THAT first Tuesday of November is not far away now, which means it's time to start thinking about our big tips and value bets for ‘the race that stops the nation'.
It is also a good time to begin sniffing out the best Melbourne Cup betting specials, bookie bonuses and refund deals.
While most of Australia's top online betting operators haven't yet released their official promotions for Cup Day 2016, the spring carnival to date has given us a very good idea about the kind of deals punters will have to choose from.
CrownBet.com.au
CrownBet has run dozens of horse racing bonuses throughout the 2016 spring carnival already, including regular cash-back offers for fixed win bets that run second or third in selected races.
You can expect deals like that and plenty more besides for Melbourne Cup Day 2016, along with a number of bet specials for the big race itself.
For a limited time only, CrownBet is also running a very special offer for new customers.
If you sign up and add some cash to your account between now and Tuesday, November 1, the bookie will match your first deposit 100 per cent with up to $1000 in bonus bets.
For example: register on Cup Day and deposit $500, get another $500 free in bonus bets.
Follow this link to sign up at CrownBet today and take advantage of this exclusive Melbourne Cup bonus while it lasts.
Sportsbet.com.au
Sportsbet is Australia's most popular online and mobile betting site, not least because it offers some of the best horse racing specials in the business.
Punters have been treated to a number of generous betting rebates and bonuses in the recent weeks, and Melbourne Cup Day will be no different.
The bookie has run refunds up to $50 on Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Victoria Derby races for fixed win bets that finish second or third, so expect that deal to feature again on Tuesday.
Also keep an eye out for any 2016 Melbourne Cup multi bonuses – for instance, money back up to $50 if your multi of four legs or more misses by one.
Bet365.com.au
Global gambling giant Bet365 offers some of the most interesting and rewarding betting features for Australian racing punters.
If you back a winner at $5 odds or greater in any race at Flemington on Tuesday, the house will refund your stake up to $100 if your bet on the next event doesn't win.
You can also get improved payouts on winning bets if the official APN or VOP starting price is better than your fixed odds quote.
Tap here to visit Bet365.com today and check out the entire range of Melbourne Cup racing promotions on offer.
WilliamHill.com.au
If you want innovative products and wide-ranging bonuses, William Hill Australia may just be the online bookie for you.
The new Double Down in-play betting feature has proven a massive hit with punters, and Hills has made it even more special for this year's major spring carnival races.
For the 2016 Cox Plate, for example, you could get back your entire stake up to $50 if you used the Double Down feature on the main race but your horse didn't win.
We expect that same deal to be in action for the Cup, as well as a money back special for fixed odds picks that run second or third in selected races.
Luxbet.com.au
Tabcorp's specialist online betting brand is a haven for punters who want the best odds on Australian horse racing week in, week out.
It also a great place to find betting bonuses, refund offers and winnings boosters for major meets such as the Melbourne Cup.
As with most of the top Aussie bookies, you can expect a bonus bet rebate up to $50 for placing second or third with a fixed win bet in certain races.
With special betting products such as LuxDiv, LuxFixed and Best of the Best, you can also look forward to enjoying top prices from the totes and fluc markets.