Bookmakers are in for another betting spike ahead of the NRL grand final with Australians gambling more during marquee sporting events. 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. Punters spend more on the Melbourne Cup on average than footy fans wager on peak matches. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)An average punter would spend $50 more during Melbourne Cup week, which is higher than during footy staples. The report also recommended banning betting inducements from wagering companies, which are promotions or offers designed to encourage further gambling.