Is Australia About to Launch In-Play Betting?

In great news for the Australian gaming industry and for regular punters, The Daily Telegraph has reported that the Federal Government is preparing to enable online in-play betting within the next six to 12 months.

Live betting in Australia

The Federal Government is planning the move in order to combat the use of unregulated overseas betting, according to the report. Industry sources were quoted as saying that they believe online in-play sports betting will be approved immediately, while online poker would simultaneously be regulated for a trial period of up to five years.

Live betting is currently offered in Australia via telephone and at bricks-and-mortar facilities like the TAB. But it is believed that the legalisation of live internet and mobile betting could provide an industry boom worth an estimated $300 million a year, as Australia catches up to the rest of the world.

Which sports would accept in-play bets?

Fans of Aussie Rules footy, rugby league, rugby union, cricket, tennis and soccer would all benefit from such legislation. For example, live cricket betting would offer wagers on outcome of individual deliveries, next boundary scorers, top scorers, innings totals and more. There are so many possibilities where betting is allowed while a game is being played.

Most leading global online sportsbooks already offer live betting, including bet365, William Hill, 888 and more. To give an example of how it works, bet365 will next week launch Live French Open Betting. The online bookmaker’s in-play betting section will display updated scores of matches alongside odds and wager options on what will happen next.