What you need to know about the bonus bet ban in Australia
The federal government has voted in a number of big changes to Australia’s gambling laws in recent years.
One of the most significant is the ban on bonus bets, which prevents online bookmakers from offering any incentives to prospective punters.
As sign-up offers and betting specials are an essential marketing force for bookies worldwide, this leaves us with a few serious questions to answer.
What does the ban cover? When will it come into play? How will it affect greyhound racing, betting operators and the Australian gambling industry as a whole?
Let’s find out.
What is the bonus bet ban?
In November 2018, the federal government announced a nationwide framework for the online gambling industry.
The National Consumer Protection for Online Wagering laws are designed to shield minors, gambling addicts and other vulnerable sectors of the community from the various advertising and marketing strategies employed by betting operators.
While that may result in fewer Sportsbet ads during footy telecasts, it also spells the end for anything that might be considered an inducement to sign up at a bookmaker.
Free bets, bonus rewards, betting specials, boosted odds, weekly promotions – all are destined for the grave.
When will the #bonusbetban come into effect?
While an exact date is yet to be set, Australia’s lawmakers have given themselves 18 months to get the National Consumer Protection framework up and running.
As the plans were unveiled on November 30, 2018, there is a chance the situation could remain unchanged until as late as May 31, 2020.
However, various media outlets have reported that the new gambling laws may come into effect by March 2019 – a turnaround of less than four months.
The policy will prevent all online betting operators, including the state-backed TAB and UBet brands, from offering any kind of incentive or inducement to open an account.
How do I get bonus bets at online bookmakers?
Soon, it will be impossible to claim free bets, bonus offers, or any other rewards unless you are already an active member at an online bookmaker.
What we can do, however, is make hay while the sun is still shining.
From right now until whenever the bonus bet ban comes into effect, punters should take maximum advantage of the sign-up offers and special promotions available at Australia’s best online bookmakers for greyhound racing.
There are literally thousands of dollars in bonuses and rewards on the table at Sportsbet, Neds, BetEasy, Bet365, Ladbrokes and the rest of our recommended betting sites.
Sign up and cash in – that should be every Aussie gambler’s motto from here on.
Bonus Bet Ban Has Started
The Bonus Bet Ban has started and came in to effect on Monday 26th May 2019.
No Australian punter can get any free bet, sign up bonus offer or bet bonus at any Aussie licensed online bookie.
The table below contains the best online bookmakers in Australia but none will offer any sign up bonus or promo deposit bonus as of Monday 26th May 2019.
Australian online bookmakers
Top Bookmakers
#1
Neds Code GETON |
Take It To The Neds Level NedsHome of the Neds Toolbox 
  |
Check Out Neds Neds Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly | ||
#2
|
It Pays To Play PlayUpNew online bookmaker
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Check Out PlayUp PlayUp Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly | ||
#3
Bet365 Signup Code GETON |
Never Ordinary Bet365Never Ordinary
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Visit Bet365 Bet365 Review |
| GETON is not a bonus code and does not grant access to additional offers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. New customers only. #ad Full T's and C's. | ||
#4
Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING |
Say Hey to the social bet! DabbleHave a Dabble with friends!
|
Join Dabble Dabble Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. | ||
#5
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Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBetTop 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.
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Join Picklebet PickleBet Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? | ||
#6
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Bet With A Boom BoomBetFormerly known as Sportsbetting.com.au
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Join Boombet BoomBet Review |
| 18+ Gamble responsibly. | ||
#7
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By Players, For Players UniBetGet your money back up to €25
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Join Unibet UniBet Review |
| New customers only. 18+. Located in UK. Min bet 2/5 or more. Each leg of multi must be over 2/5 for bet to qualify. 3x wagering requirement before withdrawing. | ||
#8
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On Your Side Betfair AustraliaAustralia's only betting exchange
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Visit Betfair Betfair Australia Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly | ||
#9
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Ladbrokes Switch LadbrokesLadbroke It
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Visit Ladbrokes Ladbrokes Review |
| 18+ Gamble Responsibly |
Guides to bonus codes in Australia
Many of Australia’s top online bookmakers still have bonus codes or promo codes available for new and existing customers. The ARG team is constantly adding to these codes as we strike more deals with betting sites in Australia.