Cricket betting takes a huge slice of Australia’s sporting culture, with millions engaging in all types of bets and gambles, along with watching their favourite sport.
Every summer, with a multitude of celebrated cricket leagues coming in waves, cricket betting surges in activity. But there is a lot that goes into running a cricket betting app legally in Australia.
Let’s learn what is required to operate cricket betting in Australia, the laws and regulations, and why they exist. We will also look at some fully safe and legal betting operators for you to try your hand at right away!
Is Cricket Betting Legal in Australia?
Cricket betting in Australia is fully legal as long as you just do it through a bookie that’s properly licensed. Every operator needs the green light from a state or territory body, like the Northern Territory Racing Commission, before they can take bets.
Plenty of Aussie companies have these licenses, and so do a few big overseas sportsbooks that cater to local punters. If you’re 18 or older, you’re free to have a flutter on any cricket match, local or international, using a licensed website or betting app.
How Online Sports Betting Is Regulated In Australia? Governing Bodies and Rules
In Australia, betting rules come from both federal and state levels. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 sets the main boundaries. It bans unlicensed casinos but lets licensed bookies offer sports betting.
Each state then runs its own system through regulators like the NT Racing Commission, Liquor & Gaming NSW, and Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
The ACMA keeps track of approved operators and steps in if they cross the line. To stay legal, every bookmaker needs a state licence and has to follow rules on ads, ID checks, and safe gambling.
Big names such as Bet365 operate here too, holding local licences just like Australian-run sites.
How Popular Is Cricket Betting In Australia?
Cricket betting makes up a big slice of Australia’s sports wagering scene. In 2025, the total horse and sports betting market is worth around $7.5 billion, and cricket sits right up there with racing and footy as one of the main draws.
Spending on sports betting has climbed fast from about $921 million to just over $1 billion in recent years, a rise of roughly 15%. More than 40 licensed operators now run across the country, mixing homegrown bookies with well-known international names.
On busy days, hundreds of thousands of people use betting apps, and those numbers shoot up during events like the Big Bash or big Test series. The Northern Territory alone regulates companies that turn over close to $50 billion a year.
The biggest platforms earn millions each quarter, with top operators pulling hundreds of millions from Australian punters annually.
Top 8 Legal & Safe Cricket Betting Apps In Australia
These platforms have proper Australian licenses and offer dedicated cricket betting markets. Each one provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, live betting options, and secure payment methods.
The list includes both homegrown Aussie brands and established international operators serving local punters.
| No. | Betting Site / App | Origin | Key Strengths & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sportsbet | Australian | Largest local bookmaker, licensed in NT, strong cricket markets, and app. |
| 2 | Bet365 | International | Global leader, wide cricket coverage, strong odds, and live streaming. |
| 3 | Unibet | International | Licensed in Australia, great for international cricket and live odds. |
| 4 | Ladbrokes | International | Established brand, broad sports range, user-friendly interface. |
| 5 | Neds | Australian | Modern design, fast app, growing cricket and racing options. |
| 6 | TAB | Australian | Trusted brand, state-based presence, strong for domestic matches. |
| 7 | Palmerbet | Australian | Aussie-owned, reliable odds, solid for local cricket markets. |
| 8 | Betr | Australian | New but popular, intuitive app, competitive promos, and odds. |
This was just a quick look, so you can find more about each below.
1. Sportsbet
Sportsbet holds a Northern Territory license and is Australia’s biggest bookmaker by far. They serve millions of punters and offer hundreds of cricket markets for every major match, including detailed player bets and live options.
The app’s same-game multi-feature for cricket lets you combine different bets from one match, which has been massive during the BBL season.
They’re the go-to for domestic cricket, especially when the Big Bash is on and they’re throwing out exclusive promos and boosted odds on Aussie teams.
2. Bet365
Bet365 runs legally here under a Northern Territory license and covers all the popular Aussie sports. They bring global experience to local cricket fans with some of the deepest betting markets you’ll find – hundreds of options per match.
Live streaming covers major international cricket, so you can watch while betting. Their in-play betting updates odds in real-time during matches, with options on every over, partnership, and wicket.
They’ve got millions of customers globally and a solid Aussie user base. Coverage goes beyond internationals to domestic leagues worldwide, making them perfect for IPL, county cricket, and overseas comps.
Check out Bet365 Alternatives & Competitors offering bigger wins and better betting experiences.
3. Unibet
Unibet is licensed through the Northern Territory Government and has been in betting since 1997. They specialize in international cricket with competitive odds on Test series, ODIs, and T20s from around the world.
Live streaming features let you watch selected matches while betting, especially handy for overseas games. The mobile app is genuinely quick with fast bet placement and instant updates on live matches.
Punters who follow cricket beyond Australian borders rate them highly for detailed markets on IPL, England series, and emerging cricket nations.
4. Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes runs in Australia under a Northern Territory licence and has become one of the best-known betting names around the world. Its site is simple to use, and cricket markets are laid out clearly, so even first-time punters can find their way.
You’ll get everything from match-winner bets to player specials and over-by-over options. During big tournaments, Ladbrokes often rolls out promos like money-back offers or boosted odds on Aussie games.
The brand’s long history in wagering has built real trust and punters rate it for steady odds, fast payouts, and no-nonsense service.
5. Neds
Neds is a licensed Aussie bookmaker with a fresh take on sports betting design. They launched recently but quickly got popular through their modern app and fast betting experience.
Cricket coverage focuses heavily on Aussie domestic matches, particularly Big Bash games, where they offer numerous same-game multi options.
The app’s speed stands out with minimal lag between selecting and confirming bets, crucial during live cricket when odds change fast.
They target younger Aussie punters with contemporary promos and strong social media engagement around cricket.
6. TAB
TAB is Australia’s oldest betting brand, with state-based operations giving it an unmatched local presence. They hold various state licenses and connect to retail betting outlets, letting you deposit and withdraw at physical locations.
Cricket betting strength comes through Australian domestic matches, where their local knowledge shows in competitive odds and extensive markets.
The brand’s trustworthiness comes from decades of serving Aussie punters, making it the choice for traditional bettors who value reputation.
Their app integrates with the retail network for a hybrid betting experience that newer platforms can’t match.
7. Palmerbet
Palmerbet operates as a 100% Aussie-owned bookmaker focusing on reliable service and competitive odds for local punters.
They maintain proper licensing through state authorities and build a reputation for straightforward betting without excessive promos or complicated terms.
Cricket markets emphasize Australian matches, including Sheffield Shield games that bigger international platforms often overlook.
They appeal to experienced punters who want consistent odds over flashy bonuses, with margins on popular cricket markets staying competitive against larger operators. Customer service operates from Australia with staff who know local cricket.
8. Betr
Betr entered the market recently but quickly gained traction through aggressive marketing and a genuinely intuitive app. They hold proper Australian licensing and target mobile-first users with a streamlined interface.
Same-game multis feature prominently for Big Bash and international matches involving Australia. Competitive promos attract new users, though they also retain punters through genuinely good odds on popular cricket markets.
Despite being new, they demonstrate strong technical performance with minimal app crashes or betting errors. They invest heavily in cricket content, with match previews and stats helping punters make informed decisions.
How To Check If A Cricket Betting Site Is Legal & Safe In Australia
If you’re not sure whether a betting site’s legit, the quickest way to find out is to look it up on the ACMA’s register, just search for “check-if-gambling-operator-legal” on their website.
Every legal bookmaker in Australia has to show who licensed them, usually at the bottom of the homepage or somewhere in the app settings.
You’ll often see names like the Northern Territory Racing Commission, Liquor & Gaming NSW, or Victoria’s Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
Each licence comes with a number you can click through to confirm. If that info’s missing or the site doesn’t show up on ACMA’s list, don’t touch it because chances are it’s not approved.
Betting Laws & Restrictions: Player Protection & Taxation
Australian betting laws protect punters while keeping the industry regulated. Operators must verify your identity and age with a government ID before you can bet.
The Interactive Gambling Act stops apps from offering live in-play betting, though you can still place live bets by phone. Self-exclusion tools let you block yourself from betting across all platforms if needed.
Advertising during live sports is restricted to protect minors. Here’s the good bit – you pay zero tax on betting winnings in Australia.
Winnings count as luck, not income, so they don’t go on your tax return. Operators must display responsible gambling info, and staff get trained to spot problem gambling. Free counseling is available through Gamblers Help services in every state.
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Conclusion: Cricket Betting Is Fully Legal In Australia In 2025
Cricket betting continues to operate legally throughout Australia in 2025 through properly licensed platforms meeting strict standards.
The combination of established Aussie brands and international operators gives punters extensive choice while maintaining safety through government oversight.
Whether betting on Big Bash matches or international Test cricket, Australian punters can confidently use licensed platforms knowing they operate within clear legal frameworks.
The system balances industry growth with player protection, making Australia one of the world’s safest places for cricket betting. Always verify operator licenses through ACMA’s official register before depositing, and use responsible gambling tools to maintain control.
FAQs
Licensed Australian betting platforms accept wagers on all international cricket, including Test series, ODIs, and T20 tournaments worldwide. The licensing covers both domestic Australian matches and overseas competitions.
Betting winnings are tax-free in Australia as they are classified as luck-based income. Operators do not report winnings to the ATO, and you don’t declare betting profits on tax returns.
Using unlicensed sites isn’t illegal for Australian punters, but these platforms operate outside regulatory protection. You risk losing funds without recourse if disputes arise or the site suddenly closes.
Apps can’t offer in-play betting through their platforms due to Interactive Gambling Act restrictions. You can place live bets only by calling the operator’s phone betting service during matches.
Contact the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) at betstop.gov.au to register for exclusion across all licensed Australian betting operators through a single request. This blocks access within 24 hours.
