FirstBet Review

FirstBet is a South African sportsbook and casino licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, ensuring a secure and regulated environment for users. The website boasts a user-friendly interface aligned with the preferences of South African players, with a rich offer of bets, casino games, and lotteries. It may not be the flashiest or most well-known name in South African betting, but after spending a few weeks placing bets and spinning reels, I’ve come to appreciate what it brings to the table, especially if you're looking for something simple, fast, and player-focused.

Here’s my take on FirstBet, including the stuff that worked (and a few things that didn’t).

FirstBet is a fully legal and regulated online gambling site for South Africans. That’s always the first box I tick before depositing a cent. The site itself is clean and easy to use. It loads quickly, whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, and you won’t waste time digging through menus to find what you need. Even without a mobile app, the mobile browser version works like a charm. I placed most of my bets from my phone and had zero issues navigating between sports and casino sections.

Bonuses & Promotions

As an affiliate and a bettor, I pay close attention to welcome offers — they’re the main drive for players to register and play. FirstBet keeps it simple but appealing:

• 100% First Deposit Bonus up to R1,000. You deposit R500 and get an extra R500, no delays, no weird hoops to jump through. Just make sure you meet the wagering requirements before withdrawing.

• 50 Free Spins are offered on your first deposit as well, which I used on Starburst. Great value if you're into online slots.

• (Occasional) R30 Free Bet came through during a promo week and is great for newcomers who just want to test the site without making deposits.

From a conversion point of view, these offers work well. They’re not flashy, but they’re clean and achievable.

Gambling Options

Sportsbook: I’m mostly a football bettor, and FirstBet covers the major leagues — Premier League, La Liga, PSL, and international tournaments. They also offer cricket, rugby, basketball, and tennis. I appreciated the decent range of betting markets, including handicaps and BTTS, though I do wish they offered live/in-play betting (that’s one of the platform’s gaps).

Casino: The casino side of things is solid. It’s not overloaded with thousands of games, but the selection is tight and includes top providers like Pragmatic Play. I played slots, blackjack, and even some live dealer roulette, and everything ran smoothly. The 50 free spins were a nice way to kick it off.

Deposits and Withdrawals

One of the things I always test on new platforms is how easy it is to move money. FirstBet makes it easy:

• Deposits: FirstBet supports a variety of deposit methods, including Visa, Mastercard, OTT Voucher, and EFT. The minimum deposit amount is R50, and transactions are typically processed instantly without any additional fees.

• Withdrawals: Withdrawals can be made via bank transfer, with a minimum withdrawal amount of R50. Processing times can take up to 48 hours, and there are no fees associated with withdrawals.

Minimum deposit and withdrawal is just R50, which is perfect for casual players or those just starting out.

Accessibility

While FirstBet doesn't currently offer a dedicated mobile application, the website is fully optimised for mobile use. Users can access all features, including account management, betting markets, and casino games. I used the site on both Android and iPhone browsers, and it worked flawlessly. Whether I was checking odds, placing a multi-bet, or claiming a bonus, everything felt responsive.

Customer Support

I didn’t need much help, but I reached out via live chat just to test response times — someone replied within 3 minutes. Friendly and clear. They also offer support via email, and the FAQ section covers a good range of common issues.

FirstBet is a safe, easy-to-use South African betting site that doesn't overwhelm you with clutter or unnecessary gimmicks. As an affiliate, I also think FirstBet is a strong pick for player retention. The low entry requirements, solid welcome offer, and easy navigation make it ideal for first-timers, while the fast withdrawals and clean UX keep experienced players happy too.