportunities and major sports events. But, when it comes to gambling, things are not as clear cut as they may seem. Let’s find out the truth about sports betting in Australia so that you have all the information you need.
The Law on Sports Betting in Australia
When it comes to gambling, the main piece of legislation in Australia is the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. This is going to set out most of the rules when it comes to gambling online. Namely, the regulations set out that it is illegal for a company in Australia to offer real money gambling to residents. It is important to note that the act is aimed at gambling service providers. So, this means that it will not apply to Australian citizens. In others if you are in Australia, it is not going to be illegal for you to play casino games or gamble online.
It is important to note that sports betting does seem to be exempt from the rules outlined in the Gambling Act of 2001. In other words, as long as an operate gets a license from the government of Australia, they are going to be able to offer sports betting to citizens in the country. Namely, there are a number of sporting events that are outlined to be legal and permitted in Australia. This includes:
- Horse racing
- Greyhound racing
- A harness race
- Other sporting events
The Popularity of Sports Betting in Australia
So, since sports betting is legal, is it popular in Australia? The answer to this question is yes. Just like other countries around the world, citizens love to add some more excitement to matchday and bet on their favorite teams when they take to this field. Here are some of the most popular sporting events that people like to bet on.
To begin with, Australian football is a huge part of sports betting in the country. This is regarded as the most popular sport for people to play and watch, which means it naturally was going to be the top when it came to betting. In particular, the AFL attracts a lot of attention, with huge teams such as the Hawthorn Hawks, Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles.
Another sport that gains a lot of attention in Australia is cricket. This is watched by millions in the country and since it can be a predictable game, people enjoy betting on it. But, knowing the rules of cricket is important before you place a bet. After all, you want to enhance your chance of winning.
Horse racing is another big sporting event that is popular for betting. Indeed, people have bet on it for many years. While there are big horse racing events around the world that attract attention, there are also a lot of races that take place in the country too. This includes the Australian Cup and Australian Derby.
How to Choose an Australian Betting Website
Would you like to try sports betting but are not sure the best way to go about picking the right Australian betting site? Indeed, you will soon discover that there are a lot of websites out there on the internet that you can choose from. This is great in that you have a variety to select. But, it can be hard to know where to start if you are a beginner. We have created some tips that are going to help you get started and to choose the right betting website for you and your level.
The Available Sports Bets
When choosing a website, you want to ensure that they offer the sports you are looking for. While some websites offer a lot of options from basketball to football, others are more niche and only offer a few sports betting varieties. So, take your time and select a website that is going to give you everything you want.
Mobile Friendliness
You may only be interested in betting when you are at home. But, for some people, betting can be good on-the-go too. If this sounds like you, you will want to ensure that you choose a website that is mobile friendly.
The Payment Options
Do not forget that you are going to be making deposits in order to bet on sports. Thus, you want to ensure that the website offers payment options you are comfortable with. A lot of big websites are going to offer VISA, MasterCard and PayPal. Often, they will display the brand images on their homepage so that you can see before you register for an account.
Look for Promotions
It is common for sports betting websites to offer promotions and reward programs to their players. This is something that you can take advantage of as it can mean you can enjoy more bets or more winnings. They are going to be clear in advertising these promotions. Just make sure that you read all of the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up. This way, you are going to know exactly how they are going to work and if you can enjoy them to their fullest.
Look at Customer Support
There can be a variety of situations when you might have to contact customer support. So, before you start betting, you want to ensure that it is easy to get in contact with someone for help. This can be through an email or telephone number. A lot of large betting websites will also offer a live chat function. This is going to be the best way to contact a member of the team and get quick and easy answers to your questions. Ideally, the live chat function will be available 24/7 in case anything goes wrong.
