What Is Sports Betting?
Sports betting involves making a selection on the outcome of a sporting event or a specific market connected to that event.
A sportsbook can display different sports, competitions, fixtures, odds and market types. Depending on the event, available selections may include the match winner, total points, margins, handicaps and other event-specific markets.
Before making any selection, it is useful to understand exactly what the market represents and how the displayed odds determine the potential return.
How Sports Betting Odds Work
Betting odds represent the price attached to a particular sporting outcome. They are also used to calculate the potential return from a successful selection.
Decimal odds are commonly displayed by online sportsbooks. With decimal odds, the potential total return is calculated by multiplying the stake by the displayed price.
Odds can change before an event as market conditions, information and trading activity change. The odds displayed at one moment should therefore not be assumed to remain available indefinitely.
Common Sports Betting Markets
Sporting events can offer many different market types. Understanding what each one means is more important than choosing a market based only on the displayed odds.
| Market | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | A selection on which team or participant will win the event according to the market rules. |
| Head-to-Head | Two competitors or teams are priced directly against each other. |
| Handicap | A virtual advantage or disadvantage is applied before the result is assessed. |
| Total Points | A selection on whether the combined score will finish over or under a specified total. |
| Winning Margin | A market based on the size of the final winning margin. |
| First Scorer | A selection on which eligible player will record the first qualifying score. |
| Futures | Longer-term markets involving outcomes such as tournament or season results. |
NRL Betting Markets
Rugby league is one of Australia's major sporting categories, and NRL fixtures can include a variety of pre-match market types.
Depending on the event and sportsbook availability, common NRL markets may include match winner, line or handicap, total points, winning margin and selected player markets.
Match Winner
Choose which team will win the match according to the settlement rules.
Line Markets
A handicap is applied to one or both teams before the market result is calculated.
Total Points
Select whether the combined match score will finish above or below a stated total.
Player Markets
Some fixtures may include markets linked to eligible player performance or scoring outcomes.
AFL Betting Markets
AFL events can offer a range of markets built around match results, margins, handicaps, totals and player performance.
Match-winner markets are generally straightforward, while line and margin markets introduce additional conditions that affect how the selection is settled.
If you are unfamiliar with a particular AFL market, read its settlement rules before making a selection.
Football & Soccer Betting
Football markets may cover domestic leagues, international competitions and major tournaments from around the world.
Common football markets can include match result, total goals, handicaps and other match-specific outcomes.
- Match Result — typically covers the available match outcome options under the market rules.
- Total Goals — based on whether the final goal total finishes above or below a stated number.
- Handicap Markets — apply a virtual advantage or disadvantage before settlement.
- Correct Score — based on a specific final score where available.
Basketball & NBA Betting
Basketball betting markets may cover competitions such as the NBA and other professional or international leagues.
Common basketball markets include match winner, point spreads, total points and selected player markets.
Moneyline
A straightforward selection on which team will win the match.
Point Spread
A handicap is applied to account for the expected difference between the teams.
Total Points
Based on whether the combined final score is over or under the displayed total.
Player Markets
Selected events may include markets based on eligible player performance.
Cricket Betting Markets
Cricket betting can cover domestic leagues, international matches and major tournaments across different formats of the sport.
Market structures may vary between Test cricket, One Day Internationals and T20 competitions.
Depending on the fixture, available markets may cover the match result, team totals, player performance and other cricket-specific outcomes.
Tennis, Rugby & Other Sports
Sportsbook coverage can extend beyond major football codes to categories such as tennis, rugby union and other international sporting events.
Tennis
Common tennis markets may include match winner, set-based markets and selected game or tournament outcomes.
Rugby Union
Rugby markets can include match result, handicaps, total points and other event-specific selections.
Other Sports
Market availability may vary by season, competition and sporting calendar.
Understanding Pre-Match Sports Betting
Pre-match markets are offered before a sporting event begins. This allows users to review available markets, displayed odds and event information before the scheduled start.
Market availability and prices can change before the event begins, so it is important to review the current information before confirming a selection.
Sports Betting on Mobile
Modern sportsbook interfaces are commonly designed to adapt to smartphones and tablets as well as desktop devices.
On mobile, important information such as fixtures, odds, markets and account controls should remain clear and accessible without requiring a larger display.
Sports users can also explore online pokies and slot games or learn more about live casino games .
What to Check Before Choosing a Sports Market
Market names can appear simple while having specific settlement conditions. Review the details before making a selection.
Read the Market
Confirm exactly which sporting outcome the market represents.
Check the Odds
Understand the displayed decimal price and its potential return.
Check Settlement Rules
Review how postponed events, draws or other situations are handled.
Set Your Limits
Decide your spending limits before making sports selections.
Keep Sports Betting Within Your Limits
Sporting knowledge cannot guarantee the result of a match or betting market. Sports betting should be treated as entertainment, not as a reliable source of income.
Set spending limits before making selections and avoid increasing your spending in an attempt to recover previous losses.
For additional information and support resources, visit the EclBetAU Responsible Gambling page .
Sports Betting FAQ
What is a sportsbook?
A sportsbook is a platform that displays sporting events, available betting markets and the odds attached to different outcomes.
What are decimal betting odds?
Decimal odds show the potential total return relative to the amount selected. For example, $10 at decimal odds of 2.00 represents a potential total return of $20 if successful.
What does a sports handicap mean?
A handicap applies a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team or competitor before the market is settled.
What sports betting markets are available?
Market availability varies by sport and event. Common examples include match winner, handicap, total points, winning margin and selected player markets.
What is pre-match betting?
Pre-match betting refers to sports markets available before an event begins.
Can I use a sportsbook on mobile?
Many modern sportsbook interfaces are designed to work across supported smartphones, tablets and desktop devices.