Finals footy brings the biggest crowds of the year — and plenty of talk about odds. Here’s what the most common AFL bet types actually mean.
Head-to-head
The simplest market: you pick which team wins the match. If the game is drawn, the market rules decide how it’s settled, so check them first.
Line (handicap)
Line bets give one side a points start to even up an uneven match-up. If a team is listed at +12.5, it “covers” the line by winning outright or losing by 12 points or fewer. The half point means there’s no tie.
Totals (over/under)
Totals ask whether the combined score of both teams lands over or under a set mark, such as 165.5 points. Who wins doesn’t matter.
How returns are worked out
Australian bookmakers generally use decimal odds, which show your total return for every $1 staked, including the stake. A $10 bet at 2.50 returns $25.00 if it wins: your $10 back plus $15.00.
Before you bet
- Set a budget for the whole finals series, not each game.
- Online in-play betting on sport isn’t permitted in Australia.
- Only use a provider licensed in an Australian state or territory, and remember credit cards can’t be used for online wagering.
Lets Lucky Aussie doesn’t take bets. For a fuller guide to odds and markets, see Sports Betting explained.