My tips for using bonus bets and sports betting promotions in Australia

[HarmonyWave]

A couple of weeks ago, I claimed a bonus bet on a Saturday AFL match, and it got me thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in sports betting promotions. Here in Australia, betting sites like Sportsbet and Bet365 are always offering deals—bonus bets, deposit matches, or boosted odds for big events like the NRL or State of Origin. They’re great, but they can also be a bit of a trap if you’re not careful.

Take that AFL bet I placed, for example. I used a bonus bet I’d earned from a deposit offer. It made the game more exciting, but I nearly fell into the trap of adding more bets to "make the most of it." Thankfully, I reminded myself to stick to my budget and not let the promo dictate my decisions.

For anyone just starting out, here’s what’s worked for me:

1. Use bonus bets on games you already plan to watch. This keeps it fun and doesn’t make it feel like extra pressure. For instance, I’ll often save my bonus bets for an AFL game or cricket match I’m already invested in.
2. Stick to betting sites with clear terms. Not all betting sites in Australia are upfront about their promo rules. Sportsbet and Bet365 have been solid for me because their terms are easy to understand.
3. Know the wagering requirements. Many bonus bets in Australia come with conditions like minimum odds or needing to bet multiple times before withdrawing winnings. Reading the fine print has saved me a lot of headaches.

One mistake I made early on was chasing promos that didn’t suit my betting style. I’d see a boosted odds promo for a multi-bet and jump on it, even though I prefer straightforward win/loss bets. Now I focus on deals that match how I like to bet, and it’s made the experience way more enjoyable.

Have you had similar experiences with bonus bets in Australia? Which betting sites do you think have the best offers? I’d love to hear what works for you—and maybe share a few stories of wins (or near-misses) along the way!