Sports Trading Australia
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    • The future of sports betting: The marketplace (Part I)
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Top Bonus Bet Offers Australia 
Our team of experts has reviewed and compared the best Australian online bookmaker sites to make your life much easier in choosing the best bookmaker sites that are right for you. While there are numerous bookmaker sites, we have chosen to concentrate on the very best of them.


BRAND
FEATURES
BONUS RULES
RATING
SportsBet
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SportsBet, owned by Paddy Power, is the largest sports bookmaker in Australia. Their marketing and sponsorship has slowed and their bonus offers have been scaled back significantly. 

They now favour Bonuses rather than Cashback offers and they've been cut in half from $100 to $50 (then again all the corporates have done this.)

The offer a Sportsbet Visa card making it easier to withdraw cash instantly. 


INITIAL OFFER 
First BET match (rather than Deposit Match)
(up to $501) 

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Single bet
Bet thru 1X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers
- they do offer small 'loyalty' bonuses from time to time

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer a wide range of regular and constantly changing Special Offers
- see Review Section
* * * * *
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William Hill
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William Hill have lost their way completely both in Australia and back home in the UK. 

They spent millions acquiring SportingBet, Centrebet and Tom Waterhouse only to close all brands and re-badge as William Hill.

Their bonus offers are somewhat obscure with "chase the ace", "finish in the first half of the field" and "get the 2nd dogs number multiplied by the 3rd dogs number".

The offers seem more intent on confusing than rewarding.

INITIAL OFFER 
First BET match (rather than Deposit Match)
(up to $500) 

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Split bonus (Min. $10 bets)
Bet thru 1X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- no Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer a wide range of regular and constantly changing Special Offers 
- see Review Section
 * * * 
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CrownBet
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Matthew Tripp sold his stake in Sportsbet to Paddy Power, served his wait out period on the sidelines, and then acquired the ailing Betezy, rebranded it as Beteasy and then promptly got into bed with James Packer and rebranded AGAIN as CrownBet. 

One of the biggest advertisers in the bookmaking ranks in Australia. 

They invest heavily in Victoria with live streaming of Victorian racing featuring CrownBet odds updates.

They promote their Crown Rewards program across gambling, hospitality and shopping businesses. 
INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
up to $500) 

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Single bet
Bet thru 1X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
* may offer Reload bonuses (up to $500)

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer a wide range of regular and constantly changing Special Offers 
- see Review Section
* * * * *
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Ladbrokes
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Ladbrokes moved from the being standard bearer of cashback offers for running 2nd or 3rd to heavily promoting its Odds Boost, which effectively offers up to 20% extra for ONE race of your choosing per day.

They also offer a Ladbrokes Visa Debit card to facilitate cash withdrawals. 

The Ladbrokes group also run Bookmaker.com.au, Betstar and Ladbrokes Exchange (formerly Betdaq) in the UK.

Ladbrokes offer only ONE initial bonus across their three brands - Ladbrokes, Bookmaker.com.au or Betstar.

INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500)


Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Split bonus (up to 4 ways)
Bet thru 2X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers
- they do offer 'loyalty' bonuses from time to time

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer a wide range of regular and constantly changing Special Offers 
* * * 
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Luxbet
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Owned by TABCorp, it appears that Luxbet is under internal review. They ceased offering bonuses in August, 2017.
The future of the Luxbet brand is uncertain and is likely to be influenced by the TABCorp merger with Tatts.
  
INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500) 


Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Single bet
Bet thru 1X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA

RELOAD OFFERS
- do offer Reload Bonuses (aka Loyalty)

SPECIAL OFFERS
- n/a
* 
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Betfair
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Now part of the Paddy Power (Sportsbet) group. Liquidity has dried up considerably since the heady days of mid 2000's. There are two reasons:
- The product fees charged by racing administrators have made their low cost model less attractive
- The decision of the Interactive Gambling Act (Review) to ban in-play sports.

Even in the UK where Betfair hold a sizeable market share their position will be challenged with the levy review charging all wagering operators 10% of gross turnover.
 
That said, the exchange betting and it's innovative in-play options make Betfair a MUST HAVE in your portfolio. Betfair pioneered the Lay to Lose betting option which despite the hysteria from ignorant politicians and administrators is one of the most innovative things to happen in the world of sports gambling.
INITIAL OFFER 
LOSING Bet Refunds
(up to $500) 

No Bet thru
Min. odds 1.20
ex: Vic, NSW, SA

RELOAD OFFERS
- n/a

SPECIAL OFFERS
- n/a
* * * *
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Bet365
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Bet365 are alive again with their promotional offers. In July they started offering up to $100 LOSING BET refunds on select race meetings on ALL races. It requires you to snag a winner at odds of 5.0 or more so easier said than done. 
They launched with much fanfare featuring ads with Samuel Jackson. Why they choose an American where on-line sports betting is banned is quite baffling. They consistently offer the best price, esp on longer odds. Well worth having in your portfolio for that reason alone. 
INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $200) 

Bet thru 3X Deposit AND Bonus, ie up to $1,200
Min. odds 1.20
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

* Open Account Offer is complex. They offer up to $200 deposit match but you need to turnover 3X both your deposit and the bonus so effectively $1,200.

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS

- racing specials ie back 5.0 winner and get Losing Bet Refund on the next race (up to $100).
- Big Bash Double Your Winnings (up to $200) if your team win & hit 8 sixers.
* excl NSW, SA
* * * *
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Unibet
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You may receive an offer to opt-in to reserve your bonus offer. They come with turnover requirements which are both onerous and difficult to understand. They are however SR (stake returned) unlike all other bookmakers offers which are NSR (non stake returned).

Aside from the odd special offer their ongoing bonuses are limited. 
INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500) 

* excl NSW, Vic, SA, WA 

Stake is Returned
(* one of few who offer SR) 

Single Bet
Bet thru stake & bonus 3X
Min. odds 1.50

ADDITIONAL OFFERS
Unibet bonuses have onerous 3X bet thru requirements
Stake is Returned
Min. odds 1.50

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS
- sporadic offers which you must 'opt in' 
* *
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PalmerBet
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One of the few Australian owned and operated sports bookmakers. And their offers during autumn, 2015 have decidedly improved. 

They offer generous 2.0 lines (up to $250) and weekly cashback offers for running 2nd or 3rd (up to $100).
They may lack the deep pockets of their global rivals but they are well worth considering.

INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500) 

* excl SA, WA

Bet thru 1X
Single bet
Min. odds 1.50

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer limited Special Offers 
* *  
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Betting.club
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Social media is their point of difference. Formerly known as Club All Sports. 

They offer markets on racing (all codes) both domestic and overseas and major sports. 

Dividends are displayed for the past month (unlike most bookmakers who now only retain past two weeks results). Dividends are Vic TAB and include Best Tote & Mid Tote. 

INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match 
(deposit $50 get $100 bonus bets)
* excl NSW, Vic, SA, WA

Bet thru 1X 
Single bet 
Min. odds 1.50

RELOAD OFFERS
- n/a

SPECIAL OFFERS
- Enhanced Odds mid-tote +10%
* * * 
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Betstar
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Part of the Ladbrokes group. 

Aside from the livery the functionality is identical to Ladbrokes. That they're still here in 2017 is a surprise to many. I thought they'd be folded into the Ladbrokes brand long before now.

Please note Ladbrokes offer First Deposit bonuses for only ONE of their three brands - Ladbrokes, Bookmaker.com.au or Betstar. 

INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500) 

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Split bonus (up to 4 ways)
Bet thru 2X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers
- they do offer small 'loyalty' bonuses from time to time

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer limited range of Special Offers 

* * 
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Bookmaker.com.au
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Identical comments as for Betstar.


INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match
(up to $500) 

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Split bonus (up to 4 ways)
Bet thru 2X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers
- they do offer small 'loyalty' bonuses from time to time

SPECIAL OFFERS
- they do offer limited range of Special Offers 

* offers identical to Ladbrokes
* * 
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ClassicBet
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ClassicBet have a mixed reputation in the marketplace. For the most part they are little known. They do bob up with race day sponsorship and some exclusive promotions to form guides and the like.

They claim to offer rewards and assign you with an account manager but if you are a high roller even I would ring you. 
They did offer a generous $500 first deposit match in the spring, 2014 but that's been iced. 

Some of their promotional offers are quite good with up to $150 CASHBACK offers whereas other bookies cap bonuses offers at $100.

Any special offers they do have are sent out privately via email.
INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match 
(from $500 - $1,000 on sliding scale)

Stake Not Returned (SNR)
Bet thru 1X
Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS
- sporadic Special Offers via email marketing up to $150 cashbacks or bonus offers
* * * 
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TABCorp
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TABCORP (who also own Luxbet) run promotional campaigns across racing and sports.

They commenced marketing promotional offers in July, 2015 amid market pressures and continue to try to retain and grow market share in a competitive landscape.



INITIAL OFFER 
No publicised DEPOSIT match (may match up to $100)

Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
- may offer Reload Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS
$50 cashback offer on all Australian Group 1 & 2 races during the spring.

* * * * 
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uBet
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uBet (formerly TattsBet) is the rebranded Queensland TAB owned and operated by the Tatts Group. In 2016 Tabcorp made a takeover offer for Tatts with its wagering arm the prime target.

They have piloted their own retail In-Play racing offer (available in newly refurbished Qld TAB outlets incl flagship New Farm outlet) amidst the Federal Government's decision to ban sports in-play. This could be their ace in the hole. 

The uBet promotional offers feature cashbacks and are amongst the best in the marketplace.

INITIAL OFFER 
No publicised DEPOSIT match (may match up to $100)

Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
n/a 

SPECIAL OFFERS
$50 cashback offers if you selection runs 2nd / 3rd. Offered on 4-8 races every Sat.
* * * * 
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NEDS
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We are a passionate team of computer nerds, sports enthusiasts, statisticians, bookies and digital wizards who have combined forces to create applications that treat punters like the legends they are.

Immerse yourself in the new world of personalised play with a host of entertaining services in the palm of your hand.

Our team have created a robust platform that’s fast, safe and secure. The slick interface means more game-play and less horsing around.

It all starts with a superior online betting experience. Neds features exciting sports action, the best horse racing from around the globe, innovative products and thrilling promotions.

The key to the success of Neds is the importance placed on quality customer service. Players are never more than a click or call away and Neds makes it easy to request information and support.

365 DAYS A YEAR.

INITIAL OFFER 
DEPOSIT match (may match up to $500)

Min. odds 1.50
* ex: Vic, NSW, SA, WA

RELOAD OFFERS
n/a 

SPECIAL OFFERS
tba
* new
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Making Online Sports Trading Work for You
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Whether you back, lay or trade and whether you leave positions open (gambling) or take risk free profits where you have more choice in the sports betting landscape than ever before.

There is no doubt bookmakers have the odds in their favour, that's exactly how they make their "book". These margins can range from 4% - 12% and as sporting codes charge a fee for their product (refer NSW Race Fields legislation) the bookmakers margin is that much smaller again. They don't absorb it, they pass it on to the punter.

It is therefore something I find quite baffling that bookmakers adopt the abhorrent practice of banning or restricting successful punters. Ultimately that practice will bring about their own demise. Buoyed on by an insatiable appetite for sports betting including fixed odds betting, a wider array of sports to bet on, diverse betting forms, odds comparison sites, in-play or live betting using state-of-the-art technology platforms the punter is better informed and has a better chance of beating the bookie and winning. That said, the odds of beating "the house" long term are negligible but we live in hope of the odd 
pyrrhic victory along the way.

I must add that sports bookmakers are paranoid about the possibility of arbitrage or trading techniques being used. Notwithstanding that this website is names Sports Trading Australia it is my intent to provide a guide to new and old punters alike about the plethora of betting options and techniques available to you. Whether you back, lay or trade is entirely up to you so treat this site as a resource for your entertainment pleasure. 


Picking the Right Bookmaker Site
I suggest you think in terms of creating a diverse portfolio of betting channels that include on-line bookmakers, betting exchange and TAB's (Vic, NSW & Qld). You will find it beneficial to shop and compare different offers, as afterall betting is a retail business. 

Betfair was the first to offer the ability to LAY to LOSE and that itself caused quite a furore (largely fuelled by ignorance). Your ability to back AND lay or effectively trade, hedge, dutch or bet/lay in-play means you can manage your investment in real time ... and this is the part of "sports trading" that appeals to me. 

You might find the odd arbitrage opportunity, and good luck to you if you do, but be warned it isn't my focus and most bookmakers with the exception of Pinnacle Sports (unlicensed in Australia) frown upon the practice with the fervour of newly inducted 
Benedictine monk.

Searching Options

To stimulate your betting activity and to foster repeat business sports bookmakers may offer initial deposit or first bet incentives. They can be quite generous (up to $750) and during peak season bookies may also reload bonuses to regain your custom and a variety of special offers to keep your money with them. it is, afterall, an intensely competitive landscape and you, the punter, have choice. 

Matching System

Peruse the bookmaker offers and open up several accounts so that you have and retain choice. It isn't just a question of where do I get the best price but that is a massive consideration. Some bookmakers enable you to bet into all three TAB pools and I'll leave it to you to conclude whether that is a good thing or not. 

Loyalty is false god when it comes to bookmakers. They will close you down as soon as look at you so you should feel no compulsion to be loyal. Act in your own best interests.


Privacy and Safety Above All

I recommend you create a separate email account and opt in to receive special offers and promotions. On the upside they can amount to thousands of dollars over the course of a year and on the downside they will slam you with email offers as every waking moment of the day there is a sport being played and bet on somewhere in the world.


Getting Started With Online Gambling
Open an Account 

Give particular attention to the terms and conditions of Open Account Offers as incentives are directly related to either your first deposit or your first bet. I'll attempt to sort out some of the confusion here because they differ across each bookmaker. To add another layer of complexity thy often have min. odds requirements or are limited to fixed odds or first bet in the market, etc.


Getting you Money out 

Easier said than done. First you have to met your turnover requirements. Be warned: if you deposit money into a betting account using your credit/ debit card you must turnover your deposit before withdrawing it.

ID Verification 

You will generally have 90 days to verify your ID or your account and proceeds may be frozen. This can be quite an onerous process thanks to paranoia surrounding money laundering.

Money Management 

Punting, gambling, trading all have one thing in common - it is as much about mindset and money management as it is about selection method and staking.

If you open ten different bookmakers accounts then funding them and depositing/ withdrawing money can be both costly and time consuming. We will explore both mindset and money management in greater detail in the blogs.

Anonymity

Before the conspiracy theorists run up the flagpole barking money laundering and illegal practices let me state that anonymity is largely about having multiple transactions on your bank statement that read Deposit Bookmaker 1 $xxx, Deposit Bookmaker 2 $xxx, Deposit Bookmaker 3 $xxx. You might want to create a separate account or even look at Skrill or Moneybookers. Money management is key and so is anonymity. There isn't a bank manager on this planet that wouldn't shit himself if he saw loads of betting deposits and transactions. And you don't need unnecessary grief!


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