The Best Online Sports Betting Site in South Africa 2025

Reviewed by Max Fox
Checked by Max Fox
Created
Updated

Our experts at BetSurfer know the sports betting game and how to find the best betting sites in South Africa. We run through all the bookmakers on the market to prepare reviews for the top 8 bookmakers in South Africa. Discover our picks with their distinctive features below.

Top The Best Online Sports Betting Site in South Africa

  1. Best Offers
    Rating 4.6
    100% first deposit match up to 1,000 ZAR
    • Several funding ways
    • Easy to download free Betway apps
    • Impressive library of 400+ sports
  2. Best Offers
    Rating 4.6
    Get a 25 ZAR sign up bonus + 50 Free spins
    • Impeccable multipliers
    • Fantastic bonuses
    • Effortless signup process
  3. Best Offers
    Rating 4.6
    Welcome bonus up to 3,000 ZAR
    • Customized promotions
    • Good customer service
    • Available mobile betting apps
  4. Rating 4.6
    100% first deposit match up to 1,000 ZAR
    • Impressive deals
    • Mobile app available
    • Simple sign-up process
  5. Rating 4.6
    100% First Deposit Match up to 2,000 ZAR
    • Excellent welcome package
    • Multibet bonus up to 30%
    • 24/7 customer support

List of Top Betting Sites in South Africa

Choosing a reputable and secure betting site is crucial, as you will be depositing real money. With endless alternatives to the best sports betting sites in South Africa, you can pick one based on your preference. BetSurfer experts went through the free bets, easy sign-ups, and most competitive odds. See the list of top 10 betting sites in South Africa and choose the best one for a secure experience!

    100% first deposit match up to ZAR 1,000
    • Cash Out:
    • Bet Builder:
    • Live Betting:
    • Live Streaming:

    Betway

    Betway is a brand with a strong reputation in the sports betting industry. It was established in 2006. The bookmaker operates under the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority licenses. Betway is present in multiple countries, SA included, making it the best overall betting site.

    Gamblers can access South African sports plus global tournaments. Giving them numerous alternatives to stake in. Additionally, the platform supports several payment methods. Paypal, Capitec Pay, OTT Voucher & Ozow.

    Our team noticed one great perk – Betway lets you bet without using your mobile data. This is great for people with limited plans, so you can keep betting anytime without worrying about running out of data.

    Pros
    • Several funding ways
    • Easy to download free Betway apps
    • Impressive library of 400+ sports
    • Variety of customer support choices
    Cons
    • App software may lag sometimes
    • Interest rates are somehow high
    Get a ZAR 25 sign up bonus + 50 Free spins
    • Cash Out:
    • Bet Builder:
    • Live Betting:
    • Live Streaming:

    Hollywoodbets

    Hollywoodbets has operated legally since 2000 with several licenses, like the one from Gauteng Gambling Board. The operator boasts noble game selections, incentives, and comprehensive sports sections. You can get R25 Sign-Up Bonus and 50 Free Spins as a new user. 

    Players can punt on wide regional sports coverage, namely football, rugby & cricket. Besides, Hollywoodbets supports great deal of local funding methods – Ozow, Zapper, & SnapScan, offer convenience to players. The betting website comes with an incredible interface. The app also allows easier navigation to other sections of the website.

    We’d like to highlight a unique feature called Spina Zonke, which is their exclusive selection of online slot games. Though not betting, it’s an attractive addition to this trustworthy site.

    Pros
    • Impeccable multipliers
    • Fantastic bonuses
    • Effortless signup process
    • Plenty of games
    Cons
    • E-Sport not available
    Welcome bonus up to R3,000 + 300 Spins
    • Cash Out:
    • Bet Builder:
    • Live Betting:
    • Live Streaming:

    Sportingbet

    Sportingbet is probably the most popular betting site in South Africa. The bookmaker was established in 2008 and received a license from the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board. Here, punters can access national sports like horse racing, basketball, & soccer. The sportsbook provides a Triple Welcome Bonus to new customers, so you could earn max. reward of R3,000 in bonus funds and 300 Free Spins across first three deposits

    South Africans have several top up methods. These are Ozow and e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. The sports betting site’s design is relatively simple, rendering its usability a breeze.

    The craziest thing here is the Multi Boost option. You can receive a gift of up to 500% on your winnings, with a maximum payout of R10 million. 

    • Feature – ✅
    • Live Streaming –
    • Cash Out – ✅
    • Bet Builder – ✅
    • Live Betting – ✅
    Pros
    • Customized promotions
    • Good customer service
    • Available mobile betting apps
    • Quick payouts
    Cons
    • Doesn’t accept crypto
    100% first deposit match up to ZAR 1,000
    • Cash Out:
    • Bet Builder:
    • Live Betting:
    • Live Streaming:

    Gbets

    Gbets, established in 2005, operates legally in South Africa under a license issued by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. The bookmaker has a noble selection of sports, championships, and markets. Sporting alternatives here comprise soccer, tennis, rugby. Wagers are placed on markets, namely over/under, correct score, & handicap. New customers are welcomed with R25 Free Bet upon registration. 

    Gbets is also known for fast withdrawals and cash-out choices. Gamblers can enjoy diverse funding methods: vouchers, & EFT transfers. Their design is simple to navigate and provides an outstanding user adventure. 

    We simply love the Gift My Bet that lets users share their betting experience. You get to send any bet slip directly to another Gbets user. 

    Pros
    • Impressive deals
    • Mobile app available
    • Simple sign-up process
    Cons
    • Absent eSport promotion
    • Casino welcome offer absent
    100% First Deposit Match up to ZAR 2,000
    • Cash Out:
    • Bet Builder:
    • Live Betting:
    • Live Streaming:

    Playabets

    Playabets started operating in 2014 and got a seal of approval from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. The bookie is secure, well-designed, simple to maneuver. Playabets puts much focus on local tournaments plus sports markets. Players can wager on tennis, football, & American football. Besides, there’s access to diverse gaming options & features.

    New customers are welcomed with 100% First Deposit Match Bonus up to R2,000, along with 50 Free Spins. 

    Regarding top payment methods, Playabets provides many choices: SnapScan, Zapper, OTT voucher. Finally, the registration process is effortless, making your betting experience memorable.

    Playabets offers a distinctive feature known as Empty Bet, where users create custom bets on markets not readily available on the platform. What a fantastic level of uniqueness!

    Pros
    • Excellent welcome package
    • Multibet bonus up to 30%
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Loyal VIP program present
    Cons
    • Limited to South Africans

    Local Betting Information for South Africa

    🌏 CountrySouth Africa 🇿🇦
    👌 LanguageAfrikaans, English, Ndebele, Setswana, Sesotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Venda, Zulu, Xhosa, and South African Sign Language
    💰 CurrencySouth African Rand
    ⚽ Popular sportsSouth AfriFootball, Basketball, Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, Horse Racingcan Rand
    ⚖️ Is betting legal?Yes
    🏛️ RegulatorNational Gambling Board (NGB) and provincial regulators
    🧾 Gambling taxes15% tax on gambling winnings
    💳 Most popular payments methodsVisa, MasterCard, Capitec Pay, Ozow, OTT Voucher, E-Wallets

    Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in South Africa

    Betting in South Africa was highly restricted. Several laws prohibited different forms of speculation until 1994. This is when all gambling, including sports betting, was legalized. 

    The National Gambling Act of 2004 set rules for betting and created standards for licensing and oversight.

    The Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 was intended to improve wagering laws. They address the rise of online gambling. Its implementation has been slow, though.

    In SA, each province has authorities. The authorities dictate whether certain sportsbooks can operate within their province and guarantee compliance.

    Non-compliance with legal laws might have dire consequences. This may result in fines, licenses revocation, asset seizure, and imprisonment for severe offenses.

    Pending laws may change the legal framework. They may add clearer betting regulations, which could further shape the industry.

    Best New Betting Sites in South Africa in 2025

    New online betting sites in South Africa have many perks. There are excellent sign-up offers, regular rewards, promotions, great odds, and innovative features. New betting sites in South Africa provide a more competitive market. This brings improved user experiences and better technology.

    Our experts at Betsurfer have carefully reviewed the betting sites South Africa in 2025. Check the newest additions below.

    • Fafabet (2021)
    • Easybet (2024)
    • Malina Casino (2016)

    Best Betting Apps in South Africa

    Online betting has greatly evolved over the last few years in SA. Placing wagers on favorite sporting tournaments or casino games is easier. With just a smartphone, you can view betting markets in the palm of your hands. Mobile apps provide easy access to online sports betting, real-time updates, and secure payments.

    Here are the best betting apps in South Africa.

    Betway

    Betway prides itself on being the best betting platform for the latest smartphones. To install the mobile app, you require Android version 10.0+ and a storage space of 30MB. Apple users need iOS version 11.0+ and a storage space of 60MB. Its speedy download and smooth operation renders navigation & placing bets easy. Besides, the app consolidates several features. These features are real-time betting, real-time streaming, cash out, Bet Builder, etc.

    Hollywoodbets

    The Hollywoodbets app lets you enjoy your preferred sports from anywhere. It is available on both Android and iOS devices. Your mobile must meet certain device requirements to perform optimally. Use Android version 5.0+ with a storage space of 100 MB. For Apple, use a phone with operating system version 9.0 or later. The mobile app is quick and allows bettors to easily navigate various sections. It boasts several features. These comprise live in-play betting, Aviator, real-time betting, and real-time streaming.

    Sportingbet

    The Sportingbet app is a sports betting dream with over 30 sports. It’s suitable for the latest smartphones, including Android version 4.2+ and iOS version 9.0+. The application is well-optimized for speedy downloads and smooth operations. They boast impressive features. Real-time betting, live streaming, & cash-out that allow you to manage the bets instantly.

    How we rate the Best Bookmakers in South Africa

    At BetSurfer, we take the ranking of SA betting platforms seriously. We spend hours and days thoroughly examining each bookmaker before recommending. BetSurfer experts place much emphasis on the following things.

    1. Licensing and Security Measures

      Licensing is the first thing we factor in during our bookmaker reviews. If a sportsbook doesn’t hold a valid license, we don’t verify it. We also check the company’s privacy policy to confirm if the bookmaker holds safety measures to protect personal information

    2. Payment Methods and Local Currency (ZAR)

      Payment options are also crucial in our rating criteria. We ensure our betting sites offer various methods that accept native currency (ZAR). We recommend SA betting sites that offer convenient banking alternatives. These include Visa, MasterCard, bank transfer, and e-wallets

    3. Reputation and Trustworthiness

      Reputable South African betting sites are known for their reliability and credibility. Before recommending a bookie, we check user reviews and assess its industrial history. This is to make sure it has a solid track record of fair play, quick payouts, & dependable customer service

    4. Mobile Accessibility

      The sites we review should have a mobile-friendly version and apps. You access the bookmaker from any device and bet while moving. We also confirm that each site version operates smoothly and is flawless. It shouldn’t affect your betting experience

    5. Competitive Odds and Market Variety

      We compare the odds offered and market alternatives on different wagering sites. Experts aim to find the most profitable, competitive odds and comprehensive markets. This helps gamblers maximize their winnings and have diverse options

    6. Bonuses and Promotions

      We rate each online South African betting site by finding offers to improve your experience. We pay more attention to the variety of promotions available. This includes any free bets or additional perks. Our reviews also consider any wagering requirements for these promotions

    7. Customer Support

      The team reviews each bookmaker’s customer service to see if it’s reliable and effective. We rate sites that provide multiple contact methods higher. Sites with 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support show they value customer satisfaction

    South African Betting Sites Which Offer the Best Odds

    When looking for a bookie that’s suited for you, find a site that offers great odds. This is because odds are a critical factor when selecting the best betting sites in South Africa. Odds determine potential wins and reflect the operator’s reliability. Good odds might improve chances of winning big, and the closer to 100%, the better.

    Continue reading to find bookmakers in South Africa with competitive odds.

    Below is our list of the best South African betting sites that offer the best Odd.

    • 20Bet
    • Betway
    • Hollywoodbets
    • Sportingbet
    • Gbets

    Best Betting Bonuses in South Africa

    You can enjoy many promotional offers as a South African bettor. However, you need to understand betting bonuses come in different shapes and sizes. Check out top offers among South African sites.

    Welcome bonus

    Bookmakers are always competing to gain new customers. One way to attract potential customers is through offering a welcome bonus. A welcome bonus refers to a special promotion offered to newbies who are opening a new account. You can use the reward to place bets and start earning profits. However, before qualifying for the offer, register & deposit money.

    • Betway

    Get 100% welcome offer up to R1,000. To qualify for the deposit bonus of R25, wager the amount 3 times on sports having odds of 3.0 or above for 30 days.

    • Sportingbet

    Claim 100% match offer up to R1,000 when you first deposit, plus 100 free spins. To qualify for the bet, deposit at least R50, & wager 10x with minimum odds of 1.70.

    No Deposit Bonus

    A no deposit bonus offer is the opposite of a deposit one. You can claim the offers without making any deposit. No-deposit rewards are among the best bonuses. The bonuses are also rare, as not all online bookmakers have them. Remember, these bonuses don’t come for nothing; meet the wagering requirements.

    • Hollywoodbets

    Get an R25 no-deposit bonus when you sign up, & the details are verified.

    Free Bets

    A free bet is a promotional offer that allows bettors to place a bet without risking their own money. Normally, betting sites give free bets to reward loyal customers. They also use them to keep you engaged or incentivize you to sign up. However, gifts are subject to certain terms & conditions.

    • Betway

    Get 100% first deposit match up to R1000.

    • 20Bet

    Claim 100% bonus match in free bets, up to $100, by signing up & depositing $10

    Deposit $20 min & receive free money for your wagering journey. You’ll be rewarded 100% match bonus of $120, along with 120 free spins.

    Cashback

    A cashback bonus refers to a promotion offered by betting sites to help make betting less risky. It guarantees a percentage of your money back if you lose when you stake. Betting sites offer cashback for encouragement.

    • Playabets

    Get 5% weekly cashback bonus of up to R2,000 per week when you incur losses.

    • Megapari

    Claim 3% of your total losses back, up to R1,000 weekly.  

    Reload Bonus

    Bettors receive a reload bonus when they deposit more money in their accounts. A reload bonus is given for using their real money account. With reloads, you can increase your bankroll for challenges and continue playing.

    • Betway

    Get 50% reload bonus if you deposit R100.

    • Gbets

    First Deposit Match Bonus of 100% up to R1,000. To get this Sports bonus, bet six times at min odds of 0.70 (7/10). The bonus amount excludes the 1 x turnover requirement of the deposited funds.

    Boosted odds

    Boosted odds are promotions. They offer a better payout for the same risk on certain bets. Boosted odds are great for new bettors. With them, users can explore different bet types and events at better odds. 

    • Sportingbet

    Score big with 50% odd Boost token (applies to Football Built A markets). Punt a bet having 3 selections from the same fixture at a combined odds of 5.00 (4/1) with a min stake of R500.

    • Playabets

    Boost your multibet winnings up to 125% extra with our multibet bonus special.

    How to Open an Account on a Betting Site Step by Step

    Opening an online betting account is simple. To open your betting account, follow our step-by-step guide:

    1. Choose a betting site

      Choose a trusted South African bookie from our list and tap the link to visit their site

    2. Sign Up

      Tap “Sign Up” or “Register” and enter your details. To avoid any delays, confirm your account immediately by phone or email

    3. Make your First Deposit

      Use a credible funding method and deposit an amount eligible for a welcome package

    4. Place your Bets

      Check the minimum stake & odd requirements to make sure your wagers qualify for any offers

    Fastest Withdrawal Betting Sites in South Africa

    In South Africa, fast withdrawals are the priority for bettors to get their winnings. Fast withdrawal betting sites allow instant transactions. They have quick funding options. However, the withdrawal speed depends on the method and the site’s policies.

    Electronic wallets like Paypal, Skrill, Neteller are among the fastest. They often process transactions within hours. Bank transfer and credit cards take longer. This is due to transaction processing times and local regulations. Instant EFT services offered by Ozow offer a middle ground. E-wallets allow transaction completion within some hours.

    The best betting sites in South Africa, considering fast withdrawals, include:

    • Sportingbet: Completes withdrawals within 24 hours, especially with e-wallets
    • Betway: Offers same-day withdrawal via e-wallets like Skrill & Neteller
    • Hollywoodbets: Provides fast withdrawals within some hours using instant EFT

    Responsible Gambling and Licensing

    Betting addiction seems like a far-fetched idea to newbies. Unfortunately, addiction happens to anyone, even the most responsible gamblers. That’s why BetSurfer advocates for responsible gambling.

    Below are some betting tips to consider.

    • Set a Budget

      Creating a budget is the first step toward responsible wagering. This is for both new bettors and seasoned gamblers. Stop once you are over the limit

    • Don’t chase losses

      Believing you must win your next bet is not right. It indicates you need help, and it’s a major step towards problem gambling. If you encounter losses, take breaks. Taking breaks helps you maintain control and thus have fun

    • Recognize the Signs of Problem Gambling

      Look out for any problem signs. Problems such as spending beyond your limit, feeling stressed, and struggling to stop. Be mindful of these signs and get help if you recognize any

    • Seek Help

      If you are struggling with gambling, seek support. The South Africa Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) & the National Responsible Gambling provide confidential counselling at no cost. You can also seek help from other organizations, like GambleAware, Gambling Therapy, & GamStop

    • Additional Tips for Responsible Gambling

      Other tips for betting responsibly are: knowing the game, avoiding betting under the influence, and taking regular breaks

    • Licensing in South Africa

      Place your bet only on licensed sites. Licensed operators guarantee a safe & fair betting experience. Furthermore, licensing indicates the platform follows regulations. Thus it guarantees the protection of the bettor’s funds and personal information

    Conclusion

    The online betting market in South Africa is well established. We hope this comprehensive review of the SA betting industry has been enlightening. We also trust it has provided a clear view of the betting landscape. Do you live in South Africa and wish to have an outstanding betting experience? Pick one recommended site by BetSurfer today to begin your betting journey.

    Are you looking for a trustworthy licensed sportsbook? Visit our site now and get started.

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    Countries Betting Experts

    FAQ

    • Is Sports Betting Legal in South Africa?

      Sports betting is legal in South Africa. If an online bookie wants to operate in a legal capacity in the Western Cape, it must get a betting license from provincial gaming authorities. Once the operator holds the requisite permits, it can operate legally.

    • Many betting sites are available in South Africa. The best regional sites are Hollywoodbets, Fafabet & PlayaBets. They offer numerous opportunities to bet on national & intercontinental sports. Also, for great odds and extra features, try Betway and 20Bet. They are popular offshore betting sites.

    • South African betting sites offer diverse payment methods. These include electronic wallets, Mobile Payments, Vouchers, credit or debit cards.

    • Yes, you can place bets on local sports leagues at South African betting sites. You can bet on national leagues like the Premier Soccer League (PSL) & the Currie Cup for rugby. Bet also on horse racing events like the Summer Cup.

    • Currently, betting winnings in South Africa are not subject to income tax. This includes winnings from casino gambling, lotteries, sports betting.