IT’S already a TV ratings hit and now the Big Bash has taken off with punters too.

The popularity of the T20 tournament is staggering — and it’s growing every year — with the TAB reporting that customers are betting on average over $500,000 on every Big Bash game.

The biggest holding game so far this season was the Melbourne Renegades against the Perth Scorchers on December 30, which the Scorchers won by a massive 10 wickets at Etihad Stadium.

That match held $724,305, and that was just a regular round game — the finals don’t start for another 11 days.

Those numbers are bigger than last year’s AFL grand final, the Rugby World Cup semi-final between Argentina and the Wallabies, as well as any regular season game in the NRL or AFL. Unsurprisingly, it’s also attracted more than double what’s been placed on the recent one-sided Test series between Australia and the West Indies.

Overall, betting is up 20 per cent in the Big Bash compared to last season — a jump that’s even caught the TAB by surprise.

“Betting on the Big Bash has been building since its inception, but it has really taken off this season,” TAB’s Matt Jenkins said.

“The key drivers for its growing popularity are the fact it is on in prime time, every night and during the holidays.

“Games go for three hours, which is a huge bonus for punters who don’t have to wait all day or longer for a result.

“This summer punters and fans alike have been crying out for entertaining and competitive cricket, which they have failed to get in the Test series.

“After the Big Bash we have the ICC World Twenty20 to look forward to in March, with the Aussies $5.50 to win the tournament. India are favourites at $4.”

Tonight the Sydney Sixers host the Brisbane Heat at the SCG, with the Sixers $1.80 to win, while tomorrow night the Sydney Thunder will look to get their campaign back on track against the Melbourne Renegades. Mike Hussey’s men are $1.60 to win that one.