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The era of wild Melbourne Cup punting promotions is over

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) •
October 27, 2026 • 09:00 AM
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From 100-to-1 odds to big bonus bets, bookmakers have tried all the tricks to get customers gambling. But in tougher times, those lucrative offers are ending.

The era of wild Melbourne Cup punting promotions is over

When online bookmaker Betr launched weeks before the Melbourne Cup Carnival in October 2022, it did so with an outlandish 100-to-1 odds promotion. Customers of the then-wagering upstart, founded by prominent bookmaker Matt Tripp, could put a maximum $10 stake on any horse competing in the race and pocket $1000 if it managed a win.

Even in an industry with a reputation for testing regulatory boundaries, the move was radical. While Betr attracted some 300,000 new users, it narrowly avoided a $50 million payout , owing to the victory of roughie Gold Trip. Still, it was ultimately fined for offering an inducement for signing up.

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