# Betting on AFL: the markets, the rules and the season calendar > AFL betting markets in Australia: match winner, line and futures, why online in-play is banned, and which season dates still need the league's own page. Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/afl-betting-australia/ Updated: 2026-11-13 AFL bets in Australia are commonly listed as match winner, line and long-term futures markets. Online in-play betting on sport is banned under the Interactive Gambling Act, with an exception for purely voice-based phone bets, and licensed operators offer pre-match bets. 2027 season and finals dates are not confirmed; they will come from the AFL's own page, afl.com.au. This page names no odds and no tips. ## The markets in plain terms Three market types are named in our page brief. - **Match winner:** pick the team that wins the game. - **Line:** a points start or deficit is applied to the teams before the result is settled. - **Futures:** bets on outcomes decided later, such as a premiership. Which operators list each one is stated on their pages. We have not read them yet, so the table below is empty. **Where this stands:** three market types are named, and operator listings are unread. ## A line bet, worked through Suppose a team is given a line of -12.5 at decimal odds of 1.90, and you stake A$20. It wins the bet only if it wins the game by 13 points or more. On a win the return is A$38.00 (A$20.00 stake and A$18.00 profit). If it wins by 12 or fewer, or loses, the return is nil. Illustrative arithmetic, not a price. More on odds: [Decimal odds explained: from price to payout in three steps](https://bookiechecklist.com/how-to-read-decimal-odds/) and [Implied probability, defined with a worked example](https://bookiechecklist.com/implied-probability/). **Where this stands:** a line bet needs a win by more than the line; the figures are invented for the sum. ## The in-play rule Our country brief records that online in-play bets on sport are banned. The Interactive Gambling Act provides an exception for purely voice-based phone bets. Operators design pre-match products around that rule. An app that shows a live score is not offering a live online bet. The rule is set out on [Why online in-play sports betting is banned, and what is still allowed](https://bookiechecklist.com/online-in-play-betting-ban/). We do not promote in-play betting. **Where this stands:** pre-match online; in-play online is banned; the voice-phone exception exists. ## Where operators list AFL markets Licences are to be confirmed in the ACMA register on publication day. **AFL markets on candidate operator pages · source: operator pages · checked 2026-11-13** | Operator (candidate, licence to be confirmed) | Match winner | Line | Futures | |---|---|---|---| | Sportsbet | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | | bet365 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | | Ladbrokes | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | | Neds | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | | TAB | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | | Dabble | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | Not confirmed on 2026-11-13 | **Where this stands:** six names, no cells filled. ## Season and finals dates 2027 dates for the season, finals and the Grand Final are not confirmed in our country brief. We take them only from the league's page, [afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au), and write the date we read them. Until then no date appears here. The calendar tool will list events as organisers publish them: [Events by organiser dates, shown in the time zone you choose](https://bookiechecklist.com/betting-event-calendar/). **Where this stands:** 2027 dates are open until the league page is read. ## 18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Sport can feel social, but a bet is still a risk. Keep to the limit you set. 18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at betstop.gov.au. More on the tools: [How BetStop works and who has to take part](https://bookiechecklist.com/betstop-explained/) and [Gambling can be harmful: where to get help in Australia](https://bookiechecklist.com/responsible-gambling/). We are not a bookmaker and do not take bets. ## FAQ **What markets exist for AFL?** Our page brief names the match winner, the line and long-term (futures) markets. Which of them an operator lists is on its own page, and none has been read for this edition. **Can you bet on AFL while the game is on?** Not online. The Interactive Gambling Act bans online in-play betting on sport; the exception is a purely voice-based phone bet. This site does not promote in-play betting. **What is line betting?** Line betting gives a team a points start or deficit. The bet wins or loses against that adjusted margin, not against the final winner alone. **When does the 2027 AFL season start?** Not confirmed. 2027 dates were not available in our country brief. We will take them from afl.com.au and date them when read. **Does this page give tips or odds?** No. It names no odds, gives no prediction and does not suggest a team.