The Australian wagering landscape is highly regulated and competitive. To stand out, a sportsbook must offer more than just a “Match Winner” market. Here are the top performers in 2025.
1. bet365: The Best All-Rounder
When it comes to sheer volume, bet365 remains the gold standard. They are official partners of Cricket Australia and provide an exhaustive list of markets for every international and domestic match.
- Key Strength: Live streaming. If you have a funded account, you can watch many domestic and international matches directly through the app.
- Best For: Punters who want the most “Prop Bet” options, such as “Method of Dismissal” or “Runs in the Next Over.”
2. Unibet: Depth of Markets
Unibet has built a prestigious reputation for its cricket product. They focus heavily on the nuances of the game, offering unique player-specific markets that you won’t find elsewhere.
- Key Strength: Market variety. From the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to the Indian Premier League (IPL), their coverage is global.
- Best For: Serious bettors looking for value in niche player performance markets.
3. Ladbrokes: The King of Multis
For those who enjoy combining multiple outcomes for a bigger payout, Ladbrokes is the go-to. Their “Quick Multi” tool allows you to build a cricket multi-bet in seconds.
- Key Strength: User interface. The app is incredibly slick and optimized for fast-moving T20 matches.
- Best For: Casual punters who enjoy BBL multis and “Same Game Multis.”
4. Betfair: The Professional’s Choice
As an exchange rather than a traditional bookmaker, Betfair allows you to bet against other punters. This often results in better odds because there is no built-in bookmaker margin.
- Key Strength: Better odds and the ability to “Lay” a bet (betting on an outcome not to happen).
- Best For: High-stakes bettors and those looking for the best possible mathematical value.
What Makes a Great Cricket Betting Site?
Choosing a sportsbook isn’t just about the brand name. In the Australian market, you should look for several specific features:
Competitive Odds
Cricket matches, especially Test matches, can fluctuate wildly over five days. You want a bookmaker that updates its odds in real-time and offers low margins. Even a small difference in odds (e.g., $1.85 vs $1.90) can make a significant impact on your long-term returns.
Market Variety
A top-tier site should offer:
- Match Result: Who will win?
- Top Batsman/Bowler: Which player will perform best for their team?
- In-Play Betting: While Australian law requires you to call to place a live bet, having the odds updated on your screen is crucial.
- Futures: Betting on the winner of the next World Cup or the upcoming Ashes series months in advance.
Mobile Experience
Most Australian punters bet via mobile. A glitchy app can lead to missed opportunities during a fast-paced T20 match. Look for apps with biometric login, instant deposits (PayID), and fast withdrawal options (Osko).
Understanding Australian Betting Regulations
It is important to note that the Australian gambling market is strictly regulated to protect consumers.
- In-Play Betting: Under the Interactive Gambling Act, you cannot place a “live” bet online with a single click. You must call the bookmaker’s dedicated line to finalize a bet once the match has started.
- Credit Cards: As of 2024/2025, the Australian government has banned the use of credit cards for online wagering to encourage responsible gambling.
- Bonus Bans: In many states, like NSW and VIC, sportsbooks are prohibited from offering “sign-up bonuses” to new customers. Instead, they focus on providing better odds and features for existing members.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal to bet on cricket online in Australia?
Yes, online sports betting is completely legal in Australia, provided you use a bookmaker that is licensed and regulated by an Australian state or territory authority (such as the Northern Territory Racing Commission).
2. Why can’t I place a live bet on my phone?
According to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, “interactive” live betting is prohibited. While you can see the live odds on your app, you must call the bookmaker over the phone to actually place the wager once the match has commenced.
3. Which site has the best odds for the Big Bash League?
While odds fluctuate, Betfair and PlayUp are often cited for having the most competitive fixed odds for domestic T20 competitions like the BBL.
4. Can I use a credit card to deposit into my betting account?
No. Recent reforms in Australia have banned the use of credit cards for online gambling. Punters must now use debit cards, bank transfers, or services like PayID and Apple Pay (linked to a debit account).
5. What is a “Same Game Multi” in cricket?
A Same Game Multi (SGM) allows you to combine multiple selections from a single match into one bet. For example, you could bet on Australia to win, Glenn Maxwell to hit a six, and Adam Zampa to take 2+ wickets.
6. Which betting app is the fastest?
Neds and Ladbrokes are widely considered to have the fastest and most stable apps in the Australian market, which is vital for live match tracking.
7. How do I know if a sportsbook is safe?
Ensure the site has a license from an Australian regulator. Look for the “Gamble Responsibly” logo and links to services like BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register.
8. Who offers the best live streaming for cricket?
bet365 and Unibet lead the market in live streaming, providing coverage for various international tours and domestic leagues.
9. What is the most popular cricket betting market?
The “Match Winner” remains the most popular, but “Top Run Scorer” and “Player of the Match” are also very high-volume markets in Australia.
10. What is BetStop?
BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. It allows you to exclude yourself from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering providers in a single process.
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