3 Best Rugby Betting Sites in South Africa – Tested by Experts
Physicality, intensity, grit and precision define the sport of rugby. They are also adequate adjectives to describe our betting insights and strategies! So, whether you are an avid rugby fan, the occasional punter or the sort of in-betweener - we’ll help you find touch before setting a rolling maul on every betting opportunity with top South African betting sites like Betway, Hollywoodbets, and YesPlay. It is the south African way after all!
3 Best South African Rugby Betting Sites
It all comes down to three rugby betting sites in South Africa. We have found the best three bookmakers which cater for all of your rugby needs.
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, France, Argentina, USA
They haven’t been in the South African market for all that long, but Betway have made a massive impact, nonetheless. If you are looking for value odds for rugby – alongside the biggest sports in South Africa – then Betway is certainly for you. Their consistency in access to the biggest rugby events and live games is often unmatched, they are your one-stop shop for rugby betting when it matters most.
Sponsors of the Springboks, they have shown they value and take the rugby community seriously. What sets Betway apart is definitely their live-in-play rugby features but given their willingness to go above and beyond is truly enticing. A first in their market, they offer a full payout on any bet placed on a Springbok win when the Boks go up by seven points in a match!
A variety of markets on offer, top-notch security features with SSL encryption, speedy payment methods including Apple Pay and a host of rugby betting markets, it is no surprise they are such a big player in the market.
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 have become market leaders with features such as Build A Bet as well as their extensive promotions on various sport markets. Hollywoodbets boasts brilliant coverage of sports, including rugby.
Often associated with horseracing events, the famous purple brand has associated itself with a multiplicity of sporting teams. Notably, the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban enjoy the support and commercial backing of the local bookmaker – but that support extends all the way to Europe. For many fans, Hollywood is an easily distinguishable market leader who brings the thrill of the game right to the comfort of your home!
A bookmaker with a quick and easy withdrawal option, they offer Betgames, casino games, and in-depth markets on pretty much every sport around the globe! Their live-in-play betting options are updated constantly, and their interface seems to deal with traffic superbly and possibly most importantly, they offer incredible market odds to customers.
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: South Africa
YesPlay is another leading sportsbook in South Africa, but a fairly new rugby betting site. They offer an extensive range of betting options and markets for rugby fans alongside a sophisticated live-in-play experience which would cater to every type of rugby fan.
South African punters can bet on who wins a tournament, individual fixtures as well as more nuanced options surrounding the points on offer in a game. YesPlay positions itself within the betting community due to its competitive odds and generous promotions.
They have incredibly secure payment options, 24/7 customer support and offer enticing promotions around so-called ‘feature’ rugby events, such as the World Cup, Rugby Championship and United Rugby Championship. You simply have to make use of these generous offers from the bookmaker and potentially turn them into millions!
Pros
Cons
#Ad• 18+• Accept bonus offer• make deposit > R20• 7x wagering•7 day limit• Full terms and conditions apply
Top South African Rugby Betting Apps
Ease and convenience for rugby punters is paramount. Gone are the days where punters would need to take a trip down to the local tote and place a bet. Everything is available on the web and now apps have taken that to next level.
Betway
Arguably the best mobile betting app available, there really isn’t much to dislike about Betway. A global brand, a household name for betting and with such extensive and diverse winning opportunities, Betway achieve ultimate user satisfaction.
Gbets
They have a unique layout, but their diverse markets and easy to use interface make them a serious player in the South African market. Once you use their platform, you are immediately struck by their various bonuses and promotions. From their top welcome bonus, specific sport bonuses and birthday bonuses all available on the app – it is easy to feel at home instantly with them.
10Bet
They offer a brilliant combination of sports and games, all alongside the usual diverse betting markets, easy to use interface and regular bonuses and free bets. However, the loyalty programme they have on their app is what sets them apart.
Their app is easy to use, simple and uncomplicated. Whether you have been in the game for a while or just getting into it, the easy to use and simply to understand app is the real winner here.
South African Rugby Betting Bonuses
South African betting bonuses are available at rugby betting sites, similar to other major sports.
Free Bets: These are usually part of a welcoming offer made by betting companies. Once you have registered an account with a bookmaker, your account is given free bets which can be used for all of your rugby bets.
Odds Boosts: These are usually applicable around big fixtures or popular tournaments such as the United Rugby Championships and the Rugby World Cup. Betway offer odds boosts on Springbok rugby games, whilst Gbets are seemingly the leaders on tournament specific boosts.
Early Payout: Early payouts are applicable on Springbok games in South Africa. If you have taken a win bet on the Springboks with Betway, you are paid out in full should they lead by just seven points!
Rugby Betting Odds & Payouts in South Africa
Rugby is a competitive game which often goes one of two ways. It is very unlikely that a game of rugby ends in a draw (largely due to the scoring methods), but that isn’t to say it is impossible.
Given that the sport is also influenced by the strength and physicality of the team, SA bookmakers will often attach a handicap to rugby fixtures. That is to say that a team is either given a handicap or assisted by it.
Often to realize any value in rugby betting, punters bet on whether or not a team will overcome a handicap margin.
How SportsBoom Rate & Review SA Rugby Bookmakers?
At SportsBoom, our experts engage with the best rugby betting sites and apps to establish a leader in competitive odds, payment options and customer bonuses.
1. Overall Rugby Markets
We look at pre-match odds and outright markets on various rugby matches to ensure that a bookmaker is both relevant and competitive.
2. Live-in-Play Options
On websites and app platforms, bookmakers should be able to offer in-running options while following every tackle and ruck.
3. Competitive Welcome Bonus
The generosity of the welcome bonus is considered for rugby punters. The higher the bonus and the lower the wagering requirements always translate into a happy punter.
4. Retention Bonuses for Rugby Fans
Every betting platform has ongoing promotions and enticing welcome bonuses. Regular retention bonuses include free bets and early payouts for rugby punters taking wagers.
5. Banking Options
Does the bookmaker allow for free and easy deposits? Are the options for the deposit varied so as to cater to the masses and are the withdrawal processes streamlined and easy?
Betting at Rugby Tournaments in South Africa
Rugby is a popular sport in South Africa and the betting opportunities available to punters are varied and incredibly diverse.
These are some of the more popular rugby tournaments when you can bet on and claim many South African rugby betting offers.
Investec Champions Cup
The Investec Champions Cup pits the greatest club rugby sides from Europe and South Africa into a king of kings style championship. Qualification for the tournament takes place through your local domestic season and only the best competes for intercontinental glory.
It is a tournament which sees the biggest names in the game go head-to-head and alongside all of the excitement is the opportunity for punters to have skin in the game.
United Rugby Championship
The United Rugby Championship is a relatively new tournament. It sees teams from Ireland, Italy, Wales, Scotland and South Africa compete for domestic glory. South Africa opted to join the European tournament after falling out with Australian and New Zealand franchise rugby.
Although, some might suggest that it has been a blessing in disguise for the South African franchises.
Rugby Championship
A modern twist to the traditional Tri-Nations, the Rugby Championship pits South Africa against New Zealand, Australia and newcomers Argentina in a tournament held annually. Outside of the Rugby World Cup, this is the only real competitive tournament these nations compete in before their end of season tours.
Under coach Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks have laid claim to this tournament somewhat consistently.
Popular Rugby Betting Markets in South Africa
These are the most popular betting markets for rugby betting.
Winner – Bet on the team who will win the tournament, trophy or the game.
Handicap Betting – Pick a team to either benefit or overcome the set handicap. For example, Team A (-11.5) vs Team B (+11.5).
Halftime/Fulltime – Back a team to be winning at halftime and fulltime during a particular game.
1st Point Method – Bet on how the first points will be scored (penalty or try).
Best Strategies and Tips for Betting on Rugby
As a point of departure, our number 1 tip is to ensure you have a betting account and placing your bets with a reputable sports betting site or bookmaker. During club games, we suggest you do your research on the team’s squad. Identify whether or not international players are available for the game and whether or not the coach has included them.
Ensure you check the forecast for the game you are going to bet on. The weather doesn’t affect whether or not the game will go ahead, but it will definitely affect the way in which teams play. European teams are known for their ability to play in cold and wet conditions, whilst sides from South Africa’s inland region might enjoy the dry hot climate of Gauteng.
Modern sportsbooks offer live betting odds as the game unfolds. Take not of this and do not shy away from placing bets as you see a game’s momentum shifting.
Popular Payment Methods of South African Rugby Bookmakers
As with most betting related payments, everything has its pros and cons. The most popular betting payment methods of South African rugby bookmakers are the following.
Ozow: A leading payment platform in South Africa. They use high security features and facilitate transactions in a unique way. They link your bank account directly and allow you to transfer funds via electronic transfer without the need to set up a beneficiary.
Debit/Credit Cards: These are widely considered the most convenient payment method for most betting sites in South Africa. They are instant, they enjoy global acceptance and have withdrawal limits. What is there not to love?
Recharge Vouchers: Vouchers are becoming the go-to option for conservative South African punters. They are simple to use, do not require a bank card of any sort and for many the anonymity of the process is a real plus.
How to Bet on Rugby in South Africa?
Okay, so you are ready and waiting to place a bet on your favourite rugby team? Here’s what to do.
Open or join a reputable bookmaker
Complete the registration form with all of your personal details
Sign in with your username and password
Enter a promo code if necessary (we recommend making use of this)
Make a 1st deposit. This will activate the account.
Place a bet on rugby!
SportsBoom Suggests
Given everything we have said throughout this article, you might feel a little flustered and spoilt for choice. Worry not young rugby punter, allow us to offer a concise and streamlined conclusion for the best rugby betting experience in South Africa.
Betway is arguably the best option for rugby betting in South Africa. They have an easy-to-use platform with in-depth markets and exclusive promotions associated with the national team.
They are your one-stop shop for all things rugby betting!
FAQs
A punter places a bet on one of the three possible outcomes of the match. Namely, a win/draw or loss.
Hollywoodbets has proven to enjoy a platform with superb live-in-play betting odds as well as a system and interface which can handle high volumes of traffic.
An EFT directly into your account is the safest and easiest way to withdraw your winnings.
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.