Online Sports Betting in South Africa: Tested and Reviewed
SportsBoom compares and reviews the best betting sites in South Africa. No matter if you’re an experienced punter or new to the betting world, our easy-to-understand guide will teach you everything you need to know about the leading bookmakers in Mzansi.
We’ve researched top-rated betting sites for soccer, rugby and cricket. The information surrounding South African betting sites can be complex. So, we’ve done the spadework and put together a list of the best welcome offers, promotions, deposit methods, and more! This in-depth guide will enhance your knowledge and passion for sports betting.
Top 3 reviewed Online Sports Betting sites
SportsBoom has explored the leading bookmakers that you can bet with – no matter which province in South Africa you’re based in.
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, France, Argentina, USA
Betway is the leading global sports betting site. This top-tier bookmakers knows exactly what a punter wants. Betway leads the way with a 100% deposit match up to R1,000 in their welcome offer. Plus, they have exciting promotions for more ways to win and a large selection of sports bonuses.
Betway offers you a large selection of deposit and withdrawal methods to suit your needs. Take your pick from: Visa, Mastercard,1Voucher, Betway Bucks, and more.
It’s a simple process to join Betway. All you need to do is select ‘sign up’ on the top right of the home page. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to just fill in your details such as your name and surname, cellphone number, residential address, and provide any documents required for KYC purposes. This includes your ID document.
Once you’ve completed the KYC process, you’re now ready to get in the game and place your bets on your favourite sports teams and tournaments.
- Core Betting Markets: This popular sportsbook also offers you way more with a large selection of popular betting markets, including 1x2 Match Result, Anytime Goalscorer, Over/Under, Handicap, Live betting and more!
- Unique Selling Points: Betway also has unique features like Bet Builder and early cashout. SportsBoom really loves the innovation. The site is easy to use. Navigation is top-notch. They offer entertaining markets for soccer, rugby, cricket and more.
- Platform Strengths: This is a quick summary of Betway. They know their customers. They make sure to give punters an unrivalled betting experience. You’ll easily find your favourite betting markets on the Betway site. You don’t need hours exploring the site to find what you’re looking for. All in all, Betway is a great choice if you’re a first-time punter or a betting pro.
- Odds Competitiveness: Betway offers competitive odds that beat the majority of bookmakers.
Pros
Cons
18+ · 100% first deposit match · Up to R1,000 Extra Bet · New customers only · One claim per customer · FICA verification required · 3x deposit bet at 3.0+ odds · 30 days to meet criteria · Extra Bet for sports only · R1,000 max Extra Bet · Standard terms apply · Withdraw winnings minus stake · Suspicious activity reported · Non-refundable Extra Bet
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: South Africa, UK
Hollywoodbets is a top-rated bookmaker. You can bet on a large selection of incredible betting markets with them. This includes betting markets for different sports such as soccer, rugby, cricket and more. You’ll get skin in the game with entertaining promotions. You’ll also appreciate the instant deposits, fast withdrawals and competitive odds. From the moment you visit this betting site, you know that this bookmaker is the real deal.
Hollywoodbets have one of the fastest withdrawal times. The withdrawal time is 24-48 hours. You can even receive your payout on the same day! That means in one day, you can feel the thrill of placing a bet, potentially winning your bet, and receiving the payout.
Hollywoodbets offers you a R25 sports bonus as a welcome offer. This is really great value. You’ll have all the tools you need to start betting on your favourite teams and players right from the get-go with Hollywoodbets.
- Core Betting Markets: Hollywoodbets has exciting betting markets for all major sports. Betting markets at Hollywoodbets include diverse offerings such as Both Teams to Score, Penalty or Sending off, Exact Corners and more.
- Unique Selling Points: You’ll feel part of a sports betting community when you bet with Hollywoodbets. They don’t have many weaknesses.
- Platform Strengths: Hollywoodbets scores big with an easy-to-navigate website. They also have great customer support.
- Odds Competitiveness: If you’re looking for competitive odds, Hollywoodbets is your sports betting site of choice. We looked at the odds for major soccer matches on various betting platforms, and after our comparison, it’s clear that they have some of the best odds in the game.
Pros
Cons
No deposit required, open an account and receive an R25 sign-up bonus and 50 Free Spins, within 24 hours of registration wager bonus amount once on sports bets with odds of 5/10 (0.5) or higher, Before withdrawal wager any winnings from Free Spins 5x on the same slots.
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: UK
Betfred is a trusted bookmaker. They offer a 100% first deposit match up to R5,000. This is excellent value as most betting sites offer a 100% deposit match up to R1,000. They have a daily boost promotion. This increases the odds for the match.
They’re a trusted bookmakers that prides itself on customer support.
- Core Betting Markets: Betfred offers many additional markets on specific events: Handicap, Correct Score, Run of Play, Over/Under, First Team to Score and more. They also have a great selection of markets for international games on a club and country level.
- Unique Selling Points: They’re a global bookmaker with over 50 years of experience.
- Platform Strengths: According to multiple sources and customer reviews, Betfred has an inspiring and easy-to-use website.
- Odds Competitiveness: Betfred has some of the best betting odds. SportsBoom has compared Betfred’s odds with trusted bookmakers. The sports betting odds are a stand-out feature with Betfred.
Pros
Cons
#ad · 18+ · New customers only · Exclusions apply · T&Cs apply
How SportsBoom Evaluates South African Bookmakers
At SportsBoom, we pride ourselves on being experts in reviewing betting companies. Our goal is to provide you with thorough, reliable, and unbiased reviews, ensuring you can make informed decisions when choosing a betting company. Our meticulous review process covers key areas such as promotions and bonus offers, odds and markets, payment methods, customer service, and license and security. Here’s an in-depth look at how we gather information, generate scores for each category, and compile a total score.
Test sports betting sites: We’ve tested every single sports betting site in South Africa.
SportsBoom makes sure to rank sportsbooks: We look at factors that are important to sports punters. These considerations include making sure that the site offers competitive odds. We also have a look at the deposit methods that the site offers. We then go and test every single deposit method. The same testing method applies to promos, cashout, the signup process, testing the betting app, customer support, and placing a bet. The great thing is that our entire team tests every single site. This allows us to give an accurate report about every site that we rank.
SportsBoom double-checks all our information and accuracy by using the best betting sites.
SportsBoom’s betting experts have many years of experience reviewing the best betting sites.
We assure you that our reviewers know exactly the best sites to visit for the best and trusted bookmaker information. We combine industry knowledge with accurate attention to detail and thorough research. Sports betting is a very interesting and fascinating industry. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards in making sure that you get accurate and detailed information. This allows you to make a well-informed betting decision.
Top Payment Methods for South African Punters
Betting sites offer South African punters a large selection of payment methods to choose from. Some of these top payment methods include: e-wallet, 1Voucher, Visa, Master Card and more.
E-wallet: this allows for fast and convenient deposits and withdrawals. e-wallet is also a quick form of deposit. You can also stay anonymous with e-wallet as a payment method. There is no cost to using an e-wallet.
1Voucher: 1Voucher is a voucher that can be purchased at supermarkets. This type of payment method is good if you want to convert your cash into a voucher to bet with. This allows you to monitor your bankroll.
Visa/Mastercard: This is a modern payment method. Just use your debit or credit card to make your deposit. This is probably the most common type of deposit method. It’s also an easy way to deposit your funds. It’s also very secure as you’re depositing funds through both your trusted bank and a reputable betting site.
How to Claim a Bookmaker Bonus in South Africa?
The great thing about a bookmaker bonus is that it’s usually automatically credited to your betting account. Just follow this easy step-by-step process to claim your free bet:
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Just make sure that you’ve complied with all the terms and conditions required to qualify for the bonus – this could include a minimum deposit and placing a bet.
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Once all the qualifying requirements have been met, your free bet will now appear in your betting account.
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You can now use your sports bonus to bet on your favourite sports teams and players.
Popular Competitions South Africans Love to Bet On
South Africans are passionate about sports betting, especially betting on soccer, rugby and cricket. However, they also enjoy betting on all types of sports. People living in the rainbow nation will often bet on international tournaments and local competitions, including the English Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, United Rugby Championship, SA20 and more.
Soccer Betting: people living in the rainbow nation will often bet on international tournaments and local competitions, including the English Premier League, La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. The English Premier League is the premier soccer league in England. The Spanish La Liga has some of the best players in the world. They play for teams in Spain. These teams battle it out to be crowned the best soccer club in Spain. The Champions League sees the best soccer clubs in Europe play against each other. European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all play in Europe’s biggest club competition.
Rugby Betting: The Springboks are four-time Rugby World Cup champions. South Africans feel confident about backing their national rugby team. They also feel proud to bet on the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers. South Africa is incredibly good at rugby. This naturally makes South African punters want to bet on rugby. Besides this, South Africans have a very good knowledge of rugby. What could be better than backing a winning team that is your own country? Rugby betting is a clutch in South Africa. You can bet on the United Rugby Championship, European Rugby Champions Cup, Rugby World Cup and more.
Cricket Betting: Africans have had plenty of heartbreak when it comes to cricket. However, this has not stopped them from betting on the game. You can wager on various cricket tournaments around the world. These tournaments include the SA20, Indian Premier League and ICC T20 Cricket World Cup. These thrilling tournaments offer you lots of matches to bet on. These specific tournaments are very competitive. The SA20 and the IPL in particular are interesting because teams have a massive budget to sign the best players in the world. This makes punters want to add their money to the fun by betting on the action.
Common Types of Betting Offers in South Africa
New free bet deals: Betway, Hollywoodbets and Betfred always offer exciting free bets. Make sure to keep an eye on their promotions page. This ensures that you don’t miss out on any new free bets.
Cash-out betting sites: Hollywoodbets allows you to cash out your bets while your legs are still in play. Meanwhile, Betway also allows you to cash out before the event is over. Betfred has a simple cash-out option. Just select ‘my bets’, choose the bet you wish to cash out then click on the green cash-out button.
Guaranteed odds promotions: Betway, Hollywoodbets and Betfred all offer boosted odds on occasion. Just make sure that you’re constantly checking the promo pages so that you can get the best odds the minute these bookmakers introduce their boosted odds.
Betting Sites Supporting Local Payment Methods
Betway, Hollywoodbets and Betfred all support popular payment methods in South Africa. You can make a deposit and a withdrawal using secure payment methods such as: Capitec Pay, Visa, Mastercard, Ozow, Kazang, EFT and more.
For those who prefer starting small, our low deposit betting sites page highlights sites that allow you to enjoy the thrill of betting without breaking the bank.
Betway payment methods: You can make a deposit and a withdrawal using secure payment methods such as Capitec Pay, Visa, Mastercard, Ozow, Kazang, EFT, and more.
Hollywoodbets payment methods: Nedbank Top Up Voucher, Shoprite Money Market Account, Zapper, Apple Pay, Ozow and more.
Betfred payment methods: Wallet doc, Peach, Capitec Pay, Ozow, Snapscan, Zapper, 1Voucher, OTT Voucher, Blu Voucher.
Examples of online betting markets in South Africa
Match Winner: This betting market is a favourite online betting market in South Africa. Everyone wants to give their predictions and have their say on who is going to win the big game. The result is really what matters most.
Handicap Betting: This is a very exciting betting market. Your team starts with a lead or trailing. You’re now betting on your team to overcome the bookies' handicap. In reality, the game starts at 0-0.
Correct Score Predictions: Correctly predict the final score of the match. Place your bet. For example, if you bet on a 2-2 correct score, and the match ends 2-2, you win your bet!
Each Way Bets: This type of betting market makes things interesting. You’re betting on the result and the placing. It usually offers good odds because you need to get both the result and the placing correct.
Outright Tournament Winners: The anticipation for big local or global tournaments is unrivalled. Your team has the chance to be crowned champions. This type of betting market allows you to place a bet on which team you think will win the tournament. This bet can be placed at any moment during the tournament. Odds will change based on how teams perform. Odds will also change based on which teams have been eliminated, which teams remain, the stage of the tournament, and previous results.
Live Betting in South Africa – How to Get Started
Odds can change and even increase during live betting. You’ll find that you might at times get better odds when placing a live bet compared to betting pre-match. This is because events throughout the game will influence the odds. SportsBoom has created this simple explanation detailing exactly how you can place a live bet with the best betting sites in South Africa
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Join our list of top-ranked betting sites.
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Make your deposit.
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Have a look at all the matches listed under the ‘live’ section – these are all the games that are taking place right at this moment in real-time. Make sure you have a look at the fixtures ahead of time so that you know exactly when you want to place a live bet.
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Live betting can include any market in the game. If a team gets a penalty, you can instantly bet on a goal being scored from the penalty. If a team is awarded a free-kick in a game, you can also bet on a goal being scored from the free-kick. Live betting allows you to monitor the flow of the game. You might have watched hundreds of matches. You now feel based on the way the game is playing that either team will score a goal. Live betting gets you in the game.
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Now choose the match that you wish to place a live bet with, choose your market and confirm your bet stake.
Tips for Online Sports Betting
Make sure that you watch as many matches as you can. Keep an eye on team form and history. This can be used as an indication of what might play out in a match. Also, keep a close watch on injuries. If a key player is missing, this could potentially influence the result of the match. Also keep an eye on team selections, if a strong team is playing their second strength team, this might be a good idea to back the underdog.
We suggest that you have a look at the turnaround times between games. This requires more squad depth and teams can start to lose their form if there are quick turnaround times between matches. The type of tournament will also give you a good betting insight. For example, some teams have a better record in the Premier League than in the Champions League. Make sure you follow transfer news. A new signing can also make a massive impact on the game. And of course, make sure that you’re aware of the odds.
Best Betting Site by Bet Features
SportsBoom has comprehensively analysed betting site features. You might be looking for a betting site that covers absolutely everything. Perhaps you’re looking for a specialist betting site. Read below to see who comes out on top in important categories. These betting sites will level up your betting game.
Best Cash Out Betting Site
Betway again wins with the best cash-out betting site. You’re able to cash out when your team is leading. Cash-out options are available for the majority of sports including, soccer, rugby, cricket, MMA and more.
The Best Betting Sites By Sport
Some betting sites are great for betting on soccer. Other betting sites specialize in rugby betting, cricket betting, MMA betting or other major sports. We’ve selected the best betting sites by sport category.
Soccer Betting: Betway leads the way with its selection of popular soccer betting markets. You can select from 1x2 match results, anytime goalscorer, over/under, and more.
Rugby Betting: Betfred offers punters an incredible rugby betting experience. Get in the game with a large selection of thrilling rugby betting markets and competitive odds. Take your pick from try scorer, race to ten points, 1x2 match result and more.
Cricket Betting: Hit your bet for a six with smashing cricket betting odds from Hollywoodbets. You can bet on top international and local tournaments like the SA20, IPL and more.
MMA Betting: Betway has comprehensive MMA betting markets. You can bet on UFC and back your favourite fighter for victory. If you think your fighter will win via submission or a knockout, you can back them to win with this method of victory.
Responsible Gambling
It’s in the bookmakers’ best interest and your enjoyment of the game to gamble responsibly and remain in control at all times. Don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose. Top betting sites offer you responsible gambling tools. These ensure that you have the necessary support to help you always stay in control. Responsible gambling tools include: a time-out, win/loss, self-exclusion, and more.
Make sure that you wager with betting sites that are licensed and regulated. You’ll notice all these three betting sites have a disclaimer detailing their licences. South African betting sites can be licensed by the Gauteng Gambling Board, West Cape Gambling Board and the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.
SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence.