Sports Betting Sites in South Africa
Looking for South Africa's best betting sites? Our handpicked list of licensed and reputable bookmakers offers generous bonuses, solid security, and convenient local payment methods.
This information cuts through the clutter to inform you which betting sites are worth your time. We do so by focusing on soccer, cricket, and rugby — the betting categories that South Africans care about — and we highlight the betting sites that do those things well.
Online Betting Sites in South Africa:
| Operator | Bonus | Features | Claim Now |
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100% Match
Up to R3000 |
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200% Match
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100% BONUS
UP TO 100$ |
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100% Match
Up to R1000 |
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R25 Sign Up Bonus
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100% Match
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500% Match
Up to $2800 |
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100% WELCOME BONUS
UP TO 100 EUR |
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Where should you place your bets in South Africa's online gambling market? With more than 50 licensed online bookmakers and betting sites to choose from, this may not be the easiest choice you have to make.
The South African online gambling industry is the largest in Africa, and it is expected that sports punting will reach $394.80m by 2024, which is a significant amount of money moving through the system - but how can you tell which sites you can trust?
The experts here have spent hours researching the top South African betting sites to help you get the most important and most critical information you need. We only endorse operators that are legal and fully licensed, regulated under the National Gambling Act, which legalized all forms of gambling in the area. We do not recommend any offshore sites that are illegal in South Africa.
What can you expect from this guide? We will review the top 5 betting sites in South Africa to help you figure out whatever from best bonus offers (YesPlay has 100% deposit match up to 3000 R) to app functionality, payment options, and customer service. Whether your thing is big welcome bonuses, large betting markets, or fast payouts, we will give clues based on our testing on which are likely to come through.
Top 5 Best Betting Sites in South Africa 2025
We have tested and reviewed dozens of real-money deposit and withdrawal platforms, and we have identified the best betting sites that provide the best experiences for South African bettors. Each of the identified sites is strong in different ways; whether that's in bonuses, mobile experience, number of markets or user experience.
Here's what we've found through testing and research on our favorites:
1. YesPlay
YesPlay brings a unique approach to online betting in South Africa, and we were impressed from the start of testing. They are licensed through the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, so you can bet knowing everything is above board and legal.
What we noticed right away is that the interface is very simple and easy to navigate, whether you are a regular bettor or just getting started you will find everything where it is supposed to be.
The numbers tell the main story, YesPlay has nearly 9,000 casino games, including over 50 table games for a proper casino experience. If you’re a slot player, the average RTP rates are good, with RTP as high as 98% in some games, with an average ROI around 96%.
For the sports betting section it covers popular sports that South Africans enjoy such as soccer, cricket, tennis, volleyball, and rugby. While it may not have the biggest offer it does focus on delivering competitive odds, especially for soccer and basketball.
Here’s something bettors that are budget conscious would love to hear, YesPlay is approachable with minimum betting stake at just R1 across all events/sports. Their welcome offer, a 100% on your first deposit bonus, is another way to take advantage of the complete product, betting up to R3,000.
The banking process is refreshing and straight forward, focusing primarily on South African banking methods, with bank transfer and debit card options.
2. 1xbet
1xBet has grown into a global betting superpower, and it is easy to see why by their presence in South Africa. 1xBet began in 2007 with land-based betting shops, and went on to offer an online betting website in 2012, and they have not looked back since. They are licensed in Curacao (eGaming Licence #1668/JAZ).
1xBet is different from the other major international brands purely on the large number of sports and events available to bet on, combined with the competitive odds and promotions. We have spent a considerable amount of time using their platform - it is available in a staggering 43 languages to date including English, and although the site is not the prettiest, we found the content worked 'beautifully' across all devices. The user interface is organized sensibly with content broken up into relevant sections such as 'Line', 'Live', 'Promo', and 'Casino'.
New South African players are rewarded too - offering a remarkable 200% deposit match with a minimum deposit of only R20. The bonus works like this: the first half (which is up to a value of R1500) has a 5x playthrough requirement, while the second half is linked to betting on 1xGames with a 30x rollover playthrough requirement.
In our testing, we were more than impressed with their odds. Their average bookmaker margin across the board falls between 1.5% and 2%, rarely exceeding 3%. This results in genuine and competitive betting odds offered on a wide range of sports.
Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, phone and email - all incredibly useful when betters find themselves in a pinch while wagering on a major sporting event.
3. Betway
Betway started in South Africa in 2017 and is now the main destination for mobile sports betting. It holds a proper license from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (license number: 10181496-007) so you can bet completely legitimately.
What is so great about Betway? The brand offers a dynamic, very simple platform for bettors in South Africa to bet on their local teams in competitions or international competitions. They offer betting markets on football, rugby, cricket, tennis, and other competitions with constantly improving odds.
The biggest selling point is that Betway provides data-free betting. Bettors can browse their site, bet, deposit and withdraw without having to worry about consuming data, which is a massive advantage in a country like South Africa where data costs can be expensive.
New customers are offered a 100% deposit match frebet up to R1,000 bet on sports betting or a bonus of R2,000 aggregated on casino games. The minimum bet ranges at R1 take a bet for and R20,000 can be won on a single bet for existing accounts.
We must mention the mobile site. Both the app and mobile site allow users to effortlessly live bet without constant refreshing of the browser tab.
4. 1win
Launched in 2016, 1Win offers SA punters a wealth of variety and is operated under a Curacao license (8048/JAZ2018-040) that accepts ZAR, which is really useful for local punters when placing bets.
Their welcome bonus is also exciting - you can score a massive 500% bonus on your first four deposits (up to R14,000). Each bonus works out as follows: 200% on your first deposit, 150% on your second deposit, 100% on your third deposit and 50% on your fourth.
1Win's sportsbook allows users bet on popular South African sports, including rugby, cricket and soccer. Their live betting option allows you to bet in-play on tennis, volleyball, soccer and esports.
The casino section features an incredible collection of over 17,000 games, including slots, live casino games and rapid games. They also publish a weekly casino cashback offer with rebates of 30% in losses with the Slots section.
Their deposit limits range from a minimum of of R19 to a maximum of R57,518,100 while their withdrawal limits are capped from a minimum of R288 to a maximum of R479,318.
5. Hollywoodbets
Hollywoodbets is one of the best sports betting companies in South Africa. It offers extensive coverage of horse racing, football, cricket, rugby, tennis, and motorsport. It has a well-developed retail presence with 84 branches across South Africa and operates under gaming licenses from seven provincial regulators.
Recognition is a great indicator of a company's credibilities, and Hollywoodbets ranked number 8 on the iGaming Business Magazine's March 2019 Top 50 Gaming Sites Worldwide list. They are not just a South African-based website; their operations are being extended into Mozambique, Ireland, and the UK.
Hollywoodbets has a unique promotion called "Soccer Money Back" which allows customers the ability to get back payouts of up to 10 times their stake, a type of insurance on football bets. They currently do not have a specific mobile app yet, but their mobile site is optimised for mobile devices enabling sleek performance on all devices.
Hollywoodbets shows it is serious about all aspects of South African sports through its title sponsorship of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins cricket team, Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Kings Park rugby Stadium, and the prestigious Durban July Handicap. Again, the fact that they are a local presence builds a certain level of credibility and genuine trust in communities they operate in.
They have payment flexibility that stands out from other betting companies in South Africa. They accept traditional options like Direct EFT and credit cards, as well as modern options like cryptocurrency and mobile money. Customer support is available 24/7, so help is always available when need arises.
Comparison of the Top Betting Sites
When looking to compare betting sites the devil is the details. Our experts have tested these sites and we break down where each excels, and where it comes up short. Here are the important takeaways.
Bonus offers and promotions
The welcome bonuses are a huge draw, but it is more about the terms of the offer that matter. Here is a summary of our top 5:
| Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Key Features | Wagering Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| YesPlay | 100% match up to R3,000 | Instant EFT, local support, wide lotto & casino selection | 30x bonus wagering |
| 1xBet | 200% deposit match up to R2,000 | Huge sportsbook + thousands of casino games | 5x sports / 35x casino |
| Betway | 100% up to R1,000 (sports) / R2,000 (casino) | Trusted brand, free bet promotions, live betting | 10x sports / 30x casino |
| 1Win | 500% across first 4 deposits (up to R14,000) | Progressive welcome, weekly cashback, mobile app | 30x casino wagering |
| Hollywoodbets | R25 sign-up bonus + 50 Free Spins | SA’s biggest bookmaker, horse racing & lotto markets | 1x on sign-up bonus / 20x on free spins |
Betway is great because there are no turnover requirements on their free bet offers - you win, you win. Hollywoodbets keeps it easy with a 1x wager on their R25 sign-up bonus.
Mobile app availability
Mobile betting is no longer optional - it's essential for South African punters wanting to bet on the move:
- YesPlay has chosen to have a responsive mobile website instead of a mobile app that is well-designed, fast, and functional on all devices.
- 1xbet has a very sophisticated mobile app available on 43 languages and sections that match the desktop experience incredibly well.
- Betway has the best mobile apps available on Android (requires Android 5.0+ and 43.89MB) and iOS (requires iOS 11.0+ and 53.9MB); their most impressive conclusion is that they also offer a data-free app version that has opened so many doors for South African punters that care about data.
- 1win's mobile app provides nearly the same experience as the desktop site, has clean and simplified structure, and is optimized to work on smaller screens.
- Hollywoodbets have not released a mobile app at this point in time while they do have a mobile website that performs strong across all different devices.
Licensing authority
Legal protection is no negotiable. Here's who is supporting each platform:
- YesPlay has a licensing from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board - one of the most respected jurisdictions in South Africa.
- 1xbet has a Curacao eGaming license (No. 1668/JAZ) - while it is internationally accepted, it is not South African specific.
- Betway has a license from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (number: 10181496-007) giving bettors full legal protection.
- 1win has a Curacao license (8048/JAZ2018-040) which allows them to operate in South Africa.
- Hollywoodbets operates with licenses from multiple provinces via their 84 locations in South Africa including Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Casino and sports coverage
Game range and betting types shape your entertainment value:
- YesPlay is impressive with almost 9000 casino games plus 50+ table games. Sports coverage looks solid and hits on all major areas like soccer, cricket, tennis, volleyball and rugby with competitive odds.
- 1xbet has a broad range with publisher margins generally between 1.5-2%, on rare occasions exceeding 3%, providing for consistent, competitive odds across sports markets.
- Betway covers various team sports, including football, rugby, cricket, and tennis, with over 25,000 live betting events every month. They prioritize popular South African markets, keeping in mind the games they select for the whole calendar year, and the most favorable odds.
- 1win marries a wide covering sportsbook (rugby, cricket, and football) and very few on the localized casino games with over 17,000 online casino games over various slots, live casino, and quick games.
- Hollywoodbets excel in the variety of markets they cover across horse racing, football, cricket, rugby, tennis, and motorsport. They also seem interested in 40+ country leagues, covering Serie A, La Liga, J-League, A-League, and PSL, among others. Their community-based sponsorship connected to local teams, local players, and events is a testament to their deepening commitment to South African sports.
Each in its right has a unique edge on the other; ultimately, the platform you prefer depends on the most important favor for your betting style, such as bonus value, mobile suitability, Payout methods, legal license permission, and game variety.
How We Picked These Sportsbooks
With so many sites to review, it's vital to identify what separates the good from the great. There are 30+ sites that get ongoing local traffic, but only a few actually deliver when it matters.
- Firstly Checking for Licensing You should start by confirming if a site is licensed. Reliable sites are almost always licensed with the Western Cape Betting and Racing Board or the Mpumalanga Economic Inspector. These agencies ensure they follow the FICA law, inspect the age of the player, and have a safe payment process. The site must be licensed and follow FICA laws and have a bank-grade safe process. If there is no license, I absolutely do not care about the site AT ALL. SAFETY is paramount!
- Payment Options & Coverage While considering payments, it is important for payments to be flexible. South African punters like to have a choice of many options including EFT, Payfast, OTT Voucher, Zapper, OZOW, and then a normal debit or credit card. Deposits will usually hit instantly, while withdrawals can take anywhere from 2 hours to 3 workdays. Payment speed is hugely important.
- Changing Odds & Market Coverage Odds can shift and shift often very quickly. Betway and Gbets regularly have the best on return especially on local competitions. The coverage must be extensive when it comes to local sports. PSL soccer, Currie Cup rugby, and lots of equestrian events. The best sites will offer an extensive local sports portfolio, while even cross referencing some international options. The best sites will also even have an Premier League bet and international cricket options. It’s about covering as broadly as you can.
- Real-Time Live Betting Real-time live betting is intense, and odds must change at the local level whilst graphics stay responsive. Sportingbet has a strong live betting site and cash-out features works well. Users enjoy the experience.
- Prompt Support Systems But even after a rare issue? Leading sites offer live chat, e-mail, and phone numbers. Most of the time 24/7. Prompt responses and having a knowledgeable representative makes a major difference. Great sites should also offer FAQs and starter guides for those new to the site, as user support is always high priority!
Is Online Betting Legal in South Africa?
Online gambling's legal context in South Africa is not as clear-cut as it could be. Many bettors have probably wondered what is legal and what really isn't in South Africa. Let's keep the legalese and find out the answers you need.
Provincial Licensing Explained
This is the most complicated part for some bettors - South Africa has a dual regulatory system that can confuse even the most experienced gambler. The National Gambling Act of 2004 established the National Gambling Board (NGB) as the primary governing organization, but every province has the power to operate and license independently from one another.
These provincial gambling boards call the shots in their territories:
- Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
- Gauteng Gambling Board
- KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board
- Eastern Cape Gambling Board
- Limpopo Gambling Board
- Mpumalanga Economic Regulator
- Northern Cape Gambling Board
- North West Gaming Board
- Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority
Each provincial board has sole authority within its own borders to issue gambling licenses, and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board has emerged as the heavyweight champion here because it has issued more online bookmaker licenses than anyone else.
How to check if a site is licensed
Do not depend on simply googling it and thinking you can trust the outcome. Trust me, I have tried different methods of determining if a site is licensed, and the following is what actually works:
Always check the website footer or homepage for licensing information as a first point of call. True South African sportsbooks typically will have websites with a ".co.za" domain ending. If they do not, then I'm raising my eyebrows.
Want to be absolutely sure? Follow these steps:
- Spot the license number on the site
- Cross-check with the provincial board's official website
- Call the regulatory authority directly if you're still unsure (Gauteng Gambling Board: 011-581-4800)
All licensed operators ought to display their license credentials at their physical location and on their online sites. And when still unsure, just scroll through the Terms and Conditions - if they are reputable they have nothing to hide.
What games are legally allowed
Online sports betting is legal and available in South Africa considering you use licensed operators. You can also bet on sports and horse racing. But, the problem is, online casinos are illegal (unless the sites have obtained an exception from the province).
Fixed odds betting and live betting is perfectly legal through licensed operators or sites. Conversely, interactive gambling (online casino games, poker, bingo, etc.) stays illegal under the National Gambling Act 2004. The only exemptions to the general ban of interactive gambling are licensed horse racing and licensed sports betting.
FICA verification requirements
The Financial Intelligence Center Act (FICA) verification requirements are strict. Every betting site will ask you to go through the process, and I have done it several times. You need:
- Valid South African ID (green barcoded or smart card) or passport
- Less than three months old proof of address
- And sometimes a recent bank statement from a South African bank
FICA verification generally takes 24-48 hours, but during peak times this can take longer. This process protects operators and players from money laundering risks.
If you don’t go through the FICA verification process, the operators can freeze your account without notice. Similarly, if you gamble on an illegal site, the bank will confiscate the winnings before they can be placed in your account.
Which Sports Are Best for Betting in South Africa?
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)
- Helpline: 0800 006 008
- Tel: 011 026 7323
- Email: [email protected]
National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP)
- https://www.ngb.org.za
- Gambling helpline: 0800 006 008
Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
- Tel: 021 480 7400
- Fax: 021 422 2614
- Email: [email protected] (general enquiries)
Ready to start betting?
While South Africa has an abundance of betting options, making informed decisions comes down to understanding your betting habits. After trying these betting sites with real money, we can tell you that it's not a matter of chance or luck—success comes down to using the right betting site that meets your needs.
Our top 5 have strengths in different areas. YesPlay has a phenomenal catalog of games (nearly 9,000 to choose from), while Betway's money-saving data-free betting was also impressive. 1xbet offers a 200% welcome bonus, while Hollywoodbets' local sponsorships build real confidence among South African punters.
Through our hands-on testing, we found the following to be take-it-or-leave-it factors when narrowing down our selections:
- Security protocols - Two-factor authentication matters more than basic encryption
- Withdrawal speed - Same-day payouts beat waiting a week every time
- Market depth - Top sites offer 100+ betting options on PSL matches
- Mobile performance - Smooth functionality across all screen sizes keeps you in the action
Approximately 70% of online bets are now placed via mobile. That shouldn't come as a surprise considering how well suited these sites have been to on-the-go betting.
The market continues to evolve too. Payment via cryptocurrency is popularizing, virtual sports are somehow still advancing, and provincial licensing authorities are working towards legislating consistency amongst their jurisdictions. All of these developments should make betting easier for punters in terms of choice and protections.
What is the best betting site? That only depends on your priorities. The best advice we have is to try several betting sites with small deposits first. See what you think of the interface, customer service, and payment before depositing significant amounts of money. You'll find all betting sites aren't created equally, and these interactions will help you find the sites you like best.
Gambling online is entertainment and not a money making scheme, as I'm sure you're aware. Take advantage of the deposit deral limits and tools to set your limits and stay within them. At some point, your bankroll will dwindle down to nothing, and instead of contemplating depositing again, just log off and call it a day!