Betting Sites in South Africa

South Africa has one of the biggest online gambling sectors in Africa. With the sports punting market expected to hit $394.80m by 2024 end, the presence of many operators in the nation is evident. This has also encouraged more South Africans to engage in sports betting but choosing the right platform is not always easy.

Aside from limited sports coverage, some bookies may not be safe for punters. Prioritizing your safety, comfort, and entertainment, our team examines various online betting sites available for South Africans. In this guide, you'll learn about the best bookmakers, their licenses, sports coverage, bonuses and other details. We'll also discuss how to pick the right bookie for smooth wagering.

List of Top Betting Sites in South Africa

Faced with multiple options, choosing where to bet can be overwhelming for some punters. However, we have streamlined the process for you. With a thorough evaluation of the bookmakers in the nation, we discuss the top betting sites in South Africa. These platforms guarantee a safe and premium punting experience to all bettors.

1xBet

1xBet is an international betting brand which has existed since 2007. Wagering here is safe because the platform holds a Curaçao License with license number 1668/JAZ. The platform is encrypted and you can even add 2-factor authentication to strengthen your account security.

With over 50 sports available to choose from, punters can enjoy a non-stop wagering experience with wide markets and impressive odds. Match winners, totals, prop bets and many more options are available for bettors of football, basketball, tennis, etc. They are available for pre-match and in-play games whether you use the desktop or mobile app.

To further make sports betting more entertaining, you can enjoy up to 3000 ZAR as a welcome bonus and many other perks. South Africans can reach customer support using multiple channels and as they partner with PSG, Barcelona and a host of others, the platform is legit. Our investigation of this platform reveals some features that enhance the gaming experience and they are:

• In-play and live-streaming
• Cryptocurrency
• Cash-out
• Regarding bonus
• Live chat customer support.

Join 1xbet

10bet

10Bet is another reliable brand that provides betting services across 25+ sports to South Africans. The platform started in 2003 and has built a solid reputation over the years. In South Africa, it is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator with License Number: 9-2-1-09661. The platform is also encrypted against unauthorized parties amongst other security measures.

As expected of top sportsbooks in South Africa, Football, rugby, baseball, cricket and other top sports are available. Bettors can enjoy their favourite in-play and pre-match markets with excellent odds here. This is accessible through the simple user interface and layout. Android and Huawei users can install the apps on their devices for more convenience.

Bonus lovers can claim 3,000 ZAR at first deposit using any of the 13+ banking options available. 10Bet partners with Golden Arrows FC and the Bafana Bafana. Some outstanding features we note with the platform include:

• Cashout
• In-Play
• Livescore and statistics
• Multiple banking methods
• Mobile app

Join 10bet

YesPlay

YesPlay is one of the popular South African betting sites and it started operation in 2002. This platform has licenses from local regulators like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board with a 10180204-011 license number. It has also become more reliable over the years, thanks to the solid security system in place.

You can enjoy football, rugby, baseball, tennis, and 15+ other sports here. Whether you are a fan of pre-match or live bets, you will find wide markets with competitive odds on this bookmaker. As a new user, you can redeem a 100% bonus of up to R3000 on your first deposit which can be completed with local and international payment methods available.

Reaching their customer support can’t be easier with live chat, phone calls and WhatsApp channels on standby. The comfort that the iOS and Android apps made it one of the best betting sites in the region. Some exciting features for SA punters include:

• Live betting
• User-friendly interface
• Generous promotions
• Mobile apps
• Excellent customer support

Join YesPlay

Pinnacle

Pinnacle has been around since 1998 and it has provided top-tier gaming services for punters for over 2 decades, building a solid reputation in the process. Pinnacle Sports, as it was first called before the 2016 name change, is licensed by the Curacao government.

South Africans can also place their in-play and pre-match bets across 16+ sports on this bookie. One of the factors that distinguish Pinnacle from all betting sites is that they don’t offer bonuses but they made up for this with their low margin. This gives punters the best odds when they bet on the options available here. This is evident in how the platform has remained in business for 25+ years.

Aside from bank cards and e-wallets, you can fund and withdraw via cryptocurrencies, vouchers, bank transfers, etc. The customer support is equally excellent. Based on our findings on the platform, we believe you'll love the following attributes:

• Multiple payment options
• In-Play
• Licensed and safe
• Cashout
• Live chat customer support

Join Pinnacle

1win

This brand is one of the platforms punters in this region can run to for credible, entertaining and safe punting. Launched in 2016, it has a Curaçao License with 8048/JAZ22018-040 registration number. Our investigation also shows that the platform is encrypted and has a solid security system.

Picking any of the 30+ sports is easy with the friendly interface. Football, cricket, rugby and many other sports offer vast market coverage and competitive odds compared with other sports betting sites. All these are also available for in-play bets, even when you use the iOS or Android apps.

You can claim up to 10,620 ZAR welcome bonus amongst other promos. Ozow, Snapscan, and Uchinga are some local payment methods available if you don't want to fund with bank cards or transfers. The 24/7 customer support provides standby help for gamers on this platform. Some notable attributes include:

• Android and iOS apps
• Cashout
• Multiple payment options and currencies
• Generous promotions
• Excellent customer service

Join 1win

Megapari

South Africans who want a modern punting experience on a secured platform can try Megapari. This 2019 bookmaker is one of the top new betting sites for sports and casino punting. The bookie has multiple licenses from Curaçao, the Autonomous Island of Anjouan and the Union of Comoros with License number ALSI-112310012-F15.

You can explore 40+ sports here with impressive market coverage for in-play and pre-match wagers. Aside from the competitive odds, navigation here is simple due to the user-friendly interface. Bettors can even find both crypto and fiat currencies with many banking options available.

Players can claim a 2025 ZAR bonus on their first deposit with the bookmaker. Reaching the support team is also a breeze with multiple channels. According to our review, we believe you'll love the following features of the platform.

• Vast sports and market
• In-Play
• Live chat support
• Cryptocurrencies
• Generous promotions

Join Megapari

BetWinner

Wagering on BetWinner is another way to access quality and secure online gambling adventures for SA bettors. You can explore varying markets across 35+ sports with impressive odds. In-Play is also available for most of the sports and safety is guaranteed whether you play with the mobile app or desktop devices.

Although the brand launched its online platform in 2016, it has built a solid reputation since 2007 when it was created. The site holds an Antillephone license under Curaçao with the number 8048/JAZ. It is also encrypted, keeping your activities and information safe.

There are diverse banking methods for South Africans using this platform. Aside from a 2000 ZAR up for grabs for new users, there are tons of other bonuses available. Our interactions with the support team reveal users have multiple methods available 24/7. For an enhanced gaming experience, BetWinner offers features like:

In-play with live-streaming

Wide sports and games

Cashout and Betbuilder

Multiple bonuses

24/7 customer support

Join BetWinner

22Bet

Enjoy a premium sports betting experience across 40+ sports when you use 22bet. This 2018 platform has Curaçao License to operate across the globe, including South Africa. The reference number is 8048/JAZ and with the SSL encryption, it keeps your details and activities confidential.

You can explore vast markets in football, basketball, rugby, cricket, horse racing, etc., pre-match and in-play events. The mobile apps for iOS and Android make this site more accessible. There are numerous promos for you, starting with the 100% deposit match up to 2550 ZAR.

The platform accepts many cryptocurrencies amongst many banking methods common with best betting sites. Seeking help from customer support is also easy with many available channels. Some of the interesting features we noted during our review of this site are:

• Live streaming
• Live betting
• Generous promotions
• Cashout
• Bet insurance
• Excellent customer service

Join 22Bet

Melbet

Melbet is another popular global brand that extends its services to South Africans. Launched in 2012, it has grown into being one of the best Betting Sites in South Africa with its 40+ sports, impressive market array and competitive odds. Match winners, correct scores, total, and others are available for in-play and pre-match events across football, basketball, cricket, baseball, rugby and others.

Wagering on Melbet is safe with an Antillephone License under 8084/JAZ2020-060 number and the site uses the SSL encryption. The user-friendliness of the platform and the wide and periodic promotional offers are our favourite aspects of this platform. They accept cryptocurrencies in addition to Skrill, VISA and other common banking methods.

Enjoy betting on the go when you install the iOS or Android version of the bookie. The live chat and other customer support can help you with any issues in no time and they are available 24/7. They are media partners with La Liga and the official partner of Juventus to mention but few. Some of the highlights we noted while using this brand include:

• Vast sports and casino games
• Excellent markets and odds
• Generous bonuses
• Mobile apps
• Cashout and Live-streaming

Join Melbet

Betway

Betway is one of the few international brands that has become a household name in the country. It has existed since 2006, debuted in SA in 2017 and is one of the most used South African betting sites ever since. Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board licensed Betway (No. 10181496-009).

Aside from the 25+ sports available, punters have one of the best odds here and this extends to all events. Football, esports, basketball, rugby and others have wide market coverage for both live and pre-match bets. Starting your wagering experience with a 1000 ZAR bonus shows many other perks await you here.

The brand also partners with Arsenal, West Ham United, Springboks, Atletico Madrid, and other brands to further prove their credibility. With Ozow, FNB, Visa and others, seamless transactions are certain. The Betway mobile app is one of the best betting sites in the region, available for Android and Huawei. We love the following features of this brand:

• Vast sports and markets
• Live chat support
• Cashout
• In-play and live-streaming
• Mobile applications

Join Betway

SportPesa

SportPesa is a 2014 bookmaker which offers sportsbook and casino services in many African nations, including South Africa. You can bet live and pre-match events on football, rugby union, cricket and others here. The smooth-running platform makes wagering easier and the wide market coverage and competitive odds make wagering more rewarding.

The Award-winning sportsbook is licensed by Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board under number 10183090-006 in 2017. After combing this sportsbook, we did not find any promotion which is strange when compared with the best betting sites in this region. You can consult customer support via the live chat or email channel.

Funding and payout here are easy with cards, EFT, e-wallets, vouchers and many others at your disposal. This brand also partners with Everton, Hull City, Southampton, Cape Town City FC, and many other sporting brands. Some unique features of SportPesa include:

• Competitive odds
• Betbuilder
• Cashout
• in-Play
• Mobile compatibility

Join SportPesa

Sportingbet

Sportingbet is another internationally known gaming brand that accommodates bettors in South Africa. With top casino and sportsbook services since 1997, this is one of the few reputable online betting sites with proven longevity. Enjoy your pre-match and live wagering experience on football, cricket, rugby, basketball, horse racing and others when you explore the 30+ sports they offer.

Aside from welcoming bettors with up to 3000 ZAR bonus, you can also enjoy competitive odds on common and new markets like totals, match results, handicaps, etc. The presence of local and global banking methods makes transactions seamless and safe. Sportingbet is licensed by the Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board with a 10125193-018 license number.

After testing the mobile applications, we recommend them for those who love punting on the go. You have diverse means of reaching customer support like live chat, phone and email. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Slavia Sofia they’ve sponsored in the past. Enhance your wagering adventure with Sportingbet's unique features like:

• 30+ sports and impressive markets
• Live betting and streaming
• Auto cashout
• Betbuilder
• Generous promos

Join Sportingbet

Fafabet

Claim up to 5000 ZAR welcome offers and premium gaming experience in 25+ sports when you play on Fafabet. The brand is one of the new betting sites offering premium football, basketball, cricket, and horse racing punting services amongst others. With the Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board license No. 10191229-001, you can punt safely here.

Further, Fafabet is encrypted and this helps keep your details safe. You can enjoy vast live games with an impressive market which are complemented by competitive odds. Banking options like Ozow, OTT, VISA, and MasterCard make safe transactions easy and fast.

South Africans can seek customer service help using live chat or email channels. The mobile app is also available for faster and easier access for punters. The brand’s notable features include:

• Vast sports and markets
• Generous bonuses
• Live betting with live scores and results
• Local license
• Multiple payment gateways

Join Fafabet

Betfred

BetFred is another global sports betting brand available for South African bettors. It has existed since 1967 and was licensed in South Africa by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator with reference number 9-2-1-00039. BetFred operates on a well-secured platform and offers you impressive markets and odds for pre-match and live games.

With football, cricket, rugby, horse racing and tennis leading the way, the platform covers 25+ sports. While exploring the site, we discovered a 5000 ZAR welcome bonus and many other perks for SA bettors. Navigation and wagering are simple even when you don't have data with the Data Free mode. You have phone, email, and live chat options if you want to reach the support team.

Our evaluation of the banking section also revealed multiple payment options that can rival old and new betting sites in the country. Aside from partnering with Manchester United, BetFred also sponsors the British Masters Scottish Leagues and many other top events. We believe you'll love the following features about the bookie.

• Impressive sports and markets
• Livescores, statistics and results
• Data Free mode
• In-Play
• General promotions

Join Betfred

Bookmaker Ranking in South Africa

Choosing the top sportsbooks in South Africa wasn't easy for our team of specialists. We engaged in a thorough evaluation of some features of these bookmakers before having them on our list. This section of this post explains the factors we consider which can help streamline your selection processes. Our ranking criteria include:

License and Safety

The issue of security while wagering is a crucial aspect no bettor should neglect while choosing where to punt. With your safety in mind, our experts take this aspect seriously. We start by exploring the licensing body that authorized the gambling operations of the platforms. With a focus on local operators, when ensuring the regulators are credible if the platform is not licensed in South Africa.

Likewise, we check the security system used by these brands to ensure the safety and confidentiality of bettors’ details. Our specialists ensure the platforms are encrypted with the Secure Socket Layer technology. We also check for 2-factor authentication and reasonable privacy policies while evaluating the bookies.

Reputation and User Feedback

Our team investigated the credibility of the brands on our list. While some have existed for decades, few are new betting sites. We believe for a brand to have existed for long, it's rare for them to be fraudulent. We also check various review platforms to check what bettors have to say concerning each brand.

Sports and Market Coverage

This is another crucial section we devoted much time to while reviewing our selections. While large sports coverage is excellent, we look beyond that. Our experts scrutinized the depth of markets available for each sport covered. This is to ensure you have the flexibility and diverse options which can enhance your betting decisions.

Competitive Odds

Odds are vital to your gaming profitability since they determine your potential winnings. In the course of evaluating the available sports and markets, we were on the lookout for the best odds as well. Our team only listed South African betting sites with reasonable margins and competitive odds. Most brands allow switching between Decimal, American, Fractional, and other available odd formats.

Site Quality and User-friendliness

Wagering can be frustrating if the platform runs slow or difficult to navigate, especially if you fancy in-plays. Our team opted for sites that run smoothly on desktop, mobile or application versions. Opting for a platform with a simple layout that is user-friendly is another strategy we used. We examined the tabs and menus available on the home screen and how helpful they are.

Payments Options

There is no way you can start wagering without the right gateways to fund your account. Our team prioritizes bookies that accept the South African Rands (ZAR) and local payment methods. We also examined safety, the deposits and payout limits, the processing time and the convenience of initiating transactions.

Bonuses and Promotions

Promotions are one of the strategies bookmakers attract players with, and we also examine the available perks on each of our selections. Aside from the welcome bonuses, we look for reload promos, referral bonuses, loyalty rewards, and others. We prioritized the ease of redeeming cash from the various offers and this took us to various promotion terms. Our experts ensure the playthrough, validity period, qualifying deposit and other factors are reasonable and clearly stated.

Customer Support

Support from the customer service team is another vital aspect used in picking the brands on our list. While email availability is constant, our team was on the lookout for the popular live chat options which are fast and easy. Other channels checked are phone, FAQs, and social media pages. While some are available 24/7, few others are not and this influenced our ranking. We also checked for the speed of the response and availability of human agents against bots which have been rampant on online betting sites recently.

Choosing Between International and Local Betting Operators

The friendliness of the South African online gambling space has attracted both foreign and local brands. Some punters may find it challenging to pick between the two groups. Your choice may be influenced by some factors which distinguish them. Here are some of the features.

Having discussed most of the factors that differentiate local and foreign bookmakers, your choice mostly depends on your preference. For instance, those who love wide sports and market coverages, global standard promos and quality platforms will often opt for international bookies.

Conversely, punters who prioritize South African payment methods, currency, local games and personalized support would prefer local brands. In all, ensure the platform is safe, convenient and suits your sports betting taste.

Legal Information About South Africa

Yes, online sports betting is legal in South Africa and punters can play on the platform they wish. However, this wasn’t so until the gambling restriction was revoked in 1994, giving birth to the National Gambling Act in 1996. The act established the National Gambling Board which regulates and supervises all forms of gambling in the country.

The NGB ensure all gambling activities are fair and transparent in this region. It regulates all rules and regulations concerning gambling and advises the authorities in formulating the rules relating to the sector. To aid in enforcing compliance with the rules, the NGB created 9 Online Gambling Provincial Licensing Boards. They are:

Available Payment Options on South African Betting Sites

The payment section is one of the vital segments in online gambling platforms. Access to seamless, safe and fast deposits and withdrawals is what all punters want. Many payment systems in the industry help punters find and withdraw with ease. The common ones are:

• Debit/Credit Cards
• Bank Transfer
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• E-wallets
• Vouchers
• Cryptocurrency

Debit/Credit Cards

Bank cards are the most popular means of funding bookmaker accounts in South Africa. They are safe and fast and most punters find them easy to use. VISA and MasterCard are the most popular bank cards used by bettors in this country. You only need your card type, number, CVV, expiry date and pin to complete payment.

Bank Transfer

Bank transfers are another safe means of funding and withdrawing funds from your account. It is as simple as sending money from one bank account to another. The bookie provides you with a temporary account to send the funds and the amount shows in your sportsbook account within seconds. This method is sometimes slow for withdrawal. ABSA Bank, Standard Bank, FNB and Nedbank are common examples.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Electronic funds transfers (EFTs) are quicker alternatives for bank transfers. Transfer here is through an online banking portal which makes it easier, faster and safer. Some EFT gateways are linked to bank cards, helping you avoid logging into your online banking portal. OZOW, EasyEFT, and SID InstantEFT are common examples and they are also called Wire transfers.

E-wallets

Electronic wallets involve paying into your sportsbooks account with your e-wallet balance. This is fast, reliable and easy, providing extra security since your bank account is not linked to the bookmaker. This is another fast means of withdrawing your winnings and South Africans have diverse kinds like PayPal, Skrill, EcoPayz, Neteller, etc.

Vouchers

Funding using vouchers is another simple and safe payment option. You only need to purchase a voucher from physical or online outlets and this can be any amount of your choice. Load the digits code in the provided space and the amount purchased shows in your account instantly. OTTVoucher and ¹Voucher are common examples.

Cryptocurrency

The incorporation of cryptocurrency has created a new payment method for sportsbooks. Bettors can fund and withdraw digital assets that are available on their preferred bookmaker. You will need a private wallet to send cryptocurrencies to your wagering account. With this method, users enjoy the safety, spread and privacy that comes with Blockchain technology. You can also receive your winnings through this method.

Favourite Sports for Betting

Based on our investigation, bettors in this region favour some sports more than others despite the numerous available. This is often influenced by the sporting culture in the country. Some of the top sports bettors in this region play are:

• Football: Being the most popular sport in the world, it's not surprising that South Africans love soccer, as it is often called. Hosting the 2010 FiFA World Cup further increased soccer's popularity in the nation. This is reflected in their punting behaviour as they back the national teams or their favourite club in the Premier Soccer League. This extends to other top leagues in Europe like the English Premier League, La Liga, etc. Popular markets include match winners, totals, handicaps, goalscorers, etc.
• Rugby: Rugby thrives in South Africa and clashes are known for their electrifying strength, physicality, strategies and thrills. There are many Rugby Union and Rugby League tournaments, like the Rugby World Cup, for punters to try their luck on. Also, citizens do not hesitate to stake on their national team, the Springboks. You can bet on a tournament winner, match outcome, total tries, proposition bet and others.
• Cricket: Cricket is another popular team sport in the country. The Proteas, which is the South African national team, was the number one in all three formats of crickets in 2012 and this further increased their love for this bat-and-ball game. The ICC World T20, ODI, Cricket World Cup and other competitions provide wagering options for bettors in this region. Match winner, most wickets, and best batman are some of the markets available.

Verification through FICA

The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) verification is compulsory in most sportsbooks in South Africa. It helps authorities to prevent fraud among punters and the process must be passed by all bettors. You only need to provide your proof of identity and address on your preferred platform.

National ID, Utility Bills, Local Councillor's letter, Bank statement or any other approved document by the bookie are accepted. Your verification period depends on your platform. Most locally licensed bookmakers deny withdrawal if this process is not completed.

FAQs

Who is the Top Betting Provider in South Africa?

Choosing the best provider depends on your preference in terms of bonuses, sports and market coverage, odds and platform qualities amongst others. Evaluating these factors and others help you pick the best bookie for you.

Is It Legal to Bet on Sports Online in South Africa?

Yes, wagering on sports is legal in the country. The National Gambling Act legalised all forms of gambling in this region.

How can I get free bets on South African betting sites?

The simplest way to get bonuses is by claiming a welcome bonus through new account creation and funding the qualifying deposit. You can also refer and win on some platforms.

Is FICA verification required to bet on South African sites?

Some bookmakers in this region require FICA verification before you can use their platform. Others allow you to punt but restrict withdrawals. This process is not necessary if you're playing on sportsbooks with a foreign license.