Best Betting Apps in Australia 2026: Licensed Apps Compared

The Best Betting Apps for Australian Punters

Most Aussie punters now bet from their phone, so the app matters as much as the odds. We have compared the betting apps of the Australian-licensed bookmakers we review, looking at how easy they are to use, the markets they cover, their multi tools and the safer gambling features every licensed app must offer.

Quick answer: Bet365, Neds and Unibet are our top-rated apps overall. Colossalbet is the pick for racing, BlueBet (now Betr) for AFL and NRL, and Picklebet for esports. Every app on this page is licensed in Australia, which means your deposits are protected by Australian rules and you can use BetStop and deposit limits.

Licensed Australian betting apps compared
AppOur ratingBest forStandout featureFull review
Bet3654.5/5Huge range of local and international sportsLive streaming of selected events and a bet builderRead review
Neds4.5/5Multis and racingPunters Toolbox with Multi Builder and Price BoostRead review
Unibet4.5/5Beginners who want a simple appClean layout and live streaming on selected sportRead review
Palmerbet4.0/5Supporting an Aussie-owned bookieStrong racing and local sport coverageRead review
Colossalbet4.0/5Racing punters“Next to Jump” racing and Colossal IQ tipsRead review
BlueBet (now Betr)4.0/5AFL and NRL puntersSame game multis and deep local footy marketsRead review
PlayUp4.0/5A simple, no-fuss appStraightforward design focused on Aussie sportRead review
Picklebet4.0/5Esports fansThe deepest esports markets of the local bookiesRead review

Ratings are taken from our full reviews and are the same scores shown on each review page. Features change often, so check the app itself before you sign up.

Find the Right App for How You Bet

Which Betting App Suits You?

Pick what matters most to you and we’ll show the licensed Australian apps that fit best, based on our reviews.

How We Compared the Apps

Every app was scored on the same six areas. Here is what we looked for and why it matters to you.

Our scoring areas
What we checkedWhy it mattersWhat a good app does
LicenceOnly Australian-licensed bookmakers are allowed to take online bets from AustraliansShows its Australian licence in the app footer and terms
Ease of useA cluttered app leads to mistakes on the bet slipFinds a market in three taps or fewer and shows a clear bet slip
MarketsYou want your sport covered, from AFL to esportsCovers local sport, racing and major international leagues
Multi toolsMost Aussie punters bet multisLets you build same game multis and shows the combined odds clearly
Deposits and withdrawalsFast, simple payments with no surprisesSupports bank transfer, debit cards and PayID, with quick withdrawals
Safer gambling toolsLicensed apps must offer them, but some make them easier to findPuts deposit limits, take-a-break and activity statements in the account menu

App Reviews: What Each One Does Best

Bet365: Best for Range of Markets

If a sport is played somewhere in the world, Bet365 probably has a market on it. The app packs a lot in, so it can feel busy at first, but its bet builder and live streaming of selected events make it the most complete app we tested. Read our Bet365 review.

Neds: Best for Multis

Neds is built for punters who love a multi. Its Punters Toolbox includes a Multi Builder and Price Boost, and racing coverage is strong. The app mirrors the desktop site, so nothing is missing on mobile. Read our Neds review.

Unibet: Best for Beginners

Unibet keeps things simple. The layout is easy to learn, promotions are straightforward, and odds on AFL, cricket and soccer are competitive. Read our Unibet review.

Colossalbet: Best for Racing

Run from Royal Randwick, Colossalbet is a racing bookie first. The app puts “Next to Jump” races up front, and Colossal IQ offers form-based tips. Read our Colossalbet review.

BlueBet (now Betr): Best for AFL and NRL

BlueBet has since rebranded as Betr, but the focus on local footy is the same. You will find same game multis and markets down to state leagues. Read our BlueBet review.

Palmerbet, PlayUp and Picklebet

Palmerbet is a long-running, Aussie-owned bookie with strong racing. PlayUp suits punters who want a clean app without the extras. Picklebet started as an esports bookmaker and still has the deepest esports markets of the local apps.

What the Law Says About Betting Apps in Australia

Australian betting apps all follow the same national rules, so you get the same basic protections whichever one you choose. Knowing them also helps you spot an app that is not licensed here.

Rules every licensed Australian betting app follows
RuleWhat it means for you
Licensed bookmakers onlyOnly bookmakers licensed in Australia can legally take online bets from Australians. Offshore apps are not covered by Australian protections.
No live online sports bettingYou cannot place in-play sports bets online through an app. Licensed bookmakers only take live sports bets over the phone.
No credit cards or cryptoSince June 2024, licensed bookmakers cannot accept credit cards or cryptocurrency for online betting.
Identity check before bettingYou need to verify your identity before you can place a bet, so have your licence or Medicare card handy when you sign up.
Deposit limitsEvery licensed app must let you set a deposit limit, and it prompts you to set one when you join.
Activity statementsYou receive regular statements showing your wins, losses and deposits.
BetStopThe national self-exclusion register blocks you from every licensed bookmaker at once. It is free at betstop.gov.au.
18+ onlyYou must be 18 or older to open an account.

Red flag: if an app offers live in-play sports betting online, takes credit cards or crypto, or lets you bet before checking your ID, it is almost certainly not licensed in Australia.

App or Mobile Website: Which Is Better?

Every bookmaker on this page also works in your phone’s browser. Here is how the two compare.

App vs mobile site
Betting appMobile website
SpeedFaster, especially on busy race daysSlightly slower to load
Log inFace ID or fingerprintPassword each time unless saved
NotificationsBet results and race alertsNone
StorageUses space on your phoneUses none
MarketsSame as desktopSame as desktop
Best forRegular puntersOccasional bets or older phones

How to Download and Set Up a Betting App

  1. Download from the official store. Use the Apple App Store or Google Play, and check the developer name matches the bookmaker.
  2. Create your account with your real name, address and date of birth.
  3. Verify your identity. Most apps check your details automatically. If not, you can upload your driver’s licence or passport.
  4. Set a deposit limit. The app will ask. Pick a weekly amount you can comfortably afford to lose.
  5. Deposit using PayID, bank transfer or a debit card.
  6. Turn on Face ID or fingerprint log-in to keep your account secure.

Tips to Get More From Your Betting App

Have Two or Three Apps, Not Ten

Prices differ between bookmakers, so having a couple of accounts lets you take the best odds. More than three gets hard to track. Our multi bet calculator shows how much a small price difference adds up across a multi.

Turn Off Promotional Notifications

Keep bet-result alerts on, but switch off marketing pushes. It is easier to stick to your plan without offers popping up.

Check Your Activity Statement Monthly

It takes two minutes and shows exactly where you stand. If the numbers surprise you, lower your deposit limit.

FAQs

Based on our reviews, Bet365, Neds and Unibet are the top-rated apps overall, each scoring 4.5/5. The best one for you depends on how you bet: Colossalbet suits racing fans, BlueBet (now Betr) suits AFL and NRL punters, and Picklebet suits esports fans.

Yes, as long as the bookmaker holds an Australian licence. Licensed apps must follow national rules on identity checks, deposit limits and BetStop. Offshore apps that target Australians are not legal and do not offer the same protections.

No. Australian law does not allow in-play sports betting online, so licensed apps do not offer it. You can place live sports bets with a licensed bookmaker over the phone.

No. Since June 2024, licensed Australian bookmakers cannot accept credit cards or cryptocurrency for online betting. Use a debit card, PayID or bank transfer instead.

Licensed bookmakers must verify your identity before you can bet. It helps stop underage gambling, fraud and people betting while self-excluded.

Two or three is plenty. It lets you compare prices without losing track of your spending. Remember that your deposit limit applies to each app separately.

Register with BetStop, the free national self-exclusion register at betstop.gov.au. It blocks you from every licensed Australian bookmaker at once, for a period you choose from three months to life.

They are equally safe if the bookmaker is licensed. An app adds Face ID or fingerprint log-in, which makes it harder for anyone else to use your account.

Final Thoughts

The best betting app is one that is licensed in Australia, easy for you to use and strong in the sports you follow. Start with one of our top-rated apps, set a deposit limit on day one, and add a second app only if you want to compare prices.

For more detail, read our sportsbook reviews, our betting guide and our responsible gaming page.

Ready to pick your app?

👉 Read the full breakdowns in our sportsbook reviews.