How To Bet On Australian Rules Football

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to bet on Australian Rules Football, from understanding betting odds and markets to placing bets.

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by Noah Belanger

July 4, 2023

Introduction

Are you looking to add some excitement to your Aussie Rules Football viewing experience? Aussie Rules betting can be an excellent way to increase the stakes and make watching even more thrilling. With so many betting markets available, however, it can sometimes be difficult to decide what type of bet is right for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to bet on Australian Rules Football, from understanding odds and markets to placing bets. Read on for all the tips you need to get started!

Aussie Rules Football Origins and History

Australian Rules Football, also known as Aussie Rules or footy, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. It evolved as a uniquely Australian sport, combining elements of Gaelic football, soccer, and rugby. Here is a brief history of Australian Rules Football:

Origins: The roots of Australian Rules Football can be traced back to the early 1850s in Victoria, Australia. During this time, cricket was the dominant sport, but there was a desire for a winter alternative. Students at Melbourne’s Scotch College are credited with developing an informal game that would eventually become Australian Rules Football.
Codification: In 1859, the Melbourne Football Club drafted the first set of formal rules for the sport, known as the “Laws of Australian Football.” These rules established the basic principles and structures of the game, including the oval-shaped field and the distinctive goalposts.
Expansion and Competition: The popularity of Australian Rules Football quickly spread beyond Melbourne, with various clubs and leagues forming in different parts of Victoria. By the 1870s, the sport had gained a strong following, and inter-club competitions became a regular occurrence.
Formation of the Victorian Football League (VFL): In 1896, the Victorian Football League was established, becoming the first professional league for Australian Rules Football. It initially consisted of eight teams, including some of the sport’s most iconic clubs, such as Carlton, Collingwood, and Essendon.
National Expansion: Throughout the 20th century, Australian Rules Football continued to grow in popularity, both within Victoria and across the nation. State leagues were formed in other Australian states, such as South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, leading to the establishment of the Australian Football Council (AFC) in 1906 to oversee the sport nationally.
Evolution and Modern Era: Australian Rules Football underwent various rule changes and adaptations over the years to enhance the spectacle and competitiveness of the game. The introduction of the forward pass, a standardized ball, and stricter tackling regulations were among the notable developments. The VFL expanded beyond Victoria and evolved into the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990, further solidifying its status as the premier professional competition in the country.
International Recognition: Australian Rules Football has also gained recognition on the international stage. Exhibition matches have been played in different countries, and leagues have been established in nations like Ireland, Papua New Guinea, and Canada. The AFL has actively promoted the sport globally, leading to increased awareness and participation in international communities.

Today, Australian Rules Football is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, captivating fans with its fast-paced action, physicality, and unique style of play. The AFL remains the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the best teams and players from across the country. With a strong foundation and a passionate following, Australian Rules Football continues to thrive and evolve, cementing its status as one of Australia’s most beloved sports.

Brief Game Rules

Australian Rules Football is played on an oval-shaped field between two teams of 18 players each. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team by kicking the ball between the goalposts.

Here are the key rules of Australian Rules Football:

Field and Positions: The game is played on an oval-shaped field with a combination of grass and turf. Each team consists of six forwards, six defenders, and six midfielders. The players can move freely across the entire field.
Scoring: There are two main ways to score points. A goal, worth six points, is scored when a player kicks the ball between the two taller goalposts without it being touched. If the ball goes through the shorter outer posts or hits the post, it counts as a “behind,” worth one point.
Ball Movement: Players move the ball by kicking, handballing (punching the ball with a closed fist), or running with it. They must bounce or touch the ball to the ground every 15 meters if running with it. Players can also catch the ball from a kick and play on immediately.
Tackling: Players can tackle opponents who have possession of the ball to try to dispossess them. A legal tackle involves using the arms to wrap around the opponent’s waist or shoulders. If a player is tackled and does not dispose of the ball correctly, a free kick is awarded to the tackler’s team.
Marking: A mark is awarded when a player catches the ball cleanly, without it touching the ground, from a kick that has traveled at least 15 meters. After marking, the player is awarded a free kick from that position without interference from opponents.
Handball: Handballing is the act of punching the ball with a clenched fist to pass it to a teammate. It is a common method of moving the ball quickly and efficiently.
Boundary Throw-In: When the ball goes out of bounds, it is thrown back into play. A boundary umpire throws the ball back in between two players from opposing teams, who contest to gain possession.
Interchange and Substitutions: Teams can make player substitutions throughout the game. The interchange area is where players can rotate on and off the field, providing rest and strategic changes.
Time and Quarters: Australian Rules Football is played in four quarters, each lasting approximately 20 minutes of playing time. The clock stops for various reasons, such as injuries or when the ball goes out of bounds. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Umpires: The game is officiated by three field umpires who control the flow of the game, award free kicks, and make other decisions. Additionally, boundary umpires and goal umpires assist with determining when the ball is out of bounds or has scored a goal.

These rules provide a general overview of Australian Rules Football. The sport is known for its fast-paced action, high-scoring nature, and physicality, making it one of the most popular sports in Australia.

Understanding Australian Rules Football Odds

When betting on ARF, understanding odds is essential. The bookmaker sets an odd that reflects the likelihood of an outcome occurring, and if you bet on it you’ll receive a return based on that probability.

Odds can be displayed in either decimal or fractional formats, with fractional being more popular in Australia and decimal being more popular internationally. Decimal odds provide a clearer picture of your potential return as they show exactly how much money you would get back per dollar bet.

Popular Australian Rules Football Bets Explained

Line Betting

The simplest and most popular bet on Aussie Rules Football is line betting. The bookmaker sets a margin in which the favourites must win by, and you can then bet on either that team to cover the line or their opponents to stay within it.

Handicap Betting

If one side of a match is heavily favoured over the other, you can use handicap betting to even out the playing field. The team with an advantage will be given a ‘handicap’ – a certain number of points they must win by. If they do not win by this margin, you lose your wager regardless of the final score.

First Goal Scorer Betting

This type of bet involves predicting who will score the first goal in a match. It’s one of the most popular ARF bets because it can be very rewarding if you pick correctly.

Quarter Bets

With quarter bets, you place wagers on which team will win each quarter of the game. This type of bet is great for watching how the momentum shifts during a match and taking advantage of any changes in form or player fatigue.

Points Betting

Points betting is, as the name suggests, a bet on how many points will be scored in total by both teams. It’s a great way to take advantage of high-scoring matches and increase your potential winnings.

Head To Head Betting

Head to head betting is a great choice for any fans looking for an even playing field. This type of bet involves you placing a wager on one team to either win or draw against the other.

Half Time/Full Time Betting

This type of bet involves predicting which team will be leading at both half time and full time. It’s a good option if you’re feeling confident about one side’s ability to maintain their lead throughout the match.

Over/Under Bets

Over/under bets are bets on whether the total points scored by both teams in a match will be higher or lower than a certain number set by the bookmaker. These types of bets can be very profitable if you’re able to accurately predict the game’s outcome.

Margin Bets

Margin bets involve placing a wager on the margin by which one team will beat the other. These types of bets are great for when you expect one side to win but aren’t sure by how much.

Special (Exotics) Bets

These bets involve combining different markets or picking more complicated outcomes. Some of the most popular exotic bets on Aussie Rules Football include scorecasts (predicting both the first player to score and final result), multibets (selecting multiple outcomes from different matches) and accumulators (combining multiple selections into one bet).

Aussie Rules Betting Tips And Strategies

Look Out For the Best Odds

The first and most important rule when betting on ARF is to always look out for the best odds. Bookmakers will often offer different odds on the same wager, so it pays to shop around and find those offering the highest returns.

Take Advantage of Sure Bets

Sure bets, also known as arbitrage betting, involve taking advantage of the different odds offered by different bookmakers in order to guarantee a profit. This is a great strategy to use if you’re confident about the result of a match but don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket.

Follow Aussie Rules Expert Predictions

Following the predictions of experienced ARF experts can be a great way to increase your chances of winning. Look out for those who have a proven track record in picking winners and use their advice when making bets.

Make Use Of Bonuses And Promotions

Most bookmakers offer bonuses and promotions to entice new customers. Make sure to take advantage of these when available; they can greatly boost your potential winnings.

Most Common Aussie Rules Betting Mistakes

Not Familiar with Betting on Aussie Rules

One of the most common mistakes made by novice bettors is not understanding the rules and regulations of ARF betting. Before placing any wagers, make sure you understand the different odds formats and types of bets available.

Ignoring Team Form And Player Injuries

ARF is a team sport, so it’s important to pay attention to both the form of individual players and the overall performance of the team. Unexpected player injuries or suspensions can have a big effect on how a match plays out and should be taken into account when placing bets.

Mismanaging Your Bankroll

It’s essential to have a budget and manage your bankroll responsibly when betting on ARF. Make sure you never bet more than you can afford to lose, and always set limits for yourself.

Betting on Your Favourite Team

It’s understandable to want to back your favourite team, but this isn’t always the best way to bet. Betting with emotion can be dangerous and should be avoided if you want to maximise your chances of success.

Conclusion

Betting on Australian Rules Football can be both exciting and lucrative if done correctly. By understanding the different types of bets available, keeping an eye out for the best odds and making use of bonuses and promotions, you can increase your chances of winning and make some profit along the way. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to start betting on Aussie Rules Football with confidence. Good luck!

Author
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Noah Belanger

Noah Belanger is a seasoned sports bettor with a decade of experience in the industry. He is the driving force behind the test reports and strategies on the LoonieBet Blog. With a unique perspective, Noah writes from the player's point of view, offering firsthand insights and expertise to help readers make informed decisions.