The key goal of any sports betting organisation is to start by getting you on their books. To do this, the majority of the large bookmakers will offer a very attractive signup bonus called a ‘Freebet’ or ‘Bonus Bet’ depending on the betting organisation. The bonus varies depending on organisation, but the majority of the bonuses available are 100% matched up to around $150. These bonuses attract special conditions so when you are signing up always read over the terms and conditions. Due to recent changes in gambling laws and what organisations can offer, Victorian and South Australian punters may have some of the following freebets unavailable to them. Always check the terms and conditions when signing up.
Sportsbet
*Unavailable to Victorian Residents*
One of Australia’s leading bookmakers and one of the largest advertisers in the market, Sportsbet offers a large number of markets on almost every sport you can think of. Sportsbet run a large number of promotions on their website where you can win freebets throughout the year and even ‘tip’ your way to $250,000 in NRL/AFL/EPL etc competitions. Their current sign-up offer is a 100% matched Free Bet up to $150. To be able to withdraw the money won from any free bet, there is a turnover clause in the terms and conditions which means you will have to wager your initial deposit at least once and also turn over your free bet twice (two bets in total).
Luxbet
Owned by TABCORP who run the TAB’s around Australia, Luxbet is a ‘separate’ company with different overall goals. With the recent hiring of Neil Evans who was previous leading the marketing of Centrebet, the future for this bookmaker looks bright. Luxbet are offering a huge 100% matched Free Bet up to $500 available to all Australian Residents. It is worth reading over the terms and conditions of use when signing up. The key feature that is currently not offered by any other Bookie is the ability to add together Race Horses to Place in one race and Win in another into a multibet.
Betfair
*Offer excludes Victorian and South Australian Residents*
An amazing offer from the website with the best odds available on the majority of racing and sporting events. If you sign up to Betfair using the offer below, you can place your first bet up to $200 on any event. If that bet loses, you will have that bet fully refunded to your account to have another bet! The big advantage of Betfair is the ability to back Horses while they are running. Currently Australians are restricted from betting on sports in play but this will hopefully change within 6 to 12 months. This will allow for greater ‘trading’ for Australians and will be a step forward in betting.
Sportingbet
*Offer excludes Victorian and South Australian Residents*
Another one of Australia’s biggest Bookmakers, Sportingbet is well known around the world. Offering a great deposit bonus and running free competitions such as Last Man Standing competitions for $50,000, Sportingbet is a bookmaker you need to be with.
Centrebet
*Offer excludes Victorian, West Australian and South Australian Residents*
Recently purchased by Sportingbet, Centrebet recently redesigned and launched their new website. Unfortunately, you will find the majority of their prices are now taken from the same index as Sportingbet. Centrebet has a few standout promotions on offer including TurfWars offering up to $5000 a week in freebets.
Bet365
Only residents of Australia (with the exception of residents of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia) are eligible for this offer.
Fairly new to the Australian market, Bet365 offers markets on all major Australian and World Sports. For Racing, Bet365 have one of the best products on offer for grabbing the best available price called ’365 Best’ which guarantees you the Fixed Odds price at the current time of betting OR the best dividend of SuperTab, NSW TAB, Tatts or the Official Starting Price. This means that you can back a horse far out thinking you are getting value and if for some reason it drifts $1 or $2, you are not left short!
Betstar
New to the online business and now one of the biggest, Betstar has been offering an unbeatable offer over the Spring Racing Carnival with Double Fixed Odds on all Group 1 racing events up to a maximum of $50. Betstar also has a $500 sign-up bonus (not 100% matched, read the T&Cs). Use referral code 23703 when signing up.
www.betstar.com.au
Tom Waterhouse
You have seen the ads on television. Tom has been one of the biggest advertising spenders this year and is making a push for the online space. You can find a few good competitions on the website and the Spring Racing Carnival money back offers have been solid. Currently there are no sign-up bonuses on offer.
www.tomwaterhouse.com
IASBet
BedFred
StanJames
William Hill