Important Update: BlueBet-Betr Merger
BlueBet merged with betr in August 2024, with the new betr website employing BlueBet’s betting platform. While the BlueBet brand has been rebranded under the Betr name, founder Michael Sullivan remains executive chairman, and the platform’s core features and functionality that made BlueBet popular remain intact. This review covers the BlueBet platform as it evolved before and during the merger.
Overview: True Blue Australian Betting
BlueBet is an Australian-owned bookmaker launched in late 2015 by Michael Sullivan, former Chief Executive of William Hill Australia who previously led Sportingbet starting in 2002 and was also CEO of Centrebet. With over 30 years of industry experience, Sullivan created BlueBet to challenge the English-owned bookmakers dominating the Australian market.
Key Information
Company Details:
- Founded: 2015
- Founder/CEO: Michael Sullivan
- Ownership: 100% Australian (now merged with Betr)
- Licensing: Northern Territory bookmaker’s licence (switched from NSW in June 2021)
- Expert Rating: 9.0/10
Official Partnerships: BlueBet is an approved betting partner of the Australian Rugby Union, NRL, Tennis Australia, Football Federation Australia, Cricket Australia and PGA of Australia. The bookmaker also holds naming rights to BlueBet Stadium where the Penrith Panthers play.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What BlueBet Does Well
Pros:
- 100% Australian-owned and operated
- Competitive odds, especially on Australian racing and sports
- User-friendly platform designed for mobile
- Unique features like Stat Wars
- Same Game and Same Race Multis
- Best Tote + SP on Australian thoroughbred racing
- 24/7 customer support with live chat
- Low minimum bets ($1)
- Comprehensive racing markets
- Strong focus on AFL and NRL
- Responsible gambling tools readily available
Areas for Improvement
Cons:
- Limited live streaming (Racing.com only for Victorian races)
- No live betting via website (phone only, as per Australian regulations)
- Smaller sports selection compared to major international bookmakers
- Limited eSports markets
- No e-wallet deposit/withdrawal options
- Cannot advertise welcome bonuses (Australian regulation)
- Fewer international sports markets than larger competitors
Odds and Value
BlueBet was below the survey average for racing margins and slightly below average for sports margins, with an average margin of 5.9% compared to the survey average of 5.8%. More importantly, BlueBet recorded the (joint) best odds for 22% of the surveyed racing selections, showing it would make a useful addition to a portfolio of memberships for those who like to shop around.
Value Assessment:
- Highly competitive on Australian racing
- Strong odds on AFL and NRL markets
- Above-average pricing on domestic sports
- Good value on outsiders and longshots
- Regular odds boosts and enhanced specials
Sports Betting Markets
BlueBet offers a solid selection of sports betting markets with a distinctly Australian focus:
Major Australian Sports
AFL (Australian Rules Football)
- Comprehensive market coverage for all matches
- Same Game Multis available
- Exclusive Stat Wars feature
- Head-to-head player matchups
- Extensive prop betting options
NRL (Rugby League)
- All NRL matches covered extensively
- State of Origin saturation coverage
- Same Game Multis
- International rugby league markets
- Player performance markets
Cricket
- Domestic and international matches
- BBL and WBBL coverage
- Test, ODI, and T20 markets
- Player performance bets
- Session betting
Basketball
- NBL comprehensive coverage
- NBA extensive markets
- Same Game Multis
- Player prop bets
International Sports
- Soccer (Premier League, Champions League, A-League)
- Tennis (Grand Slams, ATP, WTA)
- Golf (PGA Tour, European Tour)
- American Football (NFL)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Motor Racing
- Boxing and MMA
- Rugby Union
At the time of writing, there were 22 different sports available to bet on with BlueBet, providing sufficient variety for most Australian punters.
Racing Markets
As soon as you enter the BlueBet site, it’s clear that horse racing is their main focus. The racing offering is genuinely impressive and positions BlueBet among the best Australian racing bookmakers.
Racing Coverage
Types of Racing:
- Australian thoroughbred racing (all venues)
- Harness racing
- Greyhound racing
- International racing (UK, Ireland, USA, South Africa)
Racing Products
Best Tote Plus SP This product is the best of either the “Best of the 3 Australian TAB Prices” or the “Official On-Course Starting Price (SP)”, ensuring customers always receive the best available dividend on Australian thoroughbred races.
Additional Racing Features:
- Fixed odds on all races (domestic and international)
- Estimated Tote odds for Australian meets
- “Bluey’s Tips” provided for many races with race commentary for key contenders, four race picks and a top tip
- Exotic betting options
- Box Challenge
- Jockey Challenge
- Protest payout
Unique Features
Stat Wars
Stat Wars is exclusive to BlueBet, essentially a same game multi but instead of betting on different outcomes, you’re betting on two players going head to head in certain stats.
Available Markets:
- Most kicks
- Most marks
- Most tackles
- Most score involvements
- Most one percenters
- Various sport-specific statistics
This innovative feature goes beyond the typical “most goals” or “most disposals” options available at other bookmakers.
Same Game/Same Race Multis
BlueBet offers Same Game Multis for a host of different sports, including both AFL and NRL, allowing punters to combine multiple outcomes from a single event for enhanced odds.
Racing Example: Pick three horses to finish in the top four Sports Example: Combine total points over, team to win, and specific player performance
Expert reviewers rated BlueBet’s Same Game Multi Odds (AFL, NBA, NRL, Cricket) as the highest rated factor.
Platform and User Experience
Website Design
BlueBet’s site is just so easy to use. Everything is where it is supposed to be, and there are no unnecessary parts. The clean, intuitive design focuses on functionality over flash.
Interface Highlights:
- The BlueBet racing interface is clearly designed with mobile users in mind, with each race displayed as a block to avoid left-to-right scrolling on smaller screens
- Simple navigation menu
- Quick bet slip access
- Clear odds display
- Easy market switching
- Efficient search functionality
Mobile Experience
BlueBet excels in mobile betting, recognizing that most Australian punters bet on the go.
Mobile App:
- Available for iOS (App Store)
- Android app downloadable directly from BlueBet website (not Google Play due to policy restrictions)
- Web-based app for browser betting without download
- Optimized performance
- Full feature access
Mobile Features:
- Quick bet placement
- Live betting via phone integration
- Account management
- Deposit and withdrawal functions
- Notifications and updates
Live Betting
Live betting at BlueBet operates under Australian regulatory requirements:
How It Works:
- In-play betting available via telephone only
- Dedicated phone numbers for sports and racing
- Hundreds of live markets available
- Cannot place live bets through website or app (Australian law)
BlueBet falls somewhere near the top for live betting after cross-comparing almost every bookmaker in Australia, though the phone-only requirement is a limitation shared across all Australian operators.
Live Streaming
In the past BlueBet didn’t offer live streaming, but they now have rights to everything shown on Racing.com, which includes at least one meet most days covering Victorian races.
Streaming Limitations:
- Only Racing.com coverage (Victorian racing)
- No sports streaming
- More limited than bookmakers offering Sky Racing
- No international race streaming
Payment Methods
Deposits
Available deposit methods include:
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Bank transfers
- POLi
- BPAY
Deposit Details:
- Minimum deposit: Varies by method
- Instant processing for most methods
- Secure payment gateway
- 2048-bit encryption
Withdrawals
Withdrawal options:
- Bank transfer
- Same methods as deposits generally available
Withdrawal Process:
- Processing times vary (typically 1-3 business days)
- Account verification required
- Secure processing
- No withdrawal fees from BlueBet
Limitation: BlueBet doesn’t offer e-wallet options for deposits or withdrawals, which some punters may find inconvenient.
Promotions and Bonuses
Welcome Offers
Due to Australian advertising regulations, BlueBet cannot advertise welcome bonuses or sign-up offers to new customers. Promotions become visible only after account creation and login.
Ongoing Promotions
BlueBet have a solid range of both daily and seasonal promotions that are constantly being updated, with pretty standard promotions for major metropolitan race meets and regular promotions for AFL, NRL and Cricket.
Typical Promotions:
- Odds boosts on featured events
- Multi insurance
- Money-back specials
- Enhanced odds for major races
- Best Tote guarantees
- Race day specials
- Sports-specific offers
Opening Specials were rated highly by expert reviewers.
Customer Support
BlueBet provides multiple support channels with strong availability:
Support Options:
- Live Chat: Available 24/7
- Email: contact@bluebet.com.au
- Phone: +61 2 9571 0033
- Comprehensive FAQ section
- Help center resources
Support Quality:
- Knowledgeable staff
- Quick response times
- Professional service
- Australian-based team understanding local market
- Responsive to queries and issues
Responsible Gambling
BlueBet is serious about keeping gambling fun and under control, offering a bunch of tools including deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), time-out periods, self-exclusion, reality checks, and easily reviewable account history.
Responsible Gambling Tools:
- Deposit limits (customizable timeframes)
- Loss limits
- Session time limits
- Reality check reminders
- Self-exclusion options (temporary and permanent)
- Detailed account history access
- Links to problem gambling support services
Support Resources:
- Gambling Help Online information
- BetStop (National Self-Exclusion Register)
- Problem gambling identification resources
- Professional help service connections
Security and Licensing
Safety Features:
- Northern Territory license, properly regulated, 2048-bit encryption for data
- Secure payment processing
- Identity verification protocols
- Fraud prevention measures
- Privacy policy compliance
- Regular security audits
BlueBet operates as a legitimate, licensed Australian bookmaker with proper regulatory oversight.
Registration Process
How to Join:
- Visit BlueBet website
- Click “Join” button
- Complete registration form:
- Personal details (name, date of birth)
- Contact information (email, phone, address)
- Create username and password
- Verify identity (driver’s license or passport)
- Confirm you’re 18+ and Australian resident
- Accept terms and conditions
- Make initial deposit
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Australian resident
- Valid identification
- Australian address
Betting Limits
Minimum Bets:
- $1 minimum across most markets
- Accessible for casual punters
- Small staking options available
Maximum Bets:
- Vary by market and sport
- Higher limits for major events
- Negotiable for large stakeholders
- Check specific market limits before betting
Who Should Use BlueBet?
Ideal For:
Racing Enthusiasts
- Excellent racing coverage
- Best Tote + SP guarantees
- Comprehensive domestic and international racing
- Racing-specific promotions
AFL and NRL Fans
- Deep market coverage
- Stat Wars unique feature
- Same Game Multis
- Competitive odds
Australian Sports Bettors
- Strong domestic sports focus
- Local market understanding
- Australian-owned operation
- Personalized service approach
Mobile Bettors
- Mobile-optimized platform
- Dedicated apps
- On-the-go convenience
Value Seekers
- Competitive odds on Australian markets
- Regular promotions
- Best price guarantees on racing
Less Suitable For:
International Sports Specialists
- Smaller selection than major international bookmakers
- Focus primarily on Australian sports
Live Streaming Priority
- Limited streaming options
- Only Victorian racing via Racing.com
E-Wallet Users
- No e-wallet deposit/withdrawal options
- Traditional banking methods only
eSports Bettors
- Minimal eSports coverage
- Better options available elsewhere
Comparison with Competitors
Advantages Over Major Bookmakers
- Australian ownership and local focus
- Personalized customer service
- Understanding of Australian punter preferences
- Competitive odds on domestic markets
- Unique features like Stat Wars
- Strong racing product
Competitive Disadvantages
- Smaller overall market selection
- Less extensive live streaming
- Fewer payment options
- Smaller promotional budget than international giants
- Less comprehensive international sports coverage
Expert Verdict
Out of four expert reviewers who have used and reviewed BlueBet, the overall product rating is 9.0, reflecting strong performance across most categories.
Final Assessment
BlueBet represents Australian betting at its best—a homegrown operator built by industry veterans who understand local punters. While it may not match the massive market selection of global bookmakers, BlueBet excels where it matters most for Australian bettors: racing, AFL, NRL, and domestic sports.
Key Strengths:
- Exceptional racing product with Best Tote + SP
- Competitive odds on Australian sports
- Innovative features like Stat Wars
- User-friendly platform optimized for mobile
- Strong customer service with 24/7 support
- Responsible gambling commitment
Notable Limitations:
- Limited live streaming
- Smaller international sports selection
- No e-wallet options
- Restricted to phone-only live betting
Recommendations
Highly Recommended For:
- Racing punters seeking best price guarantees
- AFL and NRL enthusiasts
- Mobile-first bettors
- Those preferring Australian-owned businesses
- Multi-account strategies for odds comparison
Consider Alternatives If:
- You primarily bet on international sports
- Live streaming is essential
- You prefer e-wallet transactions
- eSports betting is a priority
BlueBet isn’t and might never be as big as many other bookmakers across Australia, but this doesn’t change the fact that they certainly do plenty right with solid odds, good range of markets and great customer support.
For Australian punters, particularly those focused on racing and domestic sports, BlueBet offers a compelling package. The platform’s Australian ownership, competitive pricing, innovative features, and strong customer service create an excellent betting experience. While some limitations exist around streaming and international markets, BlueBet’s strengths in its core focus areas make it a valuable addition to any serious punter’s bookmaker portfolio.
The merger with Betr in 2024 positions the platform for continued growth and development, potentially addressing some current limitations while maintaining the quality and Australian character that made BlueBet popular in the first place.
Whether you’re a racing specialist, an AFL fanatic, or a general sports bettor who values competitive odds and strong service, BlueBet deserves serious consideration. It’s proof that Australian-owned operators can compete effectively with international giants when they focus on what Australian punters truly want.
