Best Betting Sites in South Africa

Updated:

South Africa is among the countries that have legalised sports betting for a long time. This has led to the development of a wide range of betting sites that accept players from South Africa. On this page, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about betting sites in South Africa.

List of South African betting sites

Found: 6 Bookmakers

Rank Bookmaker Bonus Claim
1

Easybet

R50 + 150% First Deposit Match Up To R1,000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

2

Sportingbet

New customer bonus up to R3,000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

3

Betway

100% First deposit match up to R1,000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

4

10bet Africa

Welcome package up to R3,000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

5

Gbets

100% bonus up to R1000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

6

Fafabet

150% welcome bonus up to R5000

18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

South Africa Online Sports Betting – The Ultimate Guide

Updated:

Best Betting Sites in South Africa

Our iGaming experts will cover various aspects of sports betting in South Africa, from how you can bet on sports online to popular payment options available, bonuses to look for, and more. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to start your sports betting journey without stress.

We’ll also provide you with a list of the top betting companies in South Africa you can trust. Additionally, we’ve conducted thorough research on these online betting sites in South Africa, considering key factors that include odds, mobile compatibility, bet types, and trustworthiness. Let’s get started!

History of Sports Betting in South Africa

History of Sports Betting in South Africa

Sports betting in South Africa has a longer history than in most other African countries, with heavily curtailed gambling activities since 1673. Additionally, the Gambling Act of 1965 prohibited all forms of gambling except horse racing. The gambling industry ushered in a new era in 1994, however, when a new democratic government took over and legalised all forms of gambling.

The National Gambling Act of 2004 showed the difference between sports betting in South Africa and interactive gambling. Sports betting SA activities remain legal, provided you’re wagering via a South African licensed operator. However, interactive gambling, such as casinos, poker, and bingo games, are prohibited within the state.

  • South Africa accounts for more than 80% of the gambling industry on the African continent.
  • The South African sports betting industry focuses mainly on rugby, cricket, and horse racing.
  • More than 23 million South Africans have access to smartphones.
  • The sports betting SA industry has stricter regulations than most African countries.

A court ruling in 2010 made online gambling via operators outside of South Africa completely illegal for casino and sports betting. Only operators holding a South African gambling permit can offer services within the country. The National Gambling Board is responsible for how licenses are shared among regions.

History of Sports Betting in South Africa
🌍 Country South Africa
👌 Language Southern Sotho, English, Zulu, Tsonga, Swati, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, Ndebele, Venda, and Tswana.
💲 Currency South African Rand
⚽ Popular sports Rugby, Football, Horse Racing, Cricket
⚖️ Is Betting Legal Yes
🏢 Regulator The National Gambling Board
🧾 Gambling taxes Gambling winnings are fully taxable
💳 Most popular payment methods VISA, MasterCard, Skrill, PayPal, Payz

How to Bet on Sports in South Africa Online

Getting started with sports betting at a South African gambling site involves a simple process. Below is a step-by-step guide to how you can start your betting journey.

  1. Find a trusted sports betting site

    There are several South African sites available online, so ensure you’re selecting the best. You can also pick from our recommended list of betting sites South Africa based.
  2. Get your welcome bonus

    Once you have the desired online betting sites in South Africa selected, visit the sites to create an account and claim your welcome bonus. Ensure that you read the bonus terms and conditions.
  3. Find the event to bet on

    Now you have funds in your account, so continue to explore the SA betting sites, and check for your favourite sports events that you can bet on.
  4. Check the odds

    Odds are vital as they determine your chances of winning a bet SA placed. So we recommend for you to opt-in for events with high odds.
  5. Place your bets

    Make your selection and place your bet. You can also make multiple selections with just one bet. Most importantly, however, ensure that you conduct thorough research.

Top-4 betting sites in South Africa

Here are the biggest 4 international betting sites in South Africa that you should take into account. When it comes to choosing bookies to place your bets with, it's best to check all the information you may need in the process. So, go ahead, read our review, and select the most appealing bookmaker company from our list of the best betting sites South Africa.

  1. Website #1 in South Africa – Betway

    We can't just walk by the Betway company when selecting the best options out of all betting sites in South Africa. Since its launch in 2006, the business has been operating under the MGA and UKGC licenses. Betway is one of the bookies that can offer quick payments, a large selection of sports, and simple navigation.

    bookmaker betway south africa - sports page
  2. Website #2 in South Africa – FafaBet

    The Fafabet sportsbook can provide its customers with a wide range of pre-match events from more than 20 different sports genres, as well as numerous excellent live betting options. This is another brand-new bookmaker company that was launched in 2022 but, since it has a license from the Western Cape Gambling Authority, you can play there with the confidence of keeping your data safe.

    Website 2 in South Africa – FafaBet
  3. Website #3 in South Africa – SportingBet

    SportingBet is one of the coolest betting websites too – founded in 1998. Many certifications show that this operator is trustworthy, including licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Gibraltar Gaming Commission. Basically, this sportsbook is a company that is well-known for its wide range of soccer accumulators, a useful live streaming feature, over 30 payment methods to choose from, and frequently offered bookies promotions & bonuses.

    Website 3 in South Africa – SportingBet
  4. Website #4 in South Africa – Gbets

    Are you looking for the biggest and most reliable betting sites in South Africa? Check out Gbets, founded in 2005 with a permit from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. It only recently switched to its present software platforms. The website is generally quick and easy to use, which is good. There are many different kinds of bets, including multiples and singles. Plus, withdrawals are processed very quickly.

    bookmaker gbets south africa - homepage

How we test & review online betting sites in South Africa

When it comes to real money gambling, we understand that you want the best value for your money. So we don’t just list sites on our page. We ensure to scrutinise them using several benchmarks to determine that South African punters get nothing but the best gambling experience. Below are the factors we consider when testing and reviewing betting sites in South Africa.

  1. Odds

    Odds determine your chances of winning a particular bet. So the higher the odds, the higher your winning chances. When reviewing sites, we only choose betting sites with high odds for popular events.
  2. Mobile Compatibility

    Mobile compatibility is of the utmost importance, so we test these sites on different mobile devices and operating systems. Additionally, we consider the mobile layout and how easily players can navigate the pages.
  3. Available payment options

    It can get frustrating when you play with limited and slow payment options. So, we ensure that the betting sites we recommend feature a wide range of payment options available for South African punters.
  4. Bonuses and promotions

    These are great ways to increase your bankroll and your chances of winning. We consider sites with attractive bonuses and promotions. These include deposit bonuses, risk-free bets, boosted odds, and cashback bonuses.
  5. Bet types

    A betting site with limited bet types will be boring for South African players. All betting sites on our list offer access to vast betting options, including money-line, totals, spread, handicap, and halftime bets.
  6. Support work quality

    Punters are likely to experience glitches or have questions. For these issues, we consider the quality of the support service and ensure that the bookie provides communication paths like live chat, email, and phone support.
  7. Trustworthiness

    There are a series of gambling sites online trying to scam punters. For this reason, all betting sites on our list hold a license from top South African gambling regulators.

3 best betting apps in South Africa

Our team of professionals consistently reviews new betting sites South Africa options and pays close attention to the small print to determine whether a particular sportsbook is a respectable one. Many bettors favour betting websites that are accessible even when a PC device is not there. Mobile gambling has grown very popular for this same reason. So, feel free to check out the top mobile betting apps available.

  1. #1 South Africa betting app – Betway

    Given that Betway is one of the most popular betting websites in South Africa, it seems fair that the company also decided to come up with its own mobile apps. As a result, you may use your iOS and Android smartphones to enjoy high-quality mobile play with Betway. Sadly, there isn't a Windows application. On the other hand, you can also access the Betway sportsbook through the built-in browser.

    betway mobile app
  2. #2 South Africa betting app – SportingBet

    One of the bookmakers that is ideal for football accumulators is SportingBet, and fans of live betting will find the site engaging enough. You can select from more than 30 payment options, get free bets, take advantage of lucrative promotional deals, and even use iOS and Android apps. If you have a Windows smartphone, you’ll just need to use the site’s mobile version and, this way, you’ll be able to enjoy the same perks.

    sportingbet mobile app
  3. #3 South Africa betting app – Gbets

    We also have to mention Gbets as one of the top mobile sportsbook platforms. Both Android and iOS tablets and smartphones have mobile applications. But, you can open a browser and take advantage of mobile gambling with GBets as well. The Gbets website closely resembles the desktop version of the platform in terms of layout. Besides, you can access the same sports, promotions, payment options, markets, and other features.

    gbets mobile app

Live betting in South Africa

Live betting in South Africa

This is the most exciting part of sports betting, and punters worldwide love wagering at betting sites that offer this feature. With live betting, players can stake on sports events that have already started. This gives the punters an edge as they can make informed decisions based on what is happening in the game. However, bettors should remember that live game odds change rapidly.

The best betting sites in South Africa allow punters to stream and bet on live sports games. With this feature, bettors can stake on different betting options, like halftime or the number of fours during a game. One of the benefits of live betting is that bettors can adapt to the changing nature of events and adjust their strategies accordingly. Most online betting South Africa options will provide you with odds ahead of an event.

Interestingly, these sites offer live betting on popular sports events, which changes as the game progresses. Several factors can affect the odds of live games, including goals scored, injuries, and weather. Betting websites use an algorithm to adjust the odds in favour of or against your chosen team. Popular types of sports for live betting at South African online bookies include.

4 new betting sites in South Africa

The South African sports betting industry is booming, and several new online gambling sites South Africa based are on the rise. While there are numerous new betting sites, some are better than others. This section will provide you with our pick of the four new betting sites in South Africa you can trust.

  1. Betway

    This betting site is among the top new betting sites that have captured the heart of several South African punters. The betting site is operated by Betway South Africa and licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. At Betway, punters from South Africa can enjoy fantastic sports bonuses and promotions that will boost their bankroll. Additionally, there’s a wide range of sports events.

    new bookmaker in south africa betway - homepage
  2. Sportingbet

    Another new betting site that offers a unique gambling experience is Sportingbet. We’re pleased with the appealing design and user-friendly interface. Additionally, the operator has several betting markets that players can bet on. Punters can also claim mouth-watering bonuses and promotions that extend their game play.

    new bookmaker in south africa sportingbet - live betting page
  3. Gbets

    With Gbets, a great gambling experience is assured. The Western Cape Gambling Board regulates the site, so punters can rest assured when they wager for real money that they do so securely. Additionally, South African punters can claim bonuses, promotions, and access to professional customer support. Again, the site has options for pre-match and live betting.

    new bookmaker in south africa gbets - promo page
  4. FafaBet

    One of the new SA betting sites is FafaBet; founded in 2022. Since the sportsbook works under a license from the Western Cape Gambling Authority, it is completely legal and one of the most reliable and secure websites to wager on. You may bet on more than 20 sports with FafaBet, take advantage of excellent odds, particularly on football, and even play using Android or iOS mobile devices. So, pay attention to this one if you’re hunting for new SA betting sites.

    new bookmaker in south africa fatabet - promo page

How to sign up, verify & place your first bet with bookmakers in South Africa

How to sign up, verify & place your first bet with bookmakers in South Africa

Creating an account with your desired South African bookmaker involves simple steps. With the right guide, you can start wagering in no time. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to register an account.

  1. Get a reliable sports betting site in South Africa. You can choose from our recommended list.
  2. Once you’ve selected one, visit the site and click the ‘Sign-up’ button to supply the required details.
  3. Some sites may request a verification in which you supply copies of documents like your government-issued ID card.
  4. Once you’re done verifying your account, make your first deposit and claim your bonuses.
  5. Proceed to make your selections and place your first bet.

Bonuses and Promotions for Online betting in South Africa

Bonuses and promotions are an excellent way to add to your bankroll. Punters are advised to take advantage of these bonus offers. Below are common bonuses for online betting in South Africa.

Deposit bonuses

Deposit bonuses are offered to bettors when they deposit at a South African site. This is usually a percentage of your deposit and may vary from site to site.

Welcome offers

South African betting sites offer welcome bonuses to new players starting at their site. Most betting sites in South Africa offer these bonuses as a reward to make punters stay at their site. It can come as a deposit or no deposit offer.

Free bets

This is another common bonus available at most sports betting sites in South Africa. Free bets allow you to wager on your favourite sports events without using your money. You can claim this offer without making any deposit.

Cashback

This is one of the most beneficial bonuses you can claim at the best South African betting sites. A cashback bonus returns a certain percentage of your losses. The percentage of this type of bonus can change from site to site.

VIP offers

These offers are designed for loyal and high roller players. When you become a VIP member of a site, you unlock access to exclusive perks like free spins, birthday bonuses, a dedicated account manager, and tickets to events.

  1. 1

    R50 + 150% First Deposit Match Up To R1,000

    18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

  2. 2

    New customer bonus up to R3,000

    18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

  3. 3

    100% First deposit match up to R1,000

    18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

  4. 4

    Welcome package up to R3,000

    18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

  5. 5

    100% bonus up to R1000

    18+ T&C apply, BeGambleAware.org

FAQ

?

Is betting legal in South Africa?

Yes. But only the biggest businesses with a gambling license from South Africa are allowed to provide services there.
?

Which sports can I bet on at bookmakers in South Africa?

In South Africa, you can wager on a wide range of sports, but rugby, football, cricket, and horse racing are the most popular options on sportsbook platforms among locals.
?

Are betting sites safe in SA?

Yes. The National Gaming Board regulates the market, but before you start wagering at bookmaker platforms, check if they have a license.
?

Which SA betting sites give bonuses?

You can test out the biggest sites, like Betway, Gbets, Sportingbet, and FafaBet, among many others, that are available in the country and offer bonuses.

11 ratings, average 4.3 out of 5

Review Author

Kate Richardson

Kate Richardson

I'm a web site editor and game expert. Gambling is my main hobby, and luckily I managed to make it my source of income.

Reviewer

Frankie Monkhouse

Frankie Monkhouse

Frankie Monkhouse is a former professional boxer turned sports betting content writer.