Zane | May 10, 2023 | Updated on: February 5th, 2025
The Australian Football League (AFL) is the most popular sport in Australia and attracts millions of bettors every year. With 18 teams competing in a 24-round regular season, plus the AFL Finals and Grand Final, there are plenty of betting opportunities throughout the season.
This AFL betting guide will cover:
✔ How AFL betting works
✔ Most popular AFL betting markets
✔ Top AFL betting strategies
✔ Best sportsbooks for AFL betting
✔ Expert AFL betting tips
Let’s kick things off and dive into everything you need to know about AFL betting!
How AFL Betting Works
AFL betting is based on match odds, point spreads (line betting), and total points markets, with additional options for player props, team props, and futures betting.
AFL Odds Explained
📌 Example of an AFL Moneyline Bet:
- Collingwood (-160) → Bet $160 to win $100
- Geelong Cats (+140) → Bet $100 to win $140
📌 Example of an AFL Line (Handicap) Bet:
- Brisbane Lions -8.5 (-110) → The Lions must win by 9+ points to cover.
- Sydney Swans +8.5 (-110) → The Swans must win outright or lose by 8 or fewer points to cover.
📌 Example of an AFL Over/Under Bet:
- Over 175.5 points (-110) → The total combined score must be 176 or more for the Over to win.
- Under 175.5 points (-110) → The total combined score must be 175 or fewer for the Under to win.
📍 Tip: AFL games are high-scoring, so totals betting (Over/Under) is one of the most popular markets.
Most Popular AFL Betting Markets
🏉 Moneyline Betting – Simply bet on which team will win the match.
🏉 Line Betting (Handicap) – One team gets a points advantage or disadvantage to balance the odds.
🏉 Over/Under (Totals) – Bet on the total points scored in the game.
🏉 AFL Multis (Parlays) – Combine multiple bets for bigger payouts.
🏉 AFL Player Props – Bet on individual player performances (e.g., “Dustin Martin Over 25.5 Disposals”).
🏉 AFL Team Props – Bet on team-specific outcomes (e.g., “Carlton Over 12.5 Goals”).
🏉 AFL Futures Betting – Bet on season-long markets, such as Premiership Winner, Brownlow Medalist, and Coleman Medalist.
📍 Tip: The Brownlow Medal betting market is one of the biggest futures bets in Australia, rewarding the league’s best player.
Best AFL Betting Strategies
1. Analyze AFL Team Form & Statistics
Successful AFL betting relies on in-depth analysis of team performance metrics:
- Inside 50s & Efficiency – Teams with high inside 50s (attacking entries) score more points.
- Clearances & Tackles – Strong midfield teams win more possessions and control the game.
- Goal Accuracy – Poor goal-kicking teams struggle to convert scoring chances.
📍 Tip: Teams with dominant midfielders often control the game and cover the spread.
2. Consider Home & Away Records
📌 AFL teams have a significant home-ground advantage, especially teams that play at fortress stadiums like:
- West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium
- Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium
- Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval
📍 Tip: Teams traveling across time zones or playing outside their home state often struggle to cover the spread.
3. Track AFL Line Movement & Sharp Betting Trends
- If the betting line moves heavily in one direction, it could indicate sharp bettors (“professional bettors”) are backing a specific side.
- Late money movements often reveal valuable information about injuries, weather conditions, or last-minute team changes.
📍 Tip: Follow AFL betting odds closely before placing bets – late line movement often signals where the sharp money is going.
4. Use Weather & Stadium Conditions to Your Advantage
- Rain & Wind → Lower-scoring games (good for Under bets).
- Dry & Fast Conditions → Higher-scoring games (good for Over bets).
- Smaller Stadiums (GMHBA Stadium, Marvel Stadium) → Favor low-scoring contests.
📍 Tip: Check the weather forecast before betting on AFL games, as conditions impact scoring heavily.
5. Live Betting on AFL Games
AFL games have momentum swings, making live betting an excellent strategy.
📌 Example of AFL Live Betting:
- If the Richmond Tigers (-6.5 pre-game) start the first quarter trailing by 20 points, you might get a better line at +3.5 live – perfect for a comeback bet.
📍 Tip: AFL teams frequently stage comebacks, so don’t hesitate to bet on underdogs when they start slow.
Best Sportsbooks for AFL Betting
🏆 Gold Spin Casino – Best for AFL live betting and player props.
🏆 Roby Casino – Best for Australian AFL markets and promotions.
🏆 Simsinos Casino – Excellent for AFL futures betting and early odds.
🏆 excitewin Casino – Great for in-depth AFL analytics and betting insights.
🏆 SG Casino – Offers boosted odds on major AFL games.
📍 Tip: Always compare AFL odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing a bet.
👉 View the Full List of Online Casinos Here
AFL Finals & Grand Final Betting
During the AFL Finals and Grand Final, betting becomes even bigger with:
✔ Premiership Betting – Wager on who will win the AFL Grand Final.
✔ Increased Player & Team Props – Bet on goals, disposals, tackles, and more.
✔ More Public Betting Action – Expect higher odds on underdogs due to casual bettors backing favorites.
📍 Tip: Finals games are typically lower-scoring – strong defenses often cover the spread in knockout games.
AFL Betting Tips
✔ Check Team Injuries & Suspensions – Missing key players dramatically shifts the odds.
✔ Look at Team Form & Recent Matchups – Momentum is key in AFL betting.
✔ Avoid Betting on Emotion – Just because you support a team doesn’t mean it’s a smart bet.
✔ Shop for the Best AFL Lines – Different sportsbooks offer different odds – always compare.
📍 Pro Tip: Teams that play well in wet conditions have a major advantage when it rains – use this to find value bets!
Final Thoughts: How to Win at AFL Betting
AFL betting requires a strategy-based approach, focusing on:
✔ Team stats, form, and key player matchups
✔ Weather conditions & home-ground advantages
✔ Sharp betting trends & line movement
✔ Finding value in underdogs & live betting opportunities
By applying these AFL betting strategies and expert tips, you can maximize your profits and make smarter bets.
📍 Want to start betting on the AFL? Choose a trusted sportsbook and start betting responsibly today!
AFL Betting FAQs
❓ What is the best AFL betting strategy?
✅ Focus on home-ground advantage, team stats, and sharp line movements.
❓ Is AFL betting profitable?
✅ Yes, but it requires research, line shopping, and smart bankroll management.
❓ Which sportsbook has the best AFL odds?
✅ RT Bet, Simsinos, and Gold Spin offer competitive AFL betting odds.
