Written by
Chris Flavell
Last time updated
17/10/2024
Betting online using a credit card is no longer allowed after the Australian senate passed new legislation to prevent its use.
The country already had a ban in place for land-based venues but the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023 extends this to a blanket ban that includes online wagering.
Instead, you should now look to use a debit card. This is also a much easier way to manage and control your gambling with licensed and legal bookies. We have listed the best bookies for debit card betting below:
This list shows you the top debit card betting sites in Australia based on the odds quality, customer service, and special markets. But the main element that puts them here is that they do accept debit card deposits and withdrawals, as well as other alternative payment methods, instead of credit cards.
Switching to a debit card is the obvious choice now that credit card betting has been prevented, there are a few other alternatives worth considering as well. Let us talk you through the main alternatives.
Credit Cards Alternatives
Debit Card – This is the obvious alternative to using a credit card and the most common way for punters to fund their betting account. It is quick and easy to do, as we explain later on this page, and comes with the fact you need to have the funds in your account to be able to bet with them.
PayPal – This is a digital wallet that enables you to securely send and receive payments online. It offers enhanced security, ease of use, and fast transactions. Additionally, PayPal does not charge any fees for transactions, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.
POLi – An online payment option that allows you to make real-time bank transfers without the need for a credit card. It is secure, fast, and convenient, offering easy and fast transactions without the need for credit card information or bank account numbers. Additionally, POLi does not charge any fees for transactions, making it a cost-effective option for Australian punters.
BPAY – This is an electronic bill payment system that allows you to pay bills online, including making deposits at online betting sites. It is secure and reliable, offering enhanced security through the use of unique BPAY Biller Codes and Reference Numbers. BPAY transactions are typically processed within 1-2 business days, and it does not charge any fees for transactions.
One benefit of bookmakers no longer accepting credit cards is that you can have much more control over your gambling and not get into difficulty by wagering with funds you don’t have.
This is why using a debit card instead – or one of the other payment options available – is the way to go when betting with the best Australian betting sites.
That said, even when using a debit card, you should always consider responsible gambling. As soon as wagering isn’t fun for you, it’s time to stop.
There are also many ways to keep tabs on your gambling and all major betting sites will offer a number of different measures to help you if required, from providing helpline support to enabling time outs from their site.
How We Rate The Best Bookies
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose a platform that is safe, reliable, and offers competitive odds. All the bookmakers we recommended have been put forward because they have good alternative payment options instead of credit cards. However, it is important to know we also rank them based on other key factors. Let us explain more about our approach to reviewing the best options:
Safety and betting licenses
First and foremost, safety and betting licenses are crucial. The site should be licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the NSW Office for Liquor, Gaming and Racing. This provides users with peace of mind knowing that their personal information and funds are secure and that the platform operates within the law.
Quality of odds
The quality of odds is another critical factor in rating credit card betting sites. The best platforms offer competitive odds on a range of sports and events, giving users the best chance to win big. A site that consistently offers lower odds than competitors is not a platform that serious bettors should consider.
Quality of a betting app
The quality of a betting app is also an essential factor. Many bettors prefer to place bets on-the-go, so a user-friendly and reliable app is a must. The app should be available for both iOS and Android devices and allow users to easily place bets, manage their account, and view live scores and results.
Live betting
Live betting is a popular feature that allows users to place bets in real-time as an event is taking place. A high-quality live betting platform is crucial, offering a range of markets and updated odds throughout the event.
Selection of betting markets
The selection of betting markets is also essential. The best credit card betting sites offer a wide range of sports and events to bet on, catering to the needs of all types of bettors. A site that only offers a limited selection of markets is unlikely to appeal to serious bettors who want to explore a range of options.
How to Deposit with Debit Cards
Here is the step-by-step guide on help you place a deposit with a debit card at betting sites in Australia. The process is the same regardless of if you use VISA, Mastercard, or some other card and is no different than if you’d have used a credit card.
It’s important to note that some betting sites may have different steps or change the process for depositing with debit cards from time to time. It is always worth reading terms and conditions at your chosen bookie before making any transactions. If you do have any issues or questions during the deposit process, contact the betting site’s customer support for assistance.
1
Choose a reputable betting site
Register with a reputable betting site that accepts debit cards.
2
Log in to your account
Log in to your account using your username and password.
3
Go to the cashier
Navigate to the cashier or deposit page.
4
Select your payment method
Select the debit card payment option.
5
Enter your card details
Enter your card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
6
Input the deposit amount
Input the amount you want to deposit into your account.
7
Verify the transaction
Verify the transaction details and confirm the deposit.
8
Wait for confirmation
Wait for the deposit to be confirmed, which usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes.
9
Start betting
Once the deposit is confirmed, you can start placing bets on your chosen sports or events.
VISA or MasterCard – Which Card is Better for Online Betting?
Both VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted payment methods for online betting in Australia, and there is no clear winner between the two.
Many betting sites accept both VISA and Mastercard, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and which card you have. Both cards offer similar security measures and processing times, and most betting sites do not charge additional fees for using either card.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your bank or card provider to ensure that online gambling transactions are permitted and to inquire about any associated fees or limits. Additionally, some banks or credit card providers may offer additional rewards or benefits for using one card over the other, so it’s worth considering those factors as well.
In our opinion, bet365 is the best overall bookie in Australia due to the amount of payment options they have. They no longer accept credit cards but are great for debit card betting and other alternatives like PayID, BPAY and many more.
No, credit card betting is not allowed in Australia. It is not possible to wager with a credit card in both land-based venues and online. Legislation has been passed meaning punters should look for alternative payment options.
What are the best alternatives to credit card betting sites?
The best online bookmakers have wide ranges of payment methods you can use to fund your account, even if credit card is no longer possible. bet365 has the largest selection but look out for debit card, BPAY, POLi, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Why have credit card been banned for online betting?
The ban is all about responsible gambling and making sure people aren’t betting with funds they don’t have and can’t afford. The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023 means there is now a blanket ban on credit-related betting.
What are the best betting sites for debit card betting?
We have rated and reviewed the top sites that accept debit cards as an alternative to credit card betting. All the bookmakers on our top list accept debit card deposits and withdrawals. We also rate them based on other features, such as the quality of their betting app, competitiveness of the odds available and general customer experience.
What’s gambling really costing you?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Leaving so soon? Just 1 minute!
Here’s our choice to help you choose!
This site uses cookies. To accept cookies click on accept
Our experts manually test and compare every betting site to offer our readers detailed and up-to-date information. We rank bookies based on several important criteria, including apps, markets, odds, special features etc. To learn more about the review process, visit the How we rate page.
We are a professional review site that may receive compensation from the betting sites and products we review. We test each bookmaker to a high standard and all views given are our own.
