NextBet officially launched its betting platform on 1 March 2026, completing the integration of two acquired operators: CrossBet and PlayUp. The new operator entered the market in September 2025 with the explicit goal of rolling up undercapitalised mid-tier Australian bookmakers, and it has moved quickly. CrossBet's digital channels closed on 26 February 2026, and the PlayUp and Draftstars apps went offline at the end of February ahead of NextBet's launch date.
Customer accounts from both platforms migrated automatically to NextBet, with cash balances, bonus balances, and pending bets carried across. PlayUp retains its brand at playup.com.au and through a new app. Draftstars, the daily fantasy sports platform that was part of PlayUp's portfolio, continues to operate within the NextBet group post-integration.
Who Is Behind NextBet?
NextBet is led by Scott Cross, founder of CrossBet, as Executive Director. The business is backed by BetMakers Technology Group (ASX: BET), a wagering technology company. NextBet operates under a licence issued by the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission, the standard licensing authority for most online-only bookmakers operating in Australia.
The consolidation rationale is straightforward: smaller operators face rising compliance costs and increasing competition from large players such as Sportsbet and Ladbrokes. NextBet's stated strategy is to acquire operators that lack the capital to compete independently, consolidate their customer bases, and operate them under a single platform.
Tabcorp and BetMakers Discussions
In February 2026, Tabcorp Holdings confirmed it had held informal preliminary discussions with BetMakers Technology Group about a potential takeover. Those discussions ended with no formal offer made. Tabcorp's market capitalisation was approximately $2.03 billion at the time, against BetMakers' $258 million. The episode highlighted the level of consolidation interest across the Australian wagering sector more broadly.
What This Means for Punters
Former PlayUp and CrossBet customers are now on the NextBet platform. If your account has migrated, log in via nextbet.com.au or the NextBet app to confirm your balance and review any terms that may have changed. If you held an active bonus with either legacy operator, check that it has transferred correctly before wagering. NextBet is a licensed operator, so standard Australian consumer protections apply.