In-Play Betting Rules in Australia
The Legal Framework
Australia's live betting laws are governed by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), which was last significantly amended in 2017. The IGA regulates online gambling services provided to Australians and includes specific provisions about in-play (live) betting. Understanding these rules is essential for Australian punters.
What Is Prohibited
Section 15 of the IGA prohibits licensed Australian wagering operators from offering "in-play" bets via an "interactive gambling service", which the legislation defines as services provided over the internet. This means:
- You cannot place live bets via a bookmaker's website while a sport event is in progress
- You cannot place live bets via a bookmaker's mobile app while a sporting event is in progress
- You cannot place live bets via any internet-connected device using an online interface
This prohibition applies to all licensed Australian wagering operators. It does not apply to unlicensed offshore operators, but using such operators carries its own legal and consumer protection risks.
What Is Allowed
Telephone Betting: The IGA explicitly exempts telephone betting from the definition of an "interactive gambling service." This means you can legally place in-play bets by calling your bookmaker's phone betting line. Every major Australian bookmaker provides a dedicated phone number for live betting.
Cash Out: Cashing out a pre-match bet during a live event is not classified as placing a new in-play bet. You can use the cash-out feature on your app or website during live events. This is an important distinction, cash out is a settlement of an existing bet, not the initiation of a new one.
Pre-match betting up to event start: You can place bets online right up until the event begins. Once the event starts (first bounce, kick-off, first ball), new online bets are blocked. Some operators allow betting on later events on the same card (e.g., Race 5 while Race 3 is running).
Live streaming: Watching live streams through your bookmaker's app is perfectly legal. Many operators stream selected racing, AFL, NRL, cricket, basketball, and soccer events. This helps you assess the live situation before calling to place a phone bet.
How Phone Live Betting Works in Practice
Australian bookmakers have optimised the phone betting process to be as fast as possible. Quick Codes are displayed next to each live market in the app. You call the phone line, provide your account details, read out the Quick Code, state your stake, and the bet is confirmed in seconds. Most operators answer phone bets within 15-30 seconds during peak sporting events.
Potential Future Changes
There have been ongoing discussions about modernising Australia's live betting laws. Some industry participants argue the phone-only rule is outdated and pushes punters toward unlicensed offshore operators that offer online in-play betting without Australian consumer protections. As of April 2026, no legislative changes have been enacted, and the phone-only rule remains in effect.
Responsible Gambling
Live betting is inherently more impulsive than pre-match betting because decisions are made under time pressure. If you bet in-play, set strict limits before the event starts. Never increase your staking in response to in-play losses. For support, call 1800 858 858.
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.