Side hustles in Australia: what pays, and where matched betting fits
Surveys, cashback, deliveries, selling your old stuff, matched betting. Here is an honest look at the side hustles Australians actually use, what each one takes, and who each one suits.
Trusted by 20,000+ Australians since 2017 · Read member reviews
Popular side hustles compared
No side hustle is free money. Each one trades something: your time, your car, your spare minutes or a starting balance.
| Side hustle | What it takes | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matched betting | A few hours a week, a phone or laptop, and a starting balance for bookie and Betfair bets | Cash from bookie bonus bets and promos, usually 70 to 80 percent of each bonus bet | People at home with pockets of time, like parents and shift workers |
| Paid surveys | 10 to 30 minutes a survey, and you will not qualify for every one | Small cash rewards per survey. Octopus Group, for example, pays cash once you reach $20 | Filling spare minutes, no risk |
| Cashback apps | Almost nothing extra, you shop as usual | A small percentage back on things you already buy | Everyone, as a background habit |
| Delivery and rideshare | Blocks of time away from home, plus a car, bike or scooter | Pay per job, less fuel and running costs | People with free evenings or weekends |
| Selling unwanted items | Photos, listings and pick-ups | One-off cash, until you run out of stuff | A quick boost, not ongoing income |
Why matched betting suits people at home
Fits around your day
Most bets take a few minutes and can be placed from your phone, during nap time, school pick-up or a lunch break.
Promos run all year
Bookies run promos on racing and sport every day, so there is always something to work on when you have the time.
The result does not matter
You back a bet at the bookie and lay it at Betfair, so every outcome is covered. You are not picking winners.
What one bonus bet looks like
A bookie gives you a $50 bonus bet. You back it at 5.00 and lay the same selection at Betfair at 5.20, with 5% commission.
The bets
| Back with the $50 bonus bet at 5.00 | stake not returned |
| Lay at Betfair: $38.83 at 5.20 | $163.11 liability |
The outcomes
| Selection wins: $200 bookie profit, less $163.11 | +$36.89 |
| Selection loses: lay win after commission | +$36.89 |
| Cash you keep either way | +$36.89 |
Example odds only, not a current offer. See the full bonus bet guide for the calculator.
What matched betting takes
- A starting balanceMany members start with around $400, enough for a bookie bet and the Betfair lay. You get it back as you go.
- A few hours a weekMore time means more promos, but a few sessions a week is enough to see how it works.
- Learning the basicsThe free course takes you through your first bet step by step, before you spend a cent on a plan.
Matched betting is for people aged 18 and over. It is not gambling, but it does mean spending time on bookie websites. If betting ever stops feeling like a side hustle, stop and contact Gambling Help Online.
From members
“During 18 months of solid matched betting with Bonusbank, I was able to knock 8 years off my mortgage.”BigBird
“The courses are very in depth and provide instant information about how to get started. As well as this the discord has a very helpful community who will answer any questions you have.”jbbet
Individual results vary with time, bankroll and the offers each member receives.
Questions people ask
Is matched betting a good side hustle?
For people who can spare a few hours a week and a starting balance, it is one of the better paying ones, because each bonus bet converts to about 70 to 80 percent of its value in cash. It takes regular effort, and bookie promos slow down over time, so it is not passive income.
Is matched betting a good side hustle for stay-at-home mums?
Many of our members are parents at home. Most bets take a few minutes on a phone, so they fit around naps, school runs and the rest of the day. The free course lets you try it before you commit to anything.
How much do paid surveys pay in Australia?
Usually a small amount per survey, depending on its length, and you will not qualify for every survey. Octopus Group, for example, pays cash and lets you transfer it to your bank once you have $20. Surveys are low risk and good for spare minutes.
Do I pay tax on matched betting?
It depends on your situation, including whether the ATO would see it as a business. We are not tax advisers, so speak to an accountant about your own circumstances.
How much money do I need to start?
Many members start with around $400. You need enough for the bookie bet plus the lay liability at Betfair, which is larger than your stake.
Try it before you decide
The free course and calculator show you exactly how matched betting works, so you can see if it fits your week before you pay for anything.
Free beginners course · No credit card needed · Takes 2 minutes