Best betting sites in South Africa: Top South African bookmakers: Image: Suppled
Best betting sites in South Africa: Top South African bookmakers
Betting sites in South Africa are a common finding and should be choses wisely. This article seeks to shed more light on the sites.
Best betting sites in South Africa: Top South African bookmakers: Image: Suppled
The potential of sports betting has expanded tremendously with the advent of online betting sites. The types of bets, the sports you bet on, and even the people you bet with have grown and become so much more exciting. You’re missing out if you’re a sports betting fan and have not already signed up with at least one betting site. And really, you should be registered with multiple!
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for your first sports betting site or a new one for odds comparisons. Our experts have picked out the top betting sites in South Africa and concluded that the best of the bunch is Betway. If you want to learn more about Betway and use our exclusive bonus code, head to our Betway South Africa Review.
We’ve also outlined some of the best qualities you should look for in a betting site and gone through some of the best sports you can bet on.
Click the links below to go to one of our recommended sites:
- Betway
- Hollywood bets
- Playa Bets
- Boyle sports
- Sportingbet
- Betfred
- William Hill
- Fafabet
- Yesbet
18+. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Sites South Africa
Betway
Topping our list of top betting sites is Betway. This fantastic site has been operating since 2006, providing a consistently high-quality sportsbook. It offers a solid range of sports to bet on, including our favourites like soccer, rugby and cricket, with deep markets so you can make the exact bet you’re after. Betway also branched out into casino and lotto services, so no matter what gambling experience you’re after, Betway will have you covered.
You can also make use of our exclusive bonus code NDBONUS when creating a new customer account with Betway.
| Pros | Cons |
| Mobile apps on iOS and Android | Limited eSports markets |
| Trusted international brand | |
| Friendly and responsive customer support |
Playa Bets
Our runner-up choice for the best sports betting site is Playa Bets. This is a top-tier betting site with many sports to bet on — with excellent depth on soccer in particular — and decades of experience in the gambling market. Additionally, Playa Bets boasts one of the best promotion line-ups in South Africa, with a generous welcome offer, weekly deposit bonuses and cashbacks!
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent soccer markets | No live streaming |
| Clear and intuitive website design | |
| Lots of fantastic bonuses and promotions |
Hollywood Bets
Hollywoodbets is one of the most iconic betting sites in the country — anyone who’s been to a sporting event will have seen its logo around. This ubiquity is well earned, as it’s a stellar service with lots of betting options and exciting promotions. Hollywoodbets is also a site that takes care of its users, with a solid customer support service that’s friendly and easy to contact, plus handy resources for beginners, so you’ll never get confused.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fair and consistent odds | Inconsistent site layout |
| Fast interface perfect for live betting | |
| Popular and trusted brand |
Boyle Sports
The next betting site on our list is Boyle Sports. This is another of those betting companies that was around for decades before making its way online, so you know it’s a solid and experienced business. Boyle Sports features an arguably simple website design, but it does exactly what it needs to. Navigation is simple, and you can switch between the different betting markets with ease, and there are plenty of them! Throw in their fantastic range of promotions, and you have a recipe for a brilliant betting site.
| Pros | Cons |
| Many generous promotions | Limited live-streamed events |
| 20+ sports to bet on, including eSports | |
| Convenient and responsive customer service |
Sportingbet
Sportingbet is a betting site that’s been through a lot of change over the years, being passed between owners and experiencing ups and downs in its service. However, today the service stands out as a clean and upstanding sportsbook we’re happy to recommend to our readers. You’ll find 30 events to bet on, including more than just sports, and plenty of ways to make payments and withdraw winnings.
| Pros | Cons |
| Many events to bet on, including non-sports | The site has long loading times |
| Good range of payment methods | |
| Solid international licensing |
Betfred
Betfred is a name punters all across the world will recognise. This betting site has been around for years — first established in 1967 and launching the website in 2011 — it has built a fantastic reputation and established itself in betting circles internationally. Betfred offers many bonuses and promotions, offers betting across many sporting and non-sporting events, and even features live betting for in-the-moment excitement.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intuitive and eye-catching website | No VIP scheme |
| Well-established and reputable sportsbook | |
| Custom bet builder |
William Hill
William Hill is one of the world’s biggest and oldest sports betting brands. It was founded almost a century ago in 1934 and has stood strong ever since. Now that it’s moved online, no matter where you are, including us in South Africa, you can take advantage of those decades of experience and top-tier online sportsbook. The betting markets are as deep as they are wide, with more than 30 sports to bet on and some fantastic bonuses to go with them. The icing on the cake is William Hill’s expanded gambling service, featuring a casino and poker rooms alongside the sportsbook.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-standing, experienced betting company | Slow payouts |
| Secure, protected payment methods | |
| 30+ sports to bet on |
Fafabet
Fafabet didn’t enter the South African betting market until 2022, but it’s already made a splash with its attractive website, many sports betting options, and its mobile app which allows you to manage your bets on the go. We also loved the exciting live betting feature, the live streams available on-site, and the high standard of safety at Fafabet. This is a betting site where you can make your wagers feeling secure and confident.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean and easy-to-navigate website | Live chat support is not available 24/7 |
| Competitive odds | |
| Fully licensed in South Africa |
YesPlay
The final betting site we have to recommend to you is YesPlay. One look at this website will explain its place on this list; the slick website that’s a dream to use and pleasant to look at practically speaks for itself, and making bets on the deep markets for soccer, cricket, rugby, and more is fun and hassle-free. YesPlay also takes good care of its punters, with easy-to-access responsible gambling tools on the home page and a friendly customer support service on hand if things go pear-shaped.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast payouts | Fewer sports compared to competition |
| Fantastic welcome offer | |
| Native mobile apps on iOS and Android |
Choosing the Best Betting Sites in South Africa
These are our favourite betting sites in South Africa, but how do we determine they’re the best? We’ve outlined our most important criteria when choosing a betting site so you can be prepared when looking for one yourself.
Welcome Bonus
One of the first things we address when assessing a betting site is the quality of the welcome bonus. You want to ensure you’re getting a good deal when signing up and that the offer isn’t just a lot of pretty numbers. This will come down to the value of the bonus funds on offer and the wagering requirements attached — if they’re too high, you might never be able to withdraw your winnings.
Betting Options
This is why we come to a betting site: to see the range of sports betting options. Online betting sites have the advantage of hosting many sports, both popular and niche, so we want to know that the site has many options to choose from. At the very least, we want to make sure all the most popular sports are available, like soccer, cricket and rugby.
Live Betting
Another fun aspect of online sports betting is that you can do it whenever, including in the middle of an event. Live sports betting can be particularly exciting, with constantly changing odds as a game progresses. So, we always prefer a betting site that offers this feature. You can usually see if a site has live betting right on the home page.
Odds
Odds can change significantly between different sites, so the best sportsbooks will have consistently competitive odds, offering better options than their competitors. This is one to be careful with because the odds on a website can fluctuate depending on how the sports season pans out and the technology its odd-makers work with. Due to this fluctuation, it’s worth keeping up with regular odds comparisons and being registered with several reliable betting sites at once.
Mobile Betting and Apps
Technology has been moving at full throttle in the past few decades, allowing us to take our online activities wherever we want. It’s even reached the point where reviewers like us expect mobile compatibility from all our candidates. A good sports betting site will adapt well to a smaller screen, working seamlessly with mobile web browsers. And the best betting sites will have dedicated apps to further streamline the interface and cut down on loading times.
Registration Process
Registration should never be frustrating. Account creation needs to be straightforward and well-signposted; otherwise, a site risks turning away users from the outset. And if a site is willing to overlook something so important, what else has it overlooked? Registration also shouldn’t ask for unnecessary information, so your private details stay safe, and if claiming the welcome bonus is a part of this process, it shouldn’t be easy to miss.
Payment Methods
This is something an inexperienced user might not consider, but a betting site should support a suitable range of payment options. This is for both making deposits and withdrawing your winnings. Not everyone has access to the same transaction methods, and different options will be better suited to different betting styles. Options you should expect to see are credit and debit cards, e-wallets and direct bank transfers.
User Experience and Reviews
A website can tick every box we’ve laid out so far, but it’s all for nought if users can’t properly use it. So, we want to see a well-designed website that’s easy to navigate and has a simple betting process. Some stand-out betting sites also feature helpful information and tutorial videos so beginners can get started without issue.
Additionally, we like to know what the general public has to say about the betting site. While many reviews can be dismissed for various reasons, overwhelming negative or positive feedback can reveal a lot about a site’s legitimacy before you’ve even looked at it.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient — you can place bets from the comfort of your couch | Loses the social aspect |
| Bonuses and promotions — from extra funds to free bets to cashback bonuses | Might encourage problem gambling in vulnerable people |
| Greater betting options online | |
| A wealth of information to consider when making bets — allows for smarter betting |
How to Sign Up to a Betting Site
Signing up with good betting sites is easier now than ever. And it’s even easier when you use our links! So you know what to expect, here’s the general process when you create a new account at an online sportsbook:
- Pick a good betting site — use one of our links to receive a fantastic welcome bonus.
- Start registering a new account — the sign-up button should be easy to find on the home page or straight from the link if you use one.
- Enter your details — this will include name, age, address, email, etc.
- Enter the promo code — if your chosen site requires a promo code to redeem the welcome bonus, you’ll do it during this part of the process.
- Verify your account — this doesn’t have to be done immediately, but the quicker you get it done, the less trouble you’ll have when trying to cash out your winnings.
- Make your first deposit — if your welcome bonus requires a minimum deposit to activate, make sure you meet it.
- Start making bets! — now it’s time to place your wagers and have fun, and don’t forget to meet wagering requirements on any bonuses you’ve claimed.
What’s Popular in Online Betting?
If you don’t know where to start with so many betting options, here are some of the most popular sports to bet on in South Africa.
Soccer Betting
As our most popular sport, it’s unsurprising that soccer betting is also highly popular. You can find more markets for it than any other sport, and these bets are flourishing year-round.
Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing has always been a classic betting sport, and while all other forms of betting were banned, betting on the races has remained the one exception in 1965. Some of the biggest horse racing meets in the world are hosted in South Africa, so you know you can find some excellent betting options at all the best betting sites.
Rugby Betting
South Africa is well known for its track record in rugby, and its popularity makes it a fantastic sport to bet on. You’ll find plenty of matches for home and international teams at top betting sites.
Cricket Betting
Cricket is a sport taken very seriously in South Africa, with high standards of play across the board. Whether you’re hoping to bet on the Twenty20, ODI or International Test Cricket, you’ll find the markets you’re after at betting sites.
eSports Betting
One of the more modern sports to bet on, competitive eSports have seen a sharp rise in the last decade and offer a unique betting experience compared to other events. While eSports are still working their way into the mainstream, most betting sites feature markets for the most popular games like League of Legends and Dota 2.
Fantasy League Betting
The internet hasn’t just revolutionised how we bet, but the things we bet on. You don’t have to bet on a single team now, but can compile your own, using your sports knowledge to craft a winning team to bet on. Online fantasy sports are also simple to engage with as the website handles the different numbers and changes throughout the season.
Is sports betting legal in South Africa?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in South Africa under the 2004 amendment to the 1996 Gambling Act. While gambling of all kinds was banned back in the 60s — except horse racing — the gambling industry was legalised and regulated by the South African government in 1996, and has seen several changes since.
Under these changes, while online casinos have yet to find their legal foothold, sports betting sites are perfectly legal in South Africa. Sports betting sites must be licensed within South Africa to be considered legal, however, and laws vary a little between provinces, each of which issues its own licences. The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board has handed out the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are betting sites in South Africa trustworthy?
Yes! To operate in South Africa, betting sites must be licensed by domestic regulators. So you know that if you can access a betting site in South Africa, it’s well-regulated and trustworthy.
Are betting sites in South Africa mobile-friendly?
Many betting sites have moved to mobile platforms to meet the demand for on-the-go betting. Most sites will work well on mobile browsers, and others have apps to improve the mobile experience.
Can I sign up to multiple betting sites?
Of course, you’re never limited to just one betting site. In fact, it’s highly recommended by experienced gamblers to sign up to a few. Odds are different between sites, so being registered with a few means you can find the best odds on any given bet.
What betting payment methods are popular in ZA?
Popular payment methods on South African betting sites include OZOW, Neteller, credit/debit cards like Visa and MasterCard, and direct bank transfers.
What are betting odds?
Betting odds are set around the likelihood of an outcoming, affecting how much money you win from a wager. The more likely something will happen, like a team winning a game, the less money you’ll win from the bet. You can find many in-depth explanations at your favourite betting sites.
