AFL betting is rising, and not just in Australia. In Australia alone, more than $7 billion is wagered on sports each year, which makes the AFL a significant source of betting activity.
The hook? For experienced gamblers, AFL games are very predictable due to the league's structure, fast-paced matches and fervent supporters. The challenge? Varying laws across countries make revenue tracking and tax collection difficult for operators, governments, and bettors seeking reliable systems.
The AFL is facilitating the international expansion of online sportsbooks as more nations accept digital wagering. Verified games on licensed platforms are becoming more and more popular, which guarantees that player confidence and revenue will continue to rise globally.
Online casinos and sportsbooks are the engines behind this growth. Many of them now host verified games and betting systems, meaning they meet regulatory standards for fairness, payouts and data protection. This is crucial in a space where trust equals money. If you're interested in exploring these verified games and what sets them apart from the rest, you can visit NZ online casino with verified games and get a much better insight.
Platforms with verified systems give bettors confidence. When players know the odds are legit and their funds are secure, they bet more often. For operators, this means higher user retention, better customer lifetime value, and, ultimately, more revenue. Governments also benefit, as regulated platforms are easier to tax and monitor.
One issue is that not every country has a clear regulatory framework. In places where laws are murky, players risk using unverified platforms with poor odds or no payout guarantees. That's why the growth of verified platforms, particularly those offering AFL betting, is so important for the industry's long-term health.
In addition to being the best football league in Australia, the AFL is indubitably a betting haven. In addition to their pretty apparent love of football, Australians enjoy placing bets on it. The Australian Gambling Research Centre reports that more than one-third of Australian adults have wagered on a sporting event in the previous year, with the AFL regularly ranking among the most popular leagues.
The framework of the game is what distinguishes AFL betting. Weekly games, a well-defined season and comprehensive player statistics make it simple for bettors to identify patterns. International bettors who are familiar with the sport and want to get in on the action are drawn to this stability in addition to local wagerers. The number of individuals betting on games every weekend is increasing along with the AFL's global viewership.
AFL betting has gone global. While Australia still leads in volume, sportsbooks in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and parts of Europe now offer odds on AFL games and interest is growing fast.
Why? Global streaming, mobile betting apps and rising familiarity with Aussie Rules have all fueled demand. In the UK, AFL is often grouped with niche sports, yet operators report double-digit growth in betting turnover, especially during Australia's winter sports lull.
Here's where things get interesting: the revenue from AFL betting varies dramatically depending on the country's tax structure. Australia, for example, has a Point of Consumption (PoC) tax on wagering, which ensures states earn revenue based on where the bet is placed, not just where the operator is licensed.
This system has generated hundreds of millions in tax revenue for states like Victoria and New South Wales. But in many other countries, similar taxes are either missing or poorly enforced. That leads to lost revenue, both for governments and legal operators who struggle to compete with untaxed offshore sites.
In the UK, for instance, betting operators must pay a 15% tax on gross profits, which adds up quickly for high-volume events like AFL matches. In contrast, countries with low or no tax rates on sports betting often see higher levels of illegal gambling, which drains potential tax revenue and increases risks for players.
Another reason the AFL is valuable to international sportsbooks is its timing. The AFL season runs from March to September, filling a gap when major US sports like the NFL and NBA are off-season. That makes it attractive to bettors looking for consistent weekly action during those months.
For global betting operators, this seasonality is key. During the AFL season, platforms see a bump in engagement, deposits and turnover. Some international sportsbooks now build promotional calendars around AFL matchdays, offering boosted odds or betting bonuses to attract users.
In this sense, the AFL acts as both a revenue driver and a user retention tool. Even in countries where the AFL isn't mainstream, the league helps fill betting gaps and smooth out seasonal dips in activity.
Looking ahead, the AFL's role in cross-border betting is only going to grow. But the biggest hurdle remains regulation. Each country has its own approach to licensing, taxation and consumer protection. This patchwork system makes it hard to track betting volumes and calculate real revenue figures.
To fix this, some experts suggest adopting regional standards or data-sharing agreements. This would make it easier for countries to compare numbers, enforce taxes and ensure platforms remain compliant. Until then, AFL betting will keep growing, but its true value might be underestimated due to inconsistent reporting.
