The AFL is one of Australia’s leading sporting competitions. Surrounding Aussie Rules Football, 18 teams battle it out to reach the season ending Grand Final. Previously known as the Victorian Football League, the AFL attracts the interest of both fans and punters alike. As a result, AFL betting sites are becoming increasingly popular.
Looking for the best AFL betting odds? This page will outline the best platforms for AFL footy betting, as well as the most popular markets and promotions. The speed, athleticism and competitiveness of Aussie Rules Football makes the sport hugely appealing to bet on.
Mobile app for iOS & Android users
Mobile app for iOS & Android users
Ongoing AFL promotions available
Ongoing AFL promotions available
Approved AFL betting operator
Approved AFL betting operator
Leading AFL odds
Leading AFL odds
AFL One of 30+ sports
AFL One of 30+ sports
AFL & ALFW Betting
AFL & ALFW Betting
There are a large number of AFL betting sites available to punters in Australia today. However, this does not mean that all are worth signing up on. Having tested a wide variety of online bookies, we have come up with only the very best operators. When testing, our experts take into account the following factors:
When it comes to betting on the AFL, punters have a host of markets to choose from and it differs a lot from its distant cousin; soccer betting. While the exact number of markets will differ between bookmakers, it is the following that are generally the most popular for bettors in Australia:
One of the most popular methods of betting on the AFL comes with future markets. Also known as outrights, punters can stake on markets such as the following:
Odds on such markets are introduced well in advance of the AFL getting underway. However, punters can also take advantage of such markets throughout the season, with prices fluctuating based on results. Such markets require an element of patience however. As well as this, factors such as injuries and suspensions can have a major impact upon your bets.
AFL round markets are generally added a few days before weekend matches. They enable punters to bet on areas including:
Here, punters are betting on the battle between two AFL teams. Picking the winner of a match may appear simple, however the competitive nature of the league means that this is not always the case. As such, punters must look into form, head to head records and player availability before staking funds.
AFL line betting is another name for handicaps. Here, the favourite will be given a points handicap. On the flip side, the underdog is given a points allowance or a head start. Points allocated will be based on league position, form and a number of other factors. For example, in a clash between Carlton and Richmond, the hosts will be available at +11.5, while the visitors at -11.5. 0.5 is always in place to ensure that there is a clear winner and loser.
Betting on the winning margin is another popular market for fans of the AFL. The majority of bookies will accept bets on over/under 39.5 points, however other margins are also available in some cases. For example, St Kilda to beat Collingwood by over 39.5 points.
As is the case with other sports markets, AFL fans can bet on the score at both half time and full time. Looking at a clash between Port Adelaide and the Geelong Cats as an example, the following options would be available to punters:
Simply put, this involves betting on the total number of points scored between the two teams involved in an AFL match. For example, wagering on there being over 168.5 points during a match between Richmond and the West Coast Eagles. Punters can also bet on there being below this number.
Those looking for something a little different should certainly consider tri bets. Here, punters can either bet on Team A winning by 15.5+ points, team B winning by 15.5+ points or either team winning by less than the same number of points.
Prop betting on the AFL is growing in popularity. Prop bets come in a variety of formats, with the following being the most commonly available to punters in Australia:
First Score – Will the first score be made by a kick or behind from Team 1 or a kick or behind from Team 2?
First Team to Score – There are only two options for punters here. Team 1 or Team 2 to score the first points of an AFL match. The method is not important.
First Goalscorer – Which player will kick the first goal during an AFL match? Forwards are likely to be offered the shortest odds, however those who successfully back an outsider are in a position to claim some significant earnings.
Top Goalscorer – Which player will score the most goals during an AFL match? The likes of Cyril Rioli and Robbie Gray are often backed by punters here.
Most Disposals – A disposal simply means passing the ball successfully via a handball or kick. As a result, betting customers can also stake on which player will record the most disposals during an AFL match.
Those looking to enhance the potential winnings on AFL teams should consider multiple bets. Here, punters must select the results from two or more matches. While this increases the risk, the rewards are often much greater. The number of available selections ranges between AFL betting sites.
Finally, bettors can also add to their potential winnings by backing a team with a few additional requirements. For example, Port Adelaide to win with a -55.5 handicap and over 189.5 points to be scored.
As we have already mentioned, promotions surrounding the AFL are available at many Australian betting sites. Such promotions can aid punters in reaching their targets. However, each will come with its own set of qualifying requirements and terms and conditions, meaning that some will not be worth utilising.
AFL matches are broadcast live in Australia, with Channel Seven showing up to five games per week. Meanwhile, Fox also broadcast a host of games, along with a variety of Aussie Rules-specific programmes. For those looking to watch matches and bet at the same time, a small number of bookies offer live AFL streaming. The following bookies are the standout sites when it comes to live streaming the AFL:
Unfortunately, live betting on the AFL is not available to punters in Australia. This is due to laws set by the Interactive Gambling Act of 2011. This law prohibits any bookmakers introducing interactive gambling services, which includes live betting. However, punters may find that some offshore bookmakers still offer in-play markets surrounding AFL matches.
As with any sports betting, wagering on the AFL is not easy. It is important to come up with a strategy before getting involved. Your strategy should be based on your budget and objectives. When it comes to actually placing bets on AFL teams and players, we have put together the following tips in order to give punters the best possible chance of beating the bookies:
The Grand Final is the pinnacle for all AFL teams. The 2020 Grand Final was the first to take place outside of Victoria, while also being the first to have been held at night. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the normal venue for the Grand Final, with the match determining who is crowned the AFL premiers.
The Grand Final normally takes place in September each year. Essendon and Carlton hold the record for the most number of victories, with each having 16 to their name. Meanwhile, Collingwood has the most number of Grand Final appearances (43).
The AFL Grand Final is one of the biggest days in terms of betting in Australia. Millions of bets are placed on the encounter, with many bookmakers introducing a host of additional markets ahead of kick-off. The table below shows how recent AFL Grand Finals have played out:
Year | Winner | Runner-up | Scoreline |
2022 | Geelong | Sydney | 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52) |
2021 | Melbourne | Western Bulldogs | 21.14 (140) d 10.6 (66) |
2020 | Richmond | Geelong | 12.9 (81) d. 7.8 (50) |
2019 | Richmond | Greater Western Sydney | 17.12 (114) d. 3.7 (25) |
2018 | West Coast | Collingwood | 11.13 (79) d. 11.8 (74) |
2017 | Richmond | Adelaide | 16.12 (108) d. 8.12 (60) |
2016 | Western Bulldogs | Sydney | 13.11 (89) d. 10.7 (67) |
2015 | Hawthorn | West Coast | 16.11 (107) d. 8.13 (61) |
2014 | Hawthorn | Sydney | 21.11 (137) d. 11.8 (74) |
2013 | Hawthorn | Fremantle | 11.11 (77) d. 8.14 (62) |
2012 | Sydney | Hawthorn | 14.7 (91) d. 11.15 (81) |
2011 | Geelong | Collingwood | 18.11 (119) d. 12.9 (81) |
The AFL is one of the most exciting and competitive sporting events in Australia today. As such, AFL betting sites are growing rapidly in popularity. We have recommended a host of leading bookmakers on this page, each of which comes with its own benefits. So, if you are looking to back Hawthorn being crowned premiers for the first time since 2013 or Tom Hawkins to be named as the Coleman Medal winner, we have you covered. Check out our top ranked AFL betting sites for yourself, before deciding which operator to register with.
There are a number of appealing AFL betting sites available to punters in Australia today. However, it is the likes of Ladbrokes, Betstar and Pointsbet which our experts scored the highest. Be sure to check out all available platforms for yourself though, weighing up their pros and cons.
A large number of AFL betting markets are on offer to punters too. Futures markets are taken advantage of by many, while a host of pre-match options are also found. These include head to head, line and margin markets.
It is Essendon and Carlton who are the most successful in AFL history, with both teams having been crowned premiers 16 times.
No. Live betting is not available to Australian punters surrounding AFL matches. This is due to gambling laws set by the government, which in this case revolve around interactive wagering.
Yes. While no welcome bonuses are on offer, ongoing promotions can be found online by fans of Aussie Rules. Free bets, bonuses and cashback offers are all introduced during the AFL season.