# Choosing a bookmaker: frequently asked questions > Common questions before choosing an Australian bookmaker, answered from the ACMA register and the twelve source-checked items. Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/faq-choosing-a-bookmaker/ Updated: 2026-11-13 Most questions before choosing an Australian bookmaker come down to licence, tools, payments and what a result means. Each section below groups short answers by the stage you are at: before you compare, while you compare, and before you deposit. The answers below are short and draw on the ACMA register, the regulator's pages and the twelve checks. They name no bookmaker as best and give no tips. ## Before you compare **What should I check first?** The register entry. Find the trading name and exact domain in the ACMA register, then match the licence holder in ABN Lookup. A bookmaker that cannot be matched is not compared here. **Does a licence make a bookmaker good?** No. It shows the operator may offer wagering in Australia. ACMA published breaches by licensed operators in 2026, including a A$1,069,200 penalty on 16 September. **Why is there no best-of list?** Needs differ and a score would hide that. Each bookmaker gets the same twelve checks, and the count of items found is never used to sort. ## While you compare **How do I compare for racing?** Read which codes the bookmaker publishes and where the organiser's own rules sit. The codes are set out on [racing and sport](https://bookiechecklist.com/racing-and-sport/). **How do apps differ?** Check C11 looks for the App Store and Google Play listing and records the version and update date. Those facts are read from the store, not from the bookmaker's own claims. **What about payments?** Debit cards and PayID are named in the sources we read. Credit cards and digital currency are banned. See [paying a bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/paying-bookmakers/). ## Before you deposit **Which controls should I look for?** A time-out, a deposit limit, self-exclusion with a BetStop link and activity reminders. They are checks C04 to C07 and are covered on [staying in control](https://bookiechecklist.com/staying-in-control/). **What if a check says Not found on the page checked?** The page was read and the item was not on it. That does not show the feature is absent. Ask the bookmaker, or read its current terms. ## More answers Licensing questions have their own page, and the full method sits on [licensing and legality](https://bookiechecklist.com/licensing-and-legality/). Profiles are on [bookmaker profiles](https://bookiechecklist.com/bookmaker-profiles/) and the starting hub is [choosing a bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/choose-a-bookmaker/). ## 18+ and where to get help 18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit [gamblinghelponline.org.au](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/). To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at [betstop.gov.au](https://www.betstop.gov.au/). BetStop help line: 1800 238 786. ## FAQ **Can I use a credit card?** No. Credit cards, credit-funded wallets and digital currency have been banned for online and phone betting since 11 June 2024. **Are sign-up offers compared on this site?** No. The NCPF bars inducements to open an account, and this site does not compare offers. **How old do I have to be to bet?** 18 or over. Gambling is unlawful for anyone under 18 in Australia. **Where do I report a mistake?** Use the Report an error link on any page and we will check it against the source.