Matched Betting in Australia: Is It Still a Viable Way to Make Side Income?

The Australian gambling landscape is one of the most vibrant—and regulated—in the world. For years, savvy Aussies have used a technique called Matched Betting to extract guaranteed profits from the billions of dollars bookmakers spend on marketing. But as we move through 2025, the question remains: is the “golden age” over, or is matched betting still a viable side hustle?

In this deep dive, we’ll explore the current state of the Australian market, the impact of new regulations, and whether you can still realistically bank a tax-free second income.

What is Matched Betting? (The 2025 Refresh)

At its core, matched betting is a mathematical process used to turn bookmaker promotions into withdrawable cash. Unlike traditional gambling, where you rely on luck, matched betting relies on hedging.

By placing a “Back” bet (betting for something to happen) at a bookmaker like Ladbrokes or Neds, and a “Lay” bet (betting against that same thing happening) on a betting exchange like Betfair, you cancel out the risk. You aren’t rooting for a specific horse or team; you are simply moving money between accounts to “unlock” a bonus.

Why Australia is Unique

Australia is one of the few places where gambling winnings are 100% tax-free for individuals, provided it isn’t your primary profession. This makes every dollar earned through matched betting significantly more valuable than a dollar earned at a traditional 9-to-5.

Is It Still Viable in 2025?

The short answer is yes, but the “how” has changed.

A few years ago, you could make thousands just from “Sign-up Bonuses.” Today, Australian law prohibits bookmakers from offering enticing sign-up incentives to new customers in most states. However, this has shifted the focus toward Reload Offers—ongoing promotions for existing customers.

The Profit Potential

While the “easy money” of sign-up bonuses has dwindled, the volume of ongoing offers remains high.

• Horse Racing: “Money back if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd” remains the bread and butter of Aussie matched bettors.
• Early Payouts (2UP): If your team goes up by a certain margin (e.g., 2 goals in soccer), the bookie pays you out early. If the other team makes a comeback, you can win both sides of the bet.
• Sporting Promos: NRL, AFL, and EPL season-long promotions provide consistent weekly “value.”

On average, a dedicated Australian matched bettor in 2025 can still expect to make anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per month depending on their bankroll and time commitment.

Regulatory Changes and Challenges

The Australian government has introduced several reforms in 2024 and 2025 aimed at consumer protection, such as the ban on credit card gambling and the introduction of BetStop (the national self-exclusion register).

1. The Credit Card Ban

You can no longer use credit cards to fund betting accounts. For matched bettors, this means you must have a dedicated “float” in a bank account. Using a separate digital bank (like Up or Macquarie) is now a standard practice to keep your “work” money separate from your “living” money.

2. Account “Gubbing”

The biggest hurdle in 2025 isn’t the law; it’s the bookmakers. “Gubbing” is when a bookmaker identifies you as a value-seeker and restricts your access to promotions. To stay viable, you must practice “Mug Betting”—occasionally placing regular bets without a promo to look like a normal punter.

Essential Toolkit for the Aussie Side-Hustler

To succeed today, you cannot “eyeball” the odds. You need professional software to find the closest matches between bookmakers and the exchange.

The Verdict: Side Income or Waste of Time?

Matched betting in Australia is no longer a “get rich quick” scheme. It has evolved into a disciplined process.

If you have 3–5 hours a week and a starting bankroll of at least $500, it remains one of the most time-efficient side hustles available. It is low-risk, tax-free, and can be done entirely from your phone while watching the footy. However, it requires a sharp eye for detail and the discipline to treat it like a business, not a hobby.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Matched Betting legal in Australia?

Yes. Matched betting is 100% legal. It is simply a method of utilizing publicly available promotions offered by licensed Australian bookmakers. You are not “hacking” the system; you are simply using mathematics to ensure you don’t lose.

2. Is it actually risk-free?

Mathematically, yes. However, the risk comes from human error. Entering the wrong stake into a calculator or betting on the wrong horse can result in a loss. This is why using dedicated software is highly recommended for beginners.

3. Do I have to pay tax on my earnings?

No. In Australia, the ATO views gambling winnings as the result of good luck or a hobby, not as income. Even though matched betting removes the “luck,” it still falls under the same tax-free umbrella for most people.

4. How much money do I need to start?

While you can start with as little as $200, a starting bankroll of $500 to $1,000 is ideal. This allows you to cover the “liabilities” on the betting exchange (Betfair) without waiting days for withdrawals to clear.

5. Will it affect my ability to get a home loan?

It can if you aren’t careful. Banks don’t like seeing hundreds of transactions to gambling sites on your primary bank statements. We recommend opening a separate digital bank account specifically for matched betting to keep your primary statements “clean.”

6. Can I still do this if I already have betting accounts?

Absolutely. While you may have missed out on some sign-up offers, the majority of profit in the Australian market comes from “Reload” offers (weekly promos) which are available to existing customers.

7. What is “Gubbing”?

“Gubbing” is a slang term for when a bookmaker bans you from their promotions. They do this because they realize you are a “smart” bettor who is costing them money. Keeping your accounts healthy is a major part of the strategy in 2025.

8. How much time does it take?

To make a meaningful income (e.g., $1,000/month), you should expect to spend about 30 minutes a day on weekdays and 2 hours on Saturdays, which is the biggest day for horse racing promos.

9. Do I need to know a lot about sports?

Not at all. In fact, many of the most successful matched bettors have zero interest in sports. You are simply following what the software and calculators tell you to do.

10. What is the best sport for Matched Betting in Australia?

Horse Racing is king due to the sheer volume of daily promotions. However, the AFL and NRL seasons are also incredibly lucrative due to “Early Payout” offers and “Same Game Multi” bonuses.