Popular Sports - Your Ultimate Betting Guide

OZ Sports Picks 2025: Your Ultimate Betting Guide to the Most Popular Sports in Australia

Welcome to OZ Sports Picks! We understand that for you, a great sports bet is not just about luck—it’s about the thrill of the punt, the rush of choosing the right platform, having the best odds, and backing the biggest games. If you love the excitement of the legendary NRL, the high-flying AFL, or the thunder of Horse Racing Betting, you are in the right place.

This comprehensive guide not only helps you understand the world of OZ Sports Picks but also presents the Best OZ Sports Betting Sites in Australia 2025. We aim to be the most trusted voice in Australian betting, providing you with insights, data, and unbiased Reviews so you can bet smarter, not just harder.

The Australian sports betting market is enormous and continues to grow rapidly. You may be interested to know that the market size reached an estimated AUD 6.81 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to nearly AUD 50.15 billion by 2034. Furthermore, Australians top the global list for average spend per bettor, wagering an average of $940 per person in 2025, which shows just how much this passion matters to us as a nation!

Let’s get started on finding your perfect sportsbook.

Understanding the Australian Betting Landscape for Popular Sports

In Australia, the term “Popular Sports” means different things to different people. For some, it is all about the winter football codes; for others, it is the year-round excitement of the track. As an Australian punter, you are part of a unique culture where watching the game and placing a wager go hand in hand.

The sheer volume of betting on local codes is staggering: the Australian Rules Football League (AFL) is the largest local betting market, accounting for more than 7% of total betting turnover. Meanwhile, the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final alone draws millions in wagers each year, consistently ranking as one of Australia’s most heavily bet-on sporting events. This underscores the necessity of having a great betting site, not just a nice-to-have, but a crucial factor in getting the best value for your bets.

The Dominance of Online Sports Betting

If you are like the majority of Australian bettors, you are using a mobile device or a desktop. The convenience of betting from your couch, at the pub, or at the ground has driven huge growth. Online platforms are the largest revenue-generating segment, and this is where we focus our efforts at OZ Sports Picks—to ensure you are connected with the most reliable, feature-rich, and secure digital sportsbooks.

The Best OZ Sports Betting Sites in Australia 2025: Our Expert Picks

Choosing the right sportsbook is crucial for your betting experience. Our sportsbook reviews employ a rigorous methodology to deliver only the best. Below are our top picks for 2025, each offering a distinct set of features that cater to different betting styles.

Leon Bet Review

Leon Bet Rating

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★★★★★

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Pros:

  • ✅ Wide range of Sports Betting and esports markets
  • ✅ Competitive odds on major Popular Sports
  • ✅ Fast payouts and secure transactions
  • ✅ Great Promo and Rewards
  • ✅ 24/7 customer support

Cons:

  • ❌ No dedicated Australian mobile app

OZ Sports Picks Analysis: Leon Bet is a globally recognised sportsbook that gives you excellent coverage on major local leagues and international Popular Sports. If you are looking for great odds and a seamless betting experience across a wide range of markets, this is a top choice.

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N1 Casino

N1 Casino Rating

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★★★★☆

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Pros:

  • ✅ Offers both sports betting and casino games
  • ✅ Fast and secure payment options
  • ✅ Attractive welcome bonuses

Cons:

  • ❌ Limited live betting options
  • ❌ Not as many promotions for sports bettors
  • ❌ No dedicated sports betting mobile app

OZ Sports Picks Analysis: N1 Casino is a great platform for those who enjoy switching between placing a sports multi and playing a few casino games. While it is better known for its casino, its sportsbook is strong enough to cover all the main Australian Popular Sports markets.

SpinBet

SpinBet Rating

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★★★★☆

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Pros:

  • ✅ Modern and user-friendly interface
  • ✅ Supports cryptocurrency payments
  • ✅ Great selection of live betting markets

Cons:

  • ❌ Fewer promotions for sports bettors
  • ❌ Customer support is not available 24/7
  • ❌ Limited banking options for traditional payment methods

OZ Sports Picks Analysis: Spinbet is the perfect choice for the modern bettor who prefers using cryptocurrency. Its simple interface makes it easy to jump into live betting on your favourite Popular Sports fixtures.

Gamdom

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★★★★☆

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Pros:

  • ✅ Crypto-friendly betting platform
  • ✅ Unique betting features and gamification
  • ✅ Wide range of international Popular Sports

Cons:

  • ❌ No dedicated mobile app
  • ❌ No phone customer support
  • ❌ Higher withdrawal limits for fiat currency users

OZ Sports Picks Analysis: Gamdom is a leader in the crypto-betting space, offering unique features that make betting on both sports and esports a fun, gamified experience.

Roll XO

Roll XO Rating

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★★★☆☆

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Pros:

  • ✅ Focused on esports and sports betting
  • ✅ Quick withdrawals with crypto payments
  • ✅ Simple and easy-to-use platform

Cons:

  • ❌ Fewer traditional Popular Sports markets
  • ❌ No responsible gambling tools
  • ❌ Limited payment options for fiat currency

OZ Sports Picks Analysis: Roll XO is a great option if your focus is heavily on esports and quick crypto transactions. It is a no-fuss platform for the dedicated digital punter.

Deep Dive into Australia’s Most Popular Sports Betting Markets

When you are looking for a betting site, the markets it covers are everything. Australia has some of the most unique and exciting betting markets in the world, largely dominated by our national codes.

NRL Betting: The Unrivalled Winter King of TV

If you live in New South Wales or Queensland, Rugby League is likely your favourite winter code. The NRL is a giant in Australian sport, especially in terms of viewership.

  • Concrete TV Numbers: Rugby League is considered the most-watched sport on television, with a cumulative audience of over 174 million in 2023.
  • Grand Final Clout: The 2025 NRL Grand Final drew a record-breaking national TV audience of 4.5 million, making it the number one program of the year and showcasing its massive betting draw.
  • Key Betting Markets: NRL Betting is about more than just the winner; popular picks include First Try Scorer and multi-bet combinations that incorporate margin, total points, and player props.

The Best NRL OZ Sports Betting Sites in Australia are:

  • Bet365: Offers live NRL streaming and the most diverse betting options.
  • Neds: Best for NRL multi-bets and weekly promotions.
  • Palmerbet: Australian-owned with a strong focus on local NRL markets.

AFL Betting: The King of Attendance and Market Share

In Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, the AFL reigns supreme. It is a spectacular sport to watch live and is the largest market in terms of local betting turnover.

  • Concrete Attendance Numbers: The AFL is the most attended sport in the country, with the 2024 season attracting a total attendance of more than 8.2 million people across all games.
  • Market Dominance: The AFL is the single largest local betting market, making up more than 7% of the total betting turnover.
  • Key Betting Markets: AFL Betting features the popular AFL Premiership Winner (Futures/Outrights), Player Points Over/Under, and Live Betting on AFL Quarters.

The Best AFL OZ Sports Betting Sites In Australia are:

  • Unibet: Known for competitive AFL odds, especially in futures markets.
  • PlayUp: Offers a simple, intuitive interface and great odds on AFL matches.
  • BlueBet: A highly-rated, local bookmaker focused on Australian leagues.

Horse Racing Betting: The Race That Stops a Nation

Horse Racing Betting is not just a sport in Australia; it is a national tradition. It is a major economic driver and arguably the strongest racing industry in the world on a per capita basis.

  • Concrete Industry Numbers: The thoroughbred wagering turnover in Australia was a massive $29.144 billion in 2021–2022.
  • Melbourne Cup Impact: The Melbourne Cup is rightly called “the race that stops a nation.” Each year, more than half of Australian adults place a bet on the event.
  • Key Betting Markets: This market is vast, ranging from simple Win/Place bets to more complex Exotics, such as Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four.

The Best Horse Racing OZ Sports Sites In Australia are:

  • Colossalbet: Excellent for fixed-odds betting on both local and international races.
  • Leon Bet: Covers a wide range of racing events globally.
  • Picklebet: Often runs specific promotions for major racing carnivals.

Expanding Your Horizons: Other Popular Sports for Australian Bettors

While the big three dominate, the Australian bettor’s appetite for Popular Sports extends far beyond local codes. Our search for the best platforms always considers international coverage, as we know you enjoy placing wagers on global events too.

Global Football (Soccer): The World’s Most Played Sport

Soccer might not lead in local betting turnover, but its global popularity drives huge action, especially during major tournaments.

  • Participation Numbers: Soccer is the most played team sport in Australia in terms of participation, with over a million adult and child players combined.
  • Betting Action: Betting is driven by the A-League, but it explodes for the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and major European leagues (EPL, La Liga).
  • Key Markets: Soccer Correct Score, Over/Under Goals, and Multi-Bets are hugely popular.

Cricket: The National Summer Sport

Cricket is woven into the fabric of the Australian summer. The introduction of shorter formats, such as the T20 Big Bash League (BBL), has made it a massive hit for betting.

  • Attendance Numbers: The BBL attracts huge crowds, with one season pulling in over 1.2 million spectators.
  • Key Markets: Cricket Match Winner (across Test, ODI, and T20), Top Run Scorer, and Player Performance Bets drive continuous action, especially during the Ashes and World Cups.

Horse Racing Betting: The Race That Stops a Nation

Horse Racing Betting is not just a sport in Australia; it is a national tradition. It is a major economic driver and arguably the strongest racing industry in the world on a per capita basis.

  • Concrete Industry Numbers: The thoroughbred wagering turnover in Australia was a massive $29.144 billion in 2021–2022.
  • Melbourne Cup Impact: The Melbourne Cup is rightly called “the race that stops a nation.” Each year, more than half of Australian adults place a bet on the event.
  • Key Betting Markets: This market is vast, ranging from simple Win/Place bets to more complex Exotics, such as Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four.

The Best Horse Racing OZ Sports Sites In Australia are:

  • Colossalbet: Excellent for fixed-odds betting on both local and international races.
  • Leon Bet: Covers a wide range of racing events globally.
  • Picklebet: Often runs specific promotions for major racing carnivals.

Basketball and American Football Betting

The rise of local stars like Ben Simmons and Patty Mills, combined with the accessibility of the NBA, has made Basketball Betting an incredibly Popular sport. Similarly, the NFL generates significant interest in American Football Betting.

The OZ Sports Picks Methodology: Finding Your Edge

A clear method is always followed to make the best OZ Sports Pick. We are not just listing brands; we are applying the same rigour you use when analysing a bet. This is how we maintain our trustworthiness and expertise.

The Six Pillars of a Top Australian Sportsbook

  1. Betting Odds: You deserve the best value. Odds are the most important factor, as competitive odds directly maximise your potential winnings. Platforms like Bet365 and Unibet are known for consistently offering the best odds on popular sports, such as NRL and AFL.
  2. User Experience: Your betting process should be seamless and intuitive. A great sportsbook offers an intuitive and fast experience, enabling you to easily place bets, track live scores, and manage your funds.
  3. Customer Support: Reliable support is non-negotiable. The top sites offer 24/7 support through live chat, email, or phone. BlueBet and Neds are often praised for their excellent support.
  4. Promotions and Bonuses: Attractive bonuses give you more value. We scrutinise the welcome offers, free bets, and deposit matches. Remember always to review the terms and conditions, as wagering requirements apply.
  5. Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Fast and secure transactions are essential. The best platforms support a wide range of options, including bank transfers, e-wallets, and PayID.
  6. Insights and Betting Tips: To help you make informed decisions, a good sportsbook provides expert analysis, statistics, and predictions on upcoming matches. This helps you to place a truly educated bet.

Limitations of OZ Sports Picks Australia and Responsible Gambling

While OZ Sports Pick helps you find the best betting sites, it is important to remember that this is a betting guide, not a guarantee of winning. Being a responsible punter is crucial to enjoying your betting experience in the long term.

  • Odds are Dynamic: Betting odds fluctuate constantly in response to market trends and news. You should always check the latest odds before placing a bet.
  • No Guarantee: Sports outcomes are unpredictable. Factors such as weather, referee decisions, and last-minute injuries can significantly alter the outcome.
  • Responsible Gambling is Critical: Betting should always be done responsibly. Set limits, take regular breaks, and use the responsible gambling tools provided by the licensed sites. If you feel you are betting too much, support services like Gambling Help Online are available.

You can learn more About our commitment to fair and safe betting on our dedicated page. For more in-depth information about fair gaming practices, please visit our Provably Fair section. We also encourage you to look at our FAQ for common betting questions.

FAQs

The Popular Sports that generate the highest betting turnover in Australia are Thoroughbred Horse Racing, followed by Australian Rules Football (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL). The Melbourne Cup alone is bet on by more than half of all Australian adults each year.

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the most-attended sports league in Australia. The 2024 season drew a total attendance of over 8.2 million people, making it the highest-attended domestic sporting event.

In recent years, the National Rugby League (NRL) has generally had higher cumulative television audiences. The 2023 NRL season had a cumulative audience of over 174 million, making it the most-watched sport on TV.

Yes, absolutely. All major licensed Australian sportsbooks, including Leon Bet and Bet365, offer extensive markets on international Popular Sports like the NBA, NFL (American Football), and European Soccer leagues.

Online betting accounts for the largest share of the sports betting market revenue in Australia, which is why most of our top picks focus on providing excellent digital platforms.

The Melbourne Cup is considered the single biggest horse race to bet on in Australia, with a global audience of over 700 million and betting participation from most Australian adults.

The Australian Rules Football League (AFL) is the largest local sports betting market in Australia, making up more than 7% of the total betting turnover.

The most popular bets for Cricket Sports Betting are the Match Winner (particularly for Test matches and the Big Bash League) and Top Run Scorer for each team.

AFL is the dominant winter sport in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. The NRL dominates in New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT.

You can find out more about the companies we work with by visiting our Affiliate and Partnership pages.

Get Started with OZ Sports Picks Today!

You now have all the expert information and concrete numbers needed to choose the right platform for your betting style, whether you are backing the NRL, the AFL, a dark horse, or any other of the world’s Popular Sports. Our job at OZ Sports Picks is to make sure you are placing your bets on a safe, competitive, and feature-rich site.

It’s time to stop second-guessing and start placing smart bets!

Compare the top-rated sportsbooks, check their current offers, and begin your journey to smarter betting now!

👉 Contact us if you have any questions or need further guidance.