All You Need to Know About AFL Betting

 

“There’s something magical about the roar of the crowd at an Aussie Rules match.” – Eddie McGuire.

Bringing all Australians together, AFL (Australian Football League) is the most important league of the year! Think of this game as football for Italians or Cricket for Indians! Considering the popularity of it in Australia and all over the world, it is no mystery why hundreds of thousands of Aussie Rules enthusiasts rush to the stadiums and in front of their TVs when the calendars show AFL.

Are you curious about AFL? Would you like to learn more about this thriving sport? In this detailed AFL review, our readers will find the most anticipated answers to how to bet on AFL, the tips to locate the best AFL bets to join, and what the AFL betting markets are. Therefore, you can confidently step forward when you want to make real money bets on AFL.

Introduction to Australian Rules Football Betting

Australian Rules Football, commonly called “footy,” is a high-intensity contact sport that is amazingly popular in Australia. It is not only the most-watched and highly attended sport in the country, with millions of lovers tuning in to watch their favourite teams compete, but also listed by the most famous online betting sites all around the world.

As with any popular sport, Australian Rules Football has a significant betting market. Sports bettors can place bets on eclectic aspects of the game, including match outcomes, individual player performances, and in-play betting. The Australian Football League (AFL) is the sport’s premier competition, creating a massive and significant betting activity with a remarkable volume.

To be certain, the Australian Football League (AFL) in Australia generated over 735 million Australian dollars in 2021, according to Statista. Unsurprisingly, such a tremendous market leads to a competitive battle among online betting platforms chasing the larger slice of this delicious cake. Any AFL match is listed on these venues, with various odds differing from one to another.

From the perspective of AFL bettors, a Footy bet is a stimulating way for fans to engage with the sport and potentially win money while doing so. However, it is essential to remember that, like any form of gambling, AFL betting requires a complete understanding of the AFL odds, game characteristics, and the markets you are wagering on. Let’s take a closer look at what Aussie Rules exactly means to comprehend the ground better.

What Does Aussie Rules Football Mean?

Australian Rules Football (aka Aussie Rules or Footy) is a sport that originated in Australia and can be traced back to the mid-1800s when football was being played in several different forms as we know it today. The earliest setup of the game was named “Melbourne Rules”. In 1858, a group of kick-the-ball style game enthusiasts from various Melbourne-based clubs agreed on establishing a standard set of rules for the game.

These rules were established in a combination of rugby, basketball, and soccer, forming the ground of what is now known as Aussie Rules Football. Over the years, Footy has evolved and been modified to incorporate new rules and gameplay styles. The ball also changed its shape over the years. Today, it is oval in shape and made of leather. Also, the field where the game takes place is an oval-shaped one with four goalposts at each end.

Being a highly physical and fast-paced sport that requires a combination of endurance, agility, and strength, the Aussie Rules game is played between two teams of 18 players in total, with the objective of kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts to score points. Players can move the ball by kicking, hand-balling (punching the ball), or running with it.

The ball should be bounced back or touch the ground once every 15 meters. This is one of the strict rules. A player possessing the ball can bounce it only once and must dispose of it by hand or foot. Touching the ball again until it has been touched by another player will be an infringement.

Australian football is followed by millions of passionate fanbases and carries out a myriad of teams from professional, amateur and junior levels across the country. It is a sine qua non part of Australian culture and identity. Undoubtedly, it is the most beloved sport in Australia.

AFL in a Nutshell

The Australian Football League (AFL) is a professional men’s Australian rules football event. After establishing the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897 as a breakaway competition, the league expanded to other states in later years. In 1990, VFL was renamed the Australian Football League (AFL), which hosts 18 teams nationwide yearly.

Being the highest level of professional Australian rules football in Australia, AFL is looked forward to by Aussie lovers worldwide. The league is regarded as a stage of high skill, athleticism, and physicality. The games are top-rated and are broadcast momentarily during the season from March to September.

How Do AFL Betting Markets Work?

Sports betting gives us the opportunity to wager on events that we have strong guesses about the outcomes. In most scenarios, it is possible to find popular sports events with advantageous odds and a plethora of different betting markets on online betting sites. AFL betting is no exception!

Whether you’re an experienced AFL punter or just a new one in town starting, there are plenty of options for footy fans to enjoy. Actually, AFL (Australian Football League) betting markets operate similarly to other sports betting platforms. You can easily place a bet on different outcomes, such as the winner of the game, the margin of victory, the total number of points scored etc.

When it comes to AFL betting odds, we can say that they are widely available in changing numbers, varying depending on the matchup and the perceived likelihood of a particular game result. Just like any sports game, the favourite will give less return, whereas the surprising outcome brings more winning. Here are some of the AFL betting market alternatives:

• Head-to-Head Betting
• Line Betting
• Margin Betting
• First Goal Scorer
• Big Win, Little Win
• Total Points
• Disposals (15+, 20+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+)
• Most Disposals Gr1/Gr2
• O/U Player Disposals
• 2+, 3+, 4+, 5+, 6+ Goals
• Brownlow Medal
• Coleman Medal
• The Wooden Spoon

On the other hand, we would like to remind our readers that it is essential to remember that betting markets and odds can vary between sportsbooks. Therefore, if you desire to bet on AFL, comparing AFL odds, available events, and live AFL betting options would be wise before placing a bet in an online betting venue. Additionally, it’s essential to wager responsibly and within your means.

Futures Betting

To begin with, we better understand what “Futures Betting” is because the concept can be alien for those unfamiliar with the terminology of sports betting. Briefly, Futures Betting is placing a bet on the outcome of an upcoming event that will happen in the future. It may typically be weeks or months away.

The main difference between betting on the result of a single and Futures betting is determined by the outcome. In this type of wagering, the bettor bets on the outcome of an entire season, championship, or tournament. For instance, you might bet on which team will win the 2023 AFL season before the season even starts or which player will win the Brownlow Medal at the end of the Australian Football League.

Futures betting usually presents higher payouts than traditional betting because the outcome is more uncertain. However, the downside of a Futures bet is taking a long time for the event to actually conclude before you can find out if you won your bet, while a wager on a single game will be a quicker option. Let’s take a look at possible futures; you can participate in AFL betting:

AFL Grand Final/Premiership

The AFL Grand Final is the final event of the entire AFL season, where the most successful two teams of the season compete for the Premiership Cup. The game is usually held on the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Regarded as one of the most extraordinary events in Australian sports, the Grand Final is a high-stakes match in which the winning team is crowned the AFL Premiers for that season.

To reach AFL Premiership, participating teams must compete in a 23-round home-and-away season. Only the top eight teams qualify for the finals series, a four-week elimination tournament. Finally, two teams remain for the Grand Final. The winning team players receive medals for their contributions through the electrifying atmosphere. What about the bettors of AFL? Sharp AFL Premiership odds can be located on any bookmaker platform with various options.

AFL Brownlow

The AFL Brownlow Medal is an annual award given to the player who is accepted as the best and fairest in the AFL during the subject season. Indeed, this medal is the most prestigious individual award in the AFL and is named after former Geelong Football Club player Charles Brownlow.

A voting system is applied for the Brownlow Medal, and in this particular system, umpires give votes for the best player on the field in each game. On the 3-2-1 based evaluation, 3 votes are given to the best player, 2 to the second-best, and 1 to the third. At the end of AFL, the most-voted overall player becomes the owner of the Brownlow Medal.

In addition to its prestige, the Brownlow Medal presentation ceremony is a remarkable event on the Australian sporting calendar. It hosts high-profile guests, including past winners, celebrities, and politicians.

AFL Wooden Spoon

Welcome to the most exciting part of AFL Betting! Forget the awards for winners! The AFL Wooden Spoon is delivered to the team that finishes in last place on the AFL ladder. Yes! It is entirely opposite of the AFL Premiership awarded to the team that ends in first place and wins the Grand Final. The term “wooden spoon” is a metaphorical reference that has been used to describe the last-placed team in the AFL since the early 1900s.

The Wooden Spoon stands as a symbol of a team’s unsatisfactory performance throughout the season. Yet, it also refers to motivation to improve and potential success in the AFL in subsequent years. The bettors can wager on the team, which they believe is the Wooden Spoon, via bookmakers offering high AFL finals odds.

Matches

Aussie Rules matches are exciting and a fest for sports lovers. Since the game is a perfect combination of Basketball, Football, and Rugby, no matter whether you are a fan or not, you will have a fantastic time watching. Nonetheless, watching a game and betting with real money for it is like apples and oranges. This is why you must fully understand the terms of AFL Betting markets before involving your cash. In this part of our article, we will present brief information about betting options in AFL.

AFL Line Betting

Line betting (aka Handicap Betting or Spread Betting) is a widespread form of AFL betting. In Australian Rules Football (AFL), line betting involves placing a bet on the outcome of a match with a handicap applied to one of the teams. The handicap is expressed as a number of points. The bettor must decide if the favoured team will win by more points than the handicap or if the underdog will lose by fewer points than the handicap.

For example, if the handicap is set at +15.8 for the underdog team in a match between West Coast Eagles and Hawks, the subject team should give the game by less than 15.8 points or win the match for the bet to be successful. It is unsurprising to see line betting as a popular alternative when we think of elevated AFL odds and excitement.

Over/Under

In AFL betting, “Over/Under” (also referred to as “total points”) is a bet that involves predicting whether the total number of points scored by both teams in an Australian Football match will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook. Over/Under bets can be a thrilling choice for punters desiring to add much more excitement without necessarily wagering on a specific team to be the victor.

To clear the clouds, we better give a descriptive example. The AFL betting platform sets the over/under at 175.5 points for a match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs. In this scenario, you can place a bet on whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under 175.5 points.

If you bet on the Over, the total number of points scored by both teams must be 176 or more for you to win, whereas betting on the Under requires the total number of points scored by both teams excessing 175 or fewer for you to win.

Winning Margin

Margin betting in AFL betting refers to predicting the margin by which a team will win over the other in a match. In other words, it involves placing a bet on the margin of victory in a specific team. The margins are usually set as a point spread or handicap for the favoured team to win by 1-39, 40+, and Draw in AFL betting in bookmakers.

The favoured team must take the match with a certain number of points (margin or line) to be successful. Conversely, the underdog team can win outright or lose by less than the margin to be accepted as the winner. Please keep in mind that when a Draw option is listed for Margin betting, it will exclude any extra time that might be added to the regular 80 mins.

For example, the sportsbook places a margin of -23.5 for the favourite team in AFL betting. Then the team must win by 24 points or more for a bet to be successful. Besides, betting the underdog team will win if they can either win the match or lose by 23 points.

First Goal Scorer

Well! This can be the most accessible type of AFL betting. As you may get it in seconds from its name, this betting type indicates the Aussie player who will score the match’s first goal. Surprisingly, the “First Goal Scorer” is one of the most used types for sports bettors around the world. We believe the biggest reason is the attractively sharp odds compared to regular bets on the winner of the match or Over/Under.

AFL Multi Betting

AFL multi-betting brings the opportunity of combining multiple bets into a single bet slip. Do you feel lucky about the outcomes of numerous AFL matches at once? Then fill one with the potential for higher payouts and excitement to add more to your bankroll. These bets can be any combination of head-to-head, line, over/under, or other types of bets offered by your sportsbook. You can attach any betting market above to yours, enter your stake and confirm your bet. That’s all!

It is no surprise multi bets are more worthwhile than single bets, yet they also carry a more extensive list to lose as well. For example, when you place a €100 wager on two different games with odds of 1.8 and 1.6, respectively, the total odds elevate to 2.88 (1.8 x 1.6). Therefore, your achieved bet will deliver you €288 (€100 x 2.88). If you have placed these subject bets separately, €90 (50 x 1.8) and €80 (50 x 1.6) would sum up to €170 in total.

In contrast, it’s essential to understand that the more bets you add to your multi-bet, the more challenging it becomes to win. Even one unsuccessful one can lead to a loss in the entire multi-bet. Considering the cons and pros, we advise you to choose selections and their relative likelihood of achievement before messing with an AFL multi-bet.

AFL Live Betting

For centuries, punters have chased to maximize the profit and adrenaline in sports betting. The formula was Live Betting. Carrying better odds and being in the middle of the amazing atmosphere of the sports arena multiplies all senses to the fullest. AFL live betting is not an exception either!

Today, a plethora of sportsbooks allow users to join instant betting through high AFL live odds. You wager on the next goal scorer, the next team to score, or the total points scored in a quarter. Moreover, compared to pre-plays, subject odds will be much more profitable on online betting sites for any sport.

Unfortunately, finding the best live AFL odds can be difficult for punters. Since they are listed at the last minute, nobody would like to risk an arrangement. For this reason, we recommend our readers to scan the websites by regular bettings. A venue with high pre-game betting odds for an AFL match will probably list superior live betting odds. Another way to determine which grounds have better odds is to check the review aggregators and AFL betting forums.

AFL Fantasy Betting

Sounds fancy! Right? In fact, it is really fancy! Because you create a dream team of yours to compete with others. AFL Fantasy Betting is the battle among virtual teams of Australian Football League (AFL) players. Sadly, not all venues place this amazing type of online betting, yet, it is delightful when you discover one.

The concept is selecting a team of AFL players whose bettors rely on their performances in real-life AFL. Once their selected player scores a goal or tackles, they accumulate points for the fantasy league. The better players perform, the higher chances of winning the league and adding some cash to the cashier!

AFL Betting Bonus Offers and Promotions

Who can say “No!” to a tasty sportsbook bonus presenting the chance to add more and more to your winnings? We all know the attractive welcome bonus or Wheel of Fortune spins, but are there any AFL bonus offers available for AFL betting lovers? The good news is most venues furnish occasional promotions, from Cashbacks and Multi Boosts to Free Bets for Australian Football League.

You may come across Free Bets given accordingly to your reloads. These Free Bets can be for a specific match or the whole AFL season. Furthermore, multi bets of AFL betting can offer extra bets to boost your winnings. Please remember that a minimum betting amount can be required to earn this type of bonus.

Another widespread offer is Cashbacks to compensate your total daily, weekly, or monthly losses in the sports betting section. Some platforms can cover your lost amount up to 10%, yet this percentage may differ from one website to another.

It is important to remember that Cashbacks will give you a limited amount. There is a maximum limit for the losses, whereas a minimum wagering requirement is also set. To learn more about the terms regarding the Cashbacks, you can read the Terms and Conditions carefully.

AFL Betting Mobile Apps

Surely, applications have become an integral element of our daily life, and the sports betting market is profoundly aware of the apparent demand. This is the main reason why there are hundreds of mobile applications for sportsbooks. AFL betting is not an exception.

Today, you will also discover many venues modifying their pages according to easy use on mobile devices. So, even though you are not on an application, you can open the bookmaker from your device’s browser and bet without sacrificing your quality experience.

Actually, those who want to avoid fulfilling their CPU with many applications prefer to stay on mobile-friendly pages instead of slowing their gadgets down. However, thousands are also waiting for the release of an AFL betting app which they can reach with a few clicks. For these sports bettors, we have itemized the compatible operating systems below:

Android Apps for AFL Betting

Are you an Android user? It is likely to locate Android-based sportsbooks with AFL betting options. Downloading these mobile applications is not only easy but also fast. All you need to do is:

1. Visit the website and scroll down to find “Mobile Applications”,
2. Then you can click the APK file to download or scan the QR code under the name of Android,
3. At this point, you may take a notification saying, “This type of file can harm your device. Do you want to keep X.apk anyway?”.
4. Please go to your device’s Security Settings to enable “Install apps from unknown sources”,
5. Once the installation is complete, you can log in via your email address and password.
6. Do you not have one? No worries! It is possible to create an account through mobile apps.

iOS Apps for AFL Betting

Almost every online betting site with a mobile application also provides an iOS-based one for bettors. In order to install an AFL betting mobile app on your device, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the website and scroll down to find “Mobile Applications” to locate the iOS scan code,
2. Or go to App Store and browse for the name of the betting site,
3. Then click “Install” to download, and then enter your username or email address and password,
4. Again, if you do not have an account, you can create one on the mobile app with a couple of clicks.

Check Before Betting on AFL

Over 100,000 enthusiasts follow the AFL, often attending the match in person, and millions more watch from home. It’s a fabulous event on the Australian sporting calendar. The winning team’s home city hosts parades and festivities in the following days. Such a deeply loved season is also a great way of sports betting.

Thousands of people are chasing the AFL betting opportunities and the most advantageous odds. Are you looking forward to betting on your favourite Australian Football team outcomes? We have listed some AFL betting tips you can take advantage of, and we firmly believe these tips can help you to grab the winnings!

Mind the Underdogs

In AFL betting, an underdog refers to a team that is not favoured to win against their opponent based on factors such as past performance or team strength. Since betting on an underdog is risking your money for a team that is not expected to have the victory, the payout of the bet is remarkably significant.

The odds placed by sports betting sites indicate the perceived chance of an underdog winning. However, it’s crucial to search for the possibility of the odds and not just bet on the underdog blindly. Although an underdog offers an elevated amount of return, there is always a massive risk of stepping forward for everybody’s “not favoured” team.

Bet on More than Matches

Instead of placing a bet for the winner or medal owners of AFL, platforms allow you to be on various outcomes such as First Scoring Play, First Player to Kick a Goal, First Team to Score, Player to Kick Most Goals for the Match, Player to Kick Most Goals of the Round, Player to Get Most Disposals in Game, or Player to Get Most Disposals of the Round.

These options are available both in pre-game and live betting, while they also bring a more generous payout in the case they are successful. You can combine them in your bet slip. As we have mentioned in Multi Bets above, betting on more than one outcome is much more profitable than creating a single bet. However, a lost bet line can fail the other bets as well.

Check the Weather Forecast and Pitch Conditions

No matter if the case is Football, Cricket, or AFL betting, it is hard to say that the game is not affected by the weather and pitch conditions. In AFL, the surface of the match and the weather can strongly affect the game result. This is why the teams monitor these conditions to adjust their tactics and strategies accordingly.

What is a pitch condition in AFL betting? Briefly, firm or soft ground, the height, the density of the grass, and the presence of any divots or uneven patches, can cause evident effects on the speed and bounce of the ball.

Furthermore, the weather forecast underlining the rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can change the ball’s trajectory and make it struggle to kick accurately. If it is a scorching day, players will show less endurance and ability to perform at their best.

Check for Injured and Sidelined Players on Rosters

The question is, “Is everyone in the game?”! If your favourite player is injured or sidelined, you can have some doubt about the entire team’s performance. This rule applies to every team sport like Football, Basketball, AFL Betting, and so on. How the roster can shift the game result has never been a mystery. Here are some results:

• Strength of the Roster: Weakening a team’s power, especially if key players are out, having sidelined or injured good players will reduce the total performance and may lead to a loss.
• Tactical Changes: The team’s coach may shift tactics and game plans according to the “out-of-the-game” players. Adjusting the lineup and changing the style of the game plan can help compensate for the absence of key players.
• Keeping the Player Morale Up: The confidence and morale of a team can be affected negatively due to the lack of focus and reduced effort during games, especially if key players are out.
• Impact on the Opponent: Game strategies are prepared days in advance. When the opponent team is scheduled to play against a specific player, the absence of the subject individual will also shift the plans to win.

Check out How the Teams Perform Lately

Let’s accept it! A team cannot win every season; in most cases, it may not be their lucky year either. The team’s recent performances provide valuable insights into the team’s momentum, health, confidence, and past performances. These factors are crucial to predicting the outcome of an AFL betting game.

All in all, keep in mind that AFL betting strategies are essential to balance which one to win. You may have the illusion due to the sharp odds or Free Bets; however, please pay attention to the facts of statistics and the necessity of knowing the game clearly. Another essential subject is to start with a low budget until you get used to the playground. Otherwise, you may lose all your cash on a bet that you have no idea what it is!

FAQs