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Playa Bets Review

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  • Overall

    Star Icon4/5
  • Bonus

    Star Icon4.5/5
  • Payment

    Star Icon4/5
  • Support

    Star Icon4.5/5
  • Games

    Star Icon4/5

Payout Speed:

1-7 Days

Win Rate:

97%
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100% up to R1000 + Bet R25 Get R50

Review by

Kelvin Jones
clockReading time 13 minread

Playa Bets is a proudly South African company with plenty of sports betting shops all over the length and breadth of the country. They have now entered the online sports betting segment and have received a great reception since they are already a well-established and trusted brand.


Playa Bets is regulated and licensed by the Kwazulu-Natal gaming and betting board. It supports the national responsible gambling program.


Apart from sports betting, Playa’s online sportsbook supports lucky number draws like lottery and keno. With over 12,000 live betting events and 378000+ live betting markets, and over 1 million sports betting opportunities every month, Playa Bets has everything a sports bettor could want under one roof.

CurrenciesSouth Africa Rand
Payment MethodsBank Transfer, MasterCard
Casino Launched:1990-07-24
LicenseKwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board (KZNGBB)
No. of Games150
Software-

Founded back in 1990, Playabets has a long-standing reputation for being one of the best – and first – retail betting operations in South Africa. Apart from offering a wide range of betting options for sports, the company is also popular for its lottery draws and keno betting – the latter of which they were the first to offer as a bookmaker.

In 2014, the company decided to expand its services to the world of online betting and has since been extremely successful in providing an unparalleled online and mobile sports betting experience. Read on to find out more about what this bookmaker has to offer and how you can make the most out of the abundant bonuses and promotions available!

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Check IconPlenty of sporting markets and a great option for football betting
  • Check IconLive betting / in-play betting on soccer, tennis, and other sports
  • Check IconLotto and Keno services offered
  • Check IconMany bonuses at any given time
  • Check IconGood range of SA friendly deposit and withdrawal methods
  • Check IconApps for Android and iOS available
  • Check IconeSports betting available
Cons
  • Close IconNo online casino as part of the account
  • Close IconCredit and debit card withdrawals not supported

New Player Bonuses at Playa Bets

Whether you have just signed up with Playa Bets or have been a long-standing user of this sportsbook, you will always find plenty of bonuses to keep you incentivized for your sports betting.

For new players, the sign-up bonus and the first bet bonus will surely put a smile on your face. For regular players, there are many weekly bonuses, sport-specific bonuses, a loyalty program and so much more!

Look at some of the promotions and bonuses currently offered by Playa Bets sportsbook.

Welcome Bonus:

We did say that the sign-up bonus was good, and we weren’t exaggerating. As a new player joining this sportsbook, you will get a whopping match bonus on your first real money deposit made at Playa Bets!

When you make your first deposit, you will receive a 100% match bonus up to a maximum of R10,000. Therefore, if you are to deposit R500 as your first deposit, you will receive an extra R500, and a total of R1000 will be credited to your Playa Bets cashier account.

Important things to know about this offer: The rollover requirements are 5 times with bets with greater odds than 7/10. Also, to qualify for this first deposit bonus, you need to make a deposit of R50 or higher.

First bet on the house:

Still on the fence about signing up with Playa Bets? What if we told you that your first bet with Playa Bets will always be a winner and that the sportsbook vouches for it with its ‘first bet on us’ offer?

Playa Bets wants to see their new members start off on the right foot at their sportsbook, so they offer 100% cashback on your first bet if it is lost!

This means if you lose, you get your money back – Playa Bets will refund you 100% of your bet amount up to a maximum of R50, no questions askedAnd if you win, what else could you wish for? But Play Bets has made this cashback offer available to show how badly they want their players to succeed and have a great start to their journey with them.

Important things to know about this offer: To claim this bonus, you simply have to shoot out an email with the subject line “First Bet” and you will receive your cashback! Also, please note that this bonus only applies to bets placed on pre-match and in-play sports bets.

New Customer Referral Bonus:

New players don’t just get an extremely generous match bonus and a cash-back bonus on their first deposit, but they are also offered a referral bonus for referring this bookie to other players.

The way it works is pretty simple. Once your referral signs up and makes the first deposit with Playa Bets, you get a free R50 in your Playa Bets cashier account. You can make some extra money on the side just by referring others to this state-of-the-art online sportsbook; they could benefit similarly.

Important things to know about this offer: To claim the referral, your friend has to email support@playabets.co.za from their own email address and confirm that they were referred by you within 7 days of their registration. Also, please note that your referral must complete their FICA verification process and make a first deposit of R50 or higher.

Bet R25, get R25:

Bet R25 on sports with odds of 0.7 or more and ensure the bet cumulative value totals R25, and you will get R25 for free. Once you have placed your bet according to this bonus's requirements, send an email, and they will send you a free R25. There are no turnover requirements on the bonus bet.

Please note: This deposit bonus cannot be combined with any other welcome bonuses.

Special Promotions

Win FIFA 21:

Do you like gaming, specifically FIFA? Well, you could just win the newest edition of FIFA, FIFA21, thanks to this promotion by Playa Bets sportsbook. Top up your account with a deposit of at least R20 while this promotion is active, and you will gain an entry into the lucky draw. Every time your top with R20 or more, you gain a new entry into the draw, and so your chances of striking gold in the draw increase.

Safety Zone:

This is a great option for punters who like betting on football matches. This is specifically for football games that end in a goalless draw or 0 – 0. You will receive your stake amount back if you have a qualifying pre-match bet on such a match. This promotion is only available on the following football leagues and cups –Uefa Champions Leagues, Europa League, English Premier League, English Championship, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Serie A, Eredivisie Primeira Liga) and the South African PSL.

Live in-play boost:

Another great offer for football punters who like to place their bets once the game is underway. Basically, the odds are boosted for all live in-play football games at the following times since kick-off – 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes, and 80 minutes. A red B will highlight such events where the odds are boosted to make it easier for you to identify and take advantage of such matches.

15% deposit bonus:

This bonus is available on every South African public holiday. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to get your sports bets in, and Playa Bets offers you a bonus for doing this. This is only applicable to your first deposit on every public holiday. You basically get a 15% match bonus up to a maximum of R1000. So, if you were to deposit on a public holiday of R1000, you would receive a free R150 as a bonus (provided it is your first deposit of the day). To claim the bonus, email PlayaBets

Hot Tip: To ensure that you don’t miss any profitable promotions is to opt-in to receive marketing communications from Playa Bets through email and SMS. So, every time there is a new promotion launched, you get notified about it and you are in the driver’s seat as to whether you want to reap the benefits of the promotion or not.

⚠ Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

Gambling, while enjoyable for many, can spiral into an addiction for some. PlayCasino believes in responsible gambling and offers resources to help our users understand and manage the risks associated. Know the signs and ensure you play responsibly.

Playa Bets Registration: How to Open an Account

The sign-up process to become a member is quick and easy. Just follow the below steps for hassle-free registration.

  • Visit the Playabets website.
  • On the upper right-hand corner of the home page, click on the red ‘Login/Register' button/strong>
  • A small white pop-up window will open, asking for your username and password. Under that, click on the ‘Register’ tab.
  • You will be redirected to the registration form, which appears in a pop-up window.
  • The form must be duly completed with the following details – first name, last name, email address, password, repeat password, country, phone number with country code, personal ID, passport number, gender, birthday, city, address, region, promo code, an option to sign up for the newsletter, a checkbox to confirm you accept and understand the terms and conditions.
  • Once you have filled out the form and confirmed you accept the terms and conditions, click on ‘Register’.

That’s about it! Your account is now ready, but you still need to verify your account to activate and unlock its entire potential. Playa Bets follows the usual FICA verification procedure, a South African standard that requires you to email Playa Bets a copy of your ID and proof of address.

Placing Your First Bet

Placing a bet on Playa Bets is rather easy and mimics the process of placing any sports bet at any land-based sports betting parlor to make it intuitive.

  1. To begin with, you will need to be logged in to your Playa Bets account.
  2. Another requirement is to ensure that your Playa Bets account has sufficient funds to support the amount of stake you want to place. If not, you can use various deposit methods to top up your Playa Bets account. (Scroll down to view available deposit methods at Playa Bets)
  3. Now, select the category of sports you are interested in betting in – for example – football, rugby, cricket, etc.
  4. Once you have selected the sport, specify which competition, league, or cup you want to bet on – for example – (assuming you chose football) English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, etc.
  5. The next step would be to select the match you want to bet on – for example – Arsenal vs. Liverpool, Man Utd vs. Chelsea, etc.
  6. Now that you have narrowed down exactly which event you are betting on, it is time to confirm what kind of bet you want to place – do you want to bet on which team will win? Do you want to bet on who will score first? Do you want to bet that a certain player will score a goal? Do you want to predict who will score the next goal? Etc. There are literally hundreds of betting options that you can choose from.
  7. Once you have selected your bet, it gets added to the bet slip. If you would like to, you can add another bet or bets to the Betslip by following the same procedure.
  8. Once you are satisfied with your bet, you can review the details of the bet slip and ensure that they are correct and as intended by you.
  9. Finally, confirm the bet by clicking on ‘place bets’.

If you are looking for something a bit easier or quicker, there are also quick bets where you can select the bet at the odds offered and add it to your betslip in a jiffy and in just a single click.

How Does Playa Bets Compare to Other Sportsbooks in Terms of Betting Markets & Odds?

Playa Betsis is right up there with the top online sportsbooks, such as Sportingbet and Hollywoodbets for South African players. This is not only because of the generous promotions and the user-friendly website but also because they offer to bet on a huge variety of sports at very competitive odds, which will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

When it comes to sports like Volleyball, eSports, Basketball, and others, the odds are on par with other sportsbooks and can therefore be considered average.

However, consider sports popular amongst South African punters, such as Football, Cricket, Rugby and Horse Racing. You will find some of the best odds at Playa Bets sportsbook.

Playa Bets App and Mobile Website Version

Playa Bets website has been designed using modern technologies such as HTML5. This entails that the Playabets sportsbook website is fully mobile responsive, i.e. the website size is scalable to the screen size of different devices. Therefore, if you wish to access the Playa Bets website from a smaller-screen smartphone or tablet, the website will automatically adjust to fit the screen size without a problem!

This makes it easy and efficient for you to play on mobile right from your mobile browsers, such as Safari, Google Chrome, etc., without actually needing to download the sportsbook app on your phone. However, suppose you would rather have a dedicated app for Playabets Sportsbook. In that case, you are lucky because they have a mobile app available for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

System Requirements Compatibility

All modern mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) operating on Android, iOS or Windows operating systems should support thePlaya Bets mobile website. To play, you must ensure that your mobile device is connected to the internet via mobile data or a Wi-Fi network.

If you prefer to play using the mobile app, then the version of the OS your mobile device is running will matter. For Android, you need Android 4.2 or higher. For iOS, anything over iOS 9.0 should be fine. Make sure the version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad is not at the end of support and still receives updates and fixes.

Here’s how you can download the app on your phone:

How to Download the App on Apple Ios

  • Go to the Apple iTunes App Store
  • Search for “Playa Bets sportsbook”
  • Select the app with the official logo
  • Tap get and then tap install

How to Download the App on Android

  • The Android Playa Bets app is not available on the Google Play Store
  • You need to download the API from the Playabets mobile website 
  • Go to the mobile website and click on the link to download the APK
  • Once the APK is downloaded and installed, you will find the app available in your app panel

If you’re still unsure if you should download the app, maybe we could help you make a more informed decision. Here are the advantages of both betting from your browser and betting from the sportsbook app:

Mobile vs App Features and Benefits

Mobile Website Pros:

  • No setup required – no download or no install
  • Switch devices, and you don’t have to go through the setup process again
  • Play using just your mobile browser and internet connection
  • No download and installation data charges
  • It does not take up memory on the device

Mobile App Pros:

  • The app is launched and ready to use in mere seconds
  • Avoid having to log in every time you want to place a bet
  • Optimized performance
  • Save on data charges in the long run

Mobile Bonuses and Payment Methods

Mobile players will have access to the full range of promotions offered by Playa Bets sportsbook. This includes welcome bonuses such as the referral bonus, first deposit bonus, first bet cashback bonus and the bet R25, get R25 bonus.

Even regular promotions, such as the top-up bonuses and more, are available on mobile whether you are playing on mobile using your mobile browser or through the app. In fact, Playa Bets sometimes runs promotions that are exclusive to mobile app users to promote their Android and iOS apps.

Likewise, mobile app players will find that they are not restricted in any way, even regarding deposit and withdrawal options. All the various banking methods are just a touch away, even if you play on mobile.

Depositing and Withdrawing at Playa Bets

Deposit MethodMin. DepositMax. DepositProcessing Time
VisaNot specifiedNot specifiedInstant
MastercardNot specifiedNot specifiedInstant
SID Instant EFTNot specifiedNot specifiedInstant
Direct Bank DepositNot specifiedNot specified24 hours
OTT VouchersNot specifiedNot specifiedInstant
1 VoucherNot specifiedNot specifiedInstant
ZapperNot specifiedNot specifiedDuring customer support hours

How to Make a Deposit:

The deposit method will determine the process of making a deposit. For some deposit methods available online, you can deposit using the steps below. However, if you are looking to deposit using OTT vouchers or 1Voucher, you will need to visit the stores where these coupons are available and buy them; when you enter the voucher pin into the Playa Bets platform, your account gets topped up.

  • Login to your Playa Bets account
  • Select my account
  • Go to the Cashier section
  • Select your preferred payment type
  • Enter the deposit amount
  • Complete the deposit by following the prompts and entering the card details as required
Withdrawal MethodMax. WithdrawalProcessing Time
FNB eWalletR3,000/day or R25,000/month24 hours
Standard Bank Instant MoneyR3,000/day or R25,000/month24 hours
EFT TransferR3,000/day or R25,000/month24 hours
Betting BranchR3,000/day or R25,000/month24 hours

How to Make a Withdrawal

  • Login to your Playa Bets account
  • Select my account
  • Select deposit and withdrawal
  • Choose – bank transfer, FNB eWallet, SID or Betshop.
  • Complete the deposit by following the prompts and entering the required details
  • For FNB, go to an FNB ATM once you receive a SMS confirmation
  • For SID, go to any Standard Bank ATM, select SPARS, Choppies, Game, Builders, Makro, Rhino Cash & Carry or Cambridge Food Stores to withdraw your winnings
  • For betting branch withdrawals, select the shop nearest to you and go there and show them your ID and provide your account number to process the withdrawal

About Playa Bets

Playa Bets is also reputed for being the first Bookmaker in South Africa to offer Keno betting. Playa has a great presence across the country through bet shops, easy-to-reach customer support and a fantastic social media presence to keep you in the loop.

For Football betting enthusiasts, Playa Bets is hard to beat in terms of the vast number of leagues covered, the various betting options offered, and the highly competitive odds these bets offer.

Customer Support & Contact Details

  • Email:support@playabets.co.za
  • SA support phone number: 087 057 5292 (8am – 9pm every day)
  • Live Chat
  • WhatsApp Support: 078 800 1018

If you are a sports betting enthusiast from South Africa, search for superbets register online application form page on Supabets Casino.

Our Verdict

Playa Bets has a lot of great things going for them, and it’s truly difficult to pinpoint negative things about this sportsbook. The biggest reason it’s hard to complain about this bookie is that it values its customer base and works hard to remain a strong competitor in the sports industry.

Playa Bets is known for its incredibly generous promotions, and we are certain that South African players will really appreciate the bonuses offered during the entire course of their tenure with this sportsbook. The bonuses and promotions are one of the biggest highlights of this bookie. As punters, we appreciate and take advantage of every promotion we offer, whether we are new or existing players.

In fact, as far as promos and bonuses are concerned, we can safely say that Playa Bets is always proactive in strategizing great new promo deals and launching them frequently. In fact, so many new promotions are coming out that it could be a lot to keep up with for some punters.

Playa Bets is just that kind of bookie that takes care of all its players, old or new; they present every player with the opportunity to make some free bonus cash frequently and come up with great initiatives to keep players interested and loyal. We truly value this and ensure that when we send our players to this bookie, they will be treated in the best possible way.

Playa Bets Sportsbook FAQs

Are Playa Bets legal in South Africa?

Yes, Playa is a legal and lawful business that the Government of South Africa approves to operate via land-based betting shops and online sportsbooks.

Playa Bets is regulated and licensed by the Kwazulu-Natal Gaming and Betting board. It supports the national responsible gambling programme.

Are Playa Bets safe?

Yes, Playa is a well-known sports betting company in South Africa that has many betting shops all over the country.

They are now available online and are 100% safe and secure.

The betting odds are always fair, the payment methods are completely safe, and you can easily talk to customer support if you have any concerns.

How do Playa Bets work?

Playa Betsis an online sportsbook where registered members can place real money wagers on sports like football, rugby, cricket, tennis, esports, in-play sports, and over 20 other sporting markets, including horse racing.

Playa also offers lottery and keno services.

Do I need an Internet connection to play on the app?

Yes, irrespective of whether you are playing on your PC or on a mobile device, you will need to be connected to the internet to play at Playa online sportsbook.

The internet connection is required for placing bets, getting updated odds and data and everything else.

How do I sign up at Playa Bets?

The sign-up process involves filling out the registration form and submitting your FICA documents.

You can click the register button and follow the prompts to complete the sign-up process. (You can find out more in detail in this review)

Will I be asked for any documents when registering at Playa Bets?

Not during the time of registration.

Do Playa Bets have a cash-out option?

Yes, Playa Bets offers withdrawals via FNB eWallet, Standard Bank Instant Money, and EFT Transfer. You can even visit a betting branch and withdraw your money after showing your ID and providing your account number.

Can I change the email address I used to register my account?

You can easily do that by contacting Playa Bets customer support.

I can’t log in on the mobile app. What should I do?

If your app is not responding, it usually means that the internet connectivity on your mobile has gone down.

You can verify the same by visiting another website on your mobile. You can also restart the device or reinstall the app as further troubleshooting steps.

How can I get in touch with customer support?

Playa Bets offers many different ways for players to get in touch with customer support:

  • Email: support@playabets.co.za
  • SA support phone number: 087 057 5292 (8am – 9pm every day)
  • Live Chat 
  • WhatsApp Support: 078 800 1018

Are the casino games on mobile the same as on the desktop version? If not, do they still have the same odds and payout ratio?

There are no casino games offered at Playa Bets sportsbook.

Are deposits and withdrawals safe?

Yes, all online transactions using credit cards are encrypted with SSL encryption technology.

Other banking methods are highly safe and secure, too, as they are processed by some of the biggest banks in South Africa.

Can I use the same account I registered with on the mobile app for the desktop version?

Yes, you can use the same account.

Is in-play betting available with the mobile version?

Yes, Playa Bets has an intuitive and user-friendly live betting platform. Once you are at the home page, click on the “in-play” tab at the top, and you will access the live betting platform.

Kelvin Jones

Kelvin Jones

Senior Online Casino Expert

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Kelvin Jones is a seasoned professional in South Africa's online casino scene, boasting over a decade of expertise. He's your ultimate guide in selecting the finest online casinos, providing insights into local sites that offer both excitement and security. Kelvin's comprehensive reviews and strategies stem from a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics, ensuring players have access to top-notch gaming experiences.

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PlayCasino aims to provide our readers with clear and reliable information on the best online casinos and sportsbooks for South African players.

Although our reviews and articles are expertly written and regularly updated, they are here to provide information and are not applicable as legal advice.

Keep in mind that local regulatory requirements exist. Make sure you know what these requirements are before signing up to an online casino or sportsbook.

While we do our best to keep information current, promotions, bonuses and conditions, such as wagering requirements, can change without notice. If you encounter a different offer from the ones we advertise, please contact our team.


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