Live Betting in Australia Guide
What Is Live Betting in Australia?
Live betting (also called in-play betting) is the act of placing a bet on a sporting event that has already started. In Australia, live betting is subject to specific legal restrictions under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). Understanding these rules is essential for any Australian punter who wants to bet during live events.
The Phone-Only Rule
Under the IGA, it is illegal for licensed Australian bookmakers to accept in-play bets via the internet. This means you cannot place live bets through a bookmaker's website or mobile app while an event is in progress. The only legal method for placing in-play bets in Australia is by telephone.
This restriction applies to all licensed Australian wagering operators. Offshore or unlicensed operators that offer online in-play betting are operating illegally in Australia. ACMA has the power to block websites of unlicensed operators.
How Phone Betting Works
All major Australian bookmakers provide dedicated phone betting lines for live wagering. The process typically works as follows:
- Call the bookmaker's phone betting number (usually a 1300 or 1800 number)
- Provide your account number and security verification
- Tell the operator your selection, the odds you want, and your stake
- The operator confirms the bet and provides a ticket number
Quick Codes: To speed up phone betting, most bookmakers assign Quick Codes to popular live markets. Instead of describing your bet verbally, you can say the Quick Code (e.g., "Quick Code 4587") and the operator processes it immediately. Quick Codes are displayed on the bookmaker's live betting interface.
What You Can Still Do Online During a Live Event
While you cannot place new in-play bets online, there are several things you can legally do through your app or website during a live event:
- Cash Out: You can cash out pre-match bets during the event via the app. This is not classified as placing a new in-play bet.
- Watch Live Streaming: Many bookmakers offer live streaming of selected events through their apps. You can watch the event and identify opportunities before calling to place a phone bet.
- View Live Odds: Bookmakers display live odds and markets on their apps, even though you cannot bet on them online. This helps you decide which bet to place by phone.
- Place Pre-Match Bets: If a later match on the same card has not started, you can bet on it online as normal.
Sports Available for Live Betting
Most sports with pre-match markets are also available for live betting by phone. The most popular live betting sports in Australia are AFL, NRL, cricket, soccer (A-League, EPL, Champions League), tennis, and basketball (NBA, NBL). Horse racing live betting is available for some pre-race markets but in-running betting during races is generally not offered by Australian operators.
Live Betting Strategy
Watch the event: If you are going to bet in-play, watching the event gives you an information advantage over the odds models. If you can see that a team is dominating possession but has not yet scored, the live odds may not fully reflect their superiority.
Have your account ready: Save the bookmaker's phone number in your phone and keep your account number accessible. Live odds change rapidly and delays in connecting to the phone line can mean missing the price you wanted.
Be selective: Live betting moves fast and it is easy to make impulsive decisions. Decide before the event which scenarios would prompt you to bet in-play, and stick to that plan.
Responsible Gambling
Live betting can be more intense than pre-match betting because the action unfolds in real time. Set strict limits on how much you are willing to wager in-play during any single event. If you find yourself chasing losses or making emotional bets, step away. For free support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Recommended Betting Sites
Based on our testing, these bookmakers offer the best experience for this type of betting:
Remember to gamble responsibly. Set limits before you start and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Call 1800 858 858 for support.