Online Betting
A perfect storm
Online gambling is on the rise in Australia due to ease of access, mass advertising and shifting social norms or expectations.
- Online betting is available on racing, sports or even reality TV shows and is one of the riskiest forms of gambling
- Young men aged 18-24 make up the largest group of sports bettors
- 7 out of 10 young men who bet on sport are at risk or already experiencing gambling harm
18-19 year olds spend
a year on gambling in Australia
Nearly 10% of 18-19yr olds in Australia
are already at risk of or experiencing gambling harm
Nearly 10% of 18-19yr olds in Australia are already at risk of or experiencing gambling harm
The Marketing Myth vs Reality
Betting ads show betting as being a bit of harmless fun for when you are out with your mates. But the truth is quite different.
Most people who are regularly betting online are doing so alone and at home
85% of the time people are at home when they are placing bets
Online Betting Features
Today’s sports betting platforms include sophisticated features designed to increase the time and money you spend:
Multi-bets
(Same Game Multis)
Combining multiple bets into one wager with potentially higher returns but significantly lower chances of winning
Live/In-Play Betting
Placing bets during matches as odds constantly change based on game events
Cash Out Options
Settling bets before an event finishes, often for less than potential winnings
Micro-betting
Betting on specific moments within games (first goal scorer, first point, etc.)
Social Features
Sharing bets with friends, following other bettors, creating betting groups
Inducements and Promotions
- Bonus bets and “free” money offers
- Boosted odds promotions
- Refer-a-friend bonuses
- VIP programs with exclusive benefits
Additional context:
- All online casino games (pokies, roulette, blackjack) are banned for Australian operators
- Racing, Sports betting and lotteries are the only legal forms of online gambling in Australia
- It is illegal for offshore gambling sites to offer their services to Australians
Buyer Beware: Know What’s Legal
Only licensed Australian gambling operators are permitted to offer online wagering services in Australia. You can verify this by checking the ACMA Register of Licensed Interactive Wagering Providers before using a site or app. If it’s not listed, it’s illegal — and offers no consumer protection.
- No guarantees: Illegal sites don’t have to pay you.
- No age checks: Often skip proof-of-age.
- No protection: No rules or safety nets if things go wrong.