Bookmakers are in for another betting spike ahead of the NRL grand final with Australians gambling more during marquee sporting events.

The spike during events such as the Melbourne Cup, NRL and AFL grand finals and State of Origin is mainly attributed to small bets of less than $100, according to research from the e61 Institute.

The race that stops the nation is an outlier in that there is a sharp spike in people betting and the proportion of people placing relatively large bets.

An average punter would spend $50 more during Melbourne Cup week, which is higher than during footy staples.

"Beyond these peaks, there also appears to be a broader increase in participation during the AFL and NRL seasons, with betting activity lower at other times, such as during the cricket season," the rep

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