Sports betting in South Africa gives you the chance to bet on your favourite teams, players, and tournaments. We've listed the best sports betting sites below that offer the best odds and betting bonuses for betting on soccer, rugby, cricket and more. ⚽️🏉🏏⛳️🎾
Top Sites for Online Sports Betting October 2024
Top 3 Betting Sites in South Africa 2024
Betting Site | Best For | Betting Bonus |
---|---|---|
1. Supabets | Best Betting Site With Free Bet | R50 Free Bet |
2. YesPlay | Best Betting Site With Instant Payouts | 100% Bonus on Deposit |
3. Playabets | Best Betting Site With Welcome Bonus | 100% First Deposit Match Bonus |
1. Supabets – Best Betting Site for Free Bonus
18+ New Players only. Play responsibly Winners Know When to Stop. Terms Apply.
The Supabets R50 Sign Up Bonus gives new players a R50 Free Bet just for signing up. This South African betting site offers 1,300+ sports markets, 50,000+ pre-match events, and 15,000+ live events across various sports. Casino game players can explore the Supabets Vegas Lounge, with table games, card games, and scratch cards from top providers like Evolution and Pragmatic Play, with potential winnings up to R13 million!.
- 1,300+ sports betting markets and 15,000+ live events
- Own payment method, SupaPay
- Country-wide betting shops
- No mobile apps to download
- Tedious FICA verification process
2. YesPlay – Best Betting Site for Instant Withdrawals
18+ New Players only. Play responsibly Winners Know When to Stop. Terms Apply.
YesPlay is the best South African betting site for the fastest online payouts. You can withdraw money using Instant Money from ATMs with a voucher and PIN, or via EFT—both processed super fast. It has both Android and iOS mobile casino apps, making it easy wager sports bets on the go. YesPlay betting site has 180 sports markets, and more live-in-play tennis events than most platforms. One of YesPlay's standout features is its Lucky Numbers lotto betting for you to bet on 60+ international lotteries, including UK49s.
- 180+ sports markets, including live tennis
- Fast payouts via Instant Money and EFT
- International lotteries like UK49s
- Accepts vouchers like 1Voucher and OTT
- No horse racing
- No virtual sports
3. Playabets – Best Betting Site for Welcome Bonus
18+ New Players only. Play responsibly Winners Know When to Stop. Terms Apply.
Playabets is the best betting site with a welcome bonus because new customers get 100% First Deposit Match Bonus up to R2,000 plus 50 Free Spins. So if you deposit between R50 and R2,000, Playabets will double your deposit. This South African betting site offers 12,000+ live sports events and more than 1 million betting opportunities each month. Beyond sports betting, Playabets has live dealer games, real money slots, and international lotteries.
Bonuses at Sports Betting Sites
Whether you're a new player claiming a welcome bonus or a seasoned bettor taking advantage of free bets, these sports bonus promotions give you more chances to maximize your winnings.
Here's a guide to the most common types of sports betting bonuses and how to take advantage of them:
Welcome Bonus
When you sign up and make your first deposit, betting sites often match your deposit with a percentage, giving you extra money to start betting. Welcome bonuses also come in the form of free spins for online slots.
Deposit Bonus
This bonus rewards you for making another deposit, often matching a percentage of it.
Free Bets
Free bets let you place a bet without using your own money. It’s a great way to try out new bets.
Cashback Offers
Cashback bonuses return a percentage of your losses, helping you recover some money if your bets don’t go well.
Sports Events Bonus
Sports events bonuses give you extra value during big games or tournaments like the Soccer World Cup or Hollywoodbets Durban July. Betting sites offer promotions such as enhanced odds, risk-free bets, and event-specific free bets during these events.
Refer-a-Friend
These offers reward you for promoting the site to friends and family and getting them to sign up for an account.
Sports to Bet On In South Africa With the Best Odds and Payoffs
When it comes to sports betting, the best odds and payoffs can vary depending on the sport, betting market, and the strategies involved. Here’s a quick overview of popular sports and how their odds and potential payoffs compare:
⚽️ Soccer
Soccer is by far South Africa’s most popular sport. Whether you’re putting your money on local PSL matches or events favourites like the Premier League, soccer offers non-stop betting action.
Pro Betting Tip: For local leagues like the PSL (Premier Soccer League), research team form and home advantage, as these can heavily influence the outcome in local derbies or big fixtures.
Best Event to Bet On: The Soweto Derby. It’s not just a game; it’s a battle between two of the biggest clubs in the country. Betting on this fixture is almost as thrilling as watching it.
🏉 Rugby
If you're a South African bettor, rugby is probably in your blood. Whether it’s the Springboks or Super Rugby, you know the thrill of backing your team. The intensity of games against top-tier teams like New Zealand makes rugby betting a favourite.
Pro Betting Tip: When betting on Super Rugby or Springboks matches, focus on handicap betting. South Africa’s strong defensive game often leads to close scorelines, making handicaps a great option.
Best Event to Bet On: The Rugby Championship, especially matches between the Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks, is a high-profile event with plenty of betting opportunities.
🏏 Cricket
Cricket in South Africa is more than just a sport—it’s a tradition. With international Test matches and the fast-paced excitement of T20 leagues, there are always opportunities to bet. South Africans love to follow their national team, but the rise of T20 leagues like the IPL has expanded betting horizons.
Pro Betting Tip: When betting on T20 or ODI cricket, keep an eye on pitch conditions. South African pitches can differ greatly, and knowing whether a match is on a batsman-friendly or bowler-friendly wicket can give you an edge.
Best Event to Bet On: The Indian Premier League (IPL) draws a lot of interest, with South Africans following international stars. Local events like the Mzansi Super League (MSL) also offer solid betting opportunities.
🏇 Horse Racing
South Africans have long been passionate about horse racing. If you enjoy the thrill of betting on races, the Durban July is a can’t-miss event. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just betting for fun, this is where the big wins can happen.
Pro Betting Tip: Don’t just back the favorite. Look at each-way bets on horses with good form at similar distances. This gives you a shot at cashing in even if your horse doesn’t win.
Best Event to Bet On: The Durban July. It’s the highlight of the South African racing calendar, and the atmosphere is electric—on and off the track.
🎾 Tennis
Tennis is fast-paced, making it perfect for live betting. The swings in momentum can turn a match on its head, giving you a chance to make in-play bets with good returns. From the ATP tour to Wimbledon, tennis offers lots of variety.
Pro Betting Tip: For live tennis betting, keep an eye on player fatigue and momentum swings. Betting on the winner of the next game or set can give you better odds when a player is coming back from a break.
Good Event to Bet On: Wimbledon is a fan favourite, with South Africans keenly watching international stars, including home-grown talent.
🏀 Basketball
Soccer and rugby might dominate in South Africa, but basketball—especially the NBA—is growing in popularity. The fast-paced nature of the game and the variety of markets (points spread, over/under) make it great for betting.
Pro Betting Tip: In NBA betting, the point spread offers good value. Focus on teams that have been consistently covering the spread and take advantage of those streaks.
Best Event to Bet On: The NBA Finals is the biggest basketball betting event of the year, with plenty of markets available from points spreads to individual player performance.
⛳️ Golf
Golf may not be as fast-paced as rugby or soccer, but for South African bettors, it offers some of the best long-shot opportunities. With South African players often competing in top events, betting on golf has a more personal connection.
Pro Betting Tip: Golf tournaments often have long odds for outright winners. A great strategy is to bet each-way (top 5 or top 10 finish), which increases your chances of a payout if your golfer performs well but doesn’t win.
Good Event to Bet On: The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments and draws a lot of attention from South African bettors, especially with South African golfers frequently in the mix.
Other Betting & Gambling Options
To make your visit to their mobile apps more exciting, sports betting sites complement their sports wagering with other types of entertainment. When you’re in the mood for a fun respite or after another way to earn some rewards, check out the other betting and gambling options at online sportsbooks.
These are some of the more popular options available:
Esports
This is a form of sports competition using video games. Sports betting sites let you bet on esports, which is exactly like betting on traditional betting events. After studying the odds, place your wager on the esports team that you think will win the match, and then wait to be hopefully paid out after the event.
Lucky Numbers
Bet on the outcome of various local or global lotteries and number draws. Sportsbooks usually have coverage over hundreds of lottery draws from all around the world.
BetGames
Sports betting sites invite you to bet on high-frequency racing games, offering a range of bets. Another type of bet game found online at South African sports betting sites is the Mega Winner – a win-and-spin game where players bet on a fixed-odds betting market.
Live Games More Sports Betting
We touched on live betting above, but it’s important to remember that this is a great addition to regular sports betting entertainment. This option allows fans to bet on in-game outcomes while the game is still being played out. Most online and mobile sportsbooks offer live betting lines on sporting events happening worldwide every day.
Sports Betting vs Live Betting
Sports betting online means placing a wager or a bet on the outcome of a particular sports event. The odds are posted on the app and you make your bet and then wait for the event results to see if you’re a winner.
Live betting takes sports betting one step further – you make a wager while the game is still being played. Live betting is also known as betting in-play and is offered on sports such as football, boxing, rugby, cricket, tennis, and horse racing.
Sports Betting | Live Sports Betting |
---|---|
Bets placed before the event begins | Bets placed during the event as it happens |
Fixed odds at the time of placing the bet | Odds fluctuate based on live game developments |
Requires pre-game research and analysis | Reacts to real-time events and changes in the game |
Slower pace, plan bets ahead of time | Fast-paced, requires quick decision-making |
Limited once the game starts | More flexible, with multiple betting opportunities |
Steady excitement throughout the game | Intense, immediate thrills as odds change in real time |
🔥 Katlego’s Hot Take on Sports Betting 🔥
Sports betting has evolved far beyond simple wagers. It's now a strategic activity where fans can engage deeply with their favorite sports, especially soccer, rugby and cricket. This transformation is enhancing fan experiences and making every game more thrilling.
How Are the Odds Calculated?
How Are Sports Betting Odds Calculated?
Sports betting odds are calculated based on the probability of an event occurring. Bookmakers assess the likelihood of different outcomes and adjust the odds to reflect those probabilities while ensuring they build in a margin for profit. Here's a breakdown of how odds are calculated:
1. Probability Calculation
The core of odds calculation is probability. Bookmakers estimate the chances of a particular outcome (such as Team A winning) using various data points like historical performance, team statistics, player injuries, weather conditions, and more.
For example, if a bookmaker thinks Team A has a 50% chance of winning, they would calculate the odds based on this probability. The formula to convert probability into odds is Odds = 1 ÷ probability.
So, with a 50% chance, the odds would be 2.00 in decimal format. This means if you bet R100 at odds of 2.00, you would receive a total of R200 (R100 profit plus your original R100 stake).
2. Types of Odds
Decimal Odds: Common in South Africa and Europe, decimal odds represent the total payout for a win, including your stake. For example, if the odds are 3.00, a R100 bet would return R300 (R200 in profit and R100 stake).
Fractional Odds: Popular in the UK, fractional odds represent the ratio of profit to stake. For instance, odds of 2/1 mean you would win R2 for every R1 staked.
Moneyline (American) Odds: Common in the US, these odds show how much you need to bet to win R100, or how much you win from a R100 bet on the underdog.
3. Adjusting for Margin
Bookmakers add a margin to ensure they make a profit regardless of the outcome. This margin is called the "vig" or "overround."
For example, if two teams are equally matched, the true odds would be 2.00 for both teams (50% chance each). However, the bookmaker might offer 1.90 for both to build in their margin.
4. Market Movements
Bookmakers constantly adjust odds based on betting patterns. If a large number of bets come in for a particular outcome, the odds for that outcome might shorten to balance the risk. Conversely, odds may lengthen if there's little interest in a certain bet.
5. Data and Analytics
Modern bookmakers use sophisticated algorithms, statistical models, and real-time data feeds to calculate and adjust odds. These systems process vast amounts of data, including form, injuries, head-to-head records, and external factors like weather or venue, to set initial odds.
Is Sports Betting Legal in South Africa?
According to the National Gambling Act of 2004, sports betting is legal in South Africa, as long it is done with a licensed South African bookmaker. A company needs to acquire a license from one of SA’s nine provincial gambling and racing boards. Sports betting is also legal online, as long as the bookmaker has been licensed. Many international bookmakers have licenses to operate in South Africa, including major brands.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options at Sports Betting Sites
The best sportsbooks and betting sites in SA offer several deposit and withdrawal options. Here are some of the most popular options. For more information about SA-friendly banking methods, check out our comprehensive guide to online betting banking methods.
Bank Transfers – Traditional bank-to-bank transfer, a secure and familiar method.
Debit Cards – Links directly to your bank account for easy deposits and withdrawals.
Credit Cards – Uses credit for quick deposits; MasterCard and Visa are popular options.
Easy EFT – A local South African payment system that facilitates quick online transfers.
Skrill – A type of e-wallet for fast international transactions.
Neteller – Another popular e-wallet for sports betting, accepted globally.
Bitcoin – Cryptocurrency for anonymous, secure transactions.
Banking Method | Pros | Cons | Payout Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Bank Transfers | Secure No extra accounts needed | Slower processing times | 2-5 business days |
Debit Cards | Instant deposits, widely accepted | Some banks may block gambling transactions | 2-3 business days |
Credit Cards | Instant deposits, secure | High fees, not always allowed for withdrawals | 2-5 business days |
Easy EFT | Instant deposits, low fees, no registration required | Withdrawals may not be available | Instant deposits, no withdrawals |
Skrill | Instant transactions, supports multiple currencies | Fees for withdrawals, not always accepted everywhere | Instant for deposits, 1-2 days for withdrawals |
Neteller | Fast transactions, multiple currencies supported | Higher fees for withdrawals and transfers | Instant deposits, 1-2 days for withdrawals |
Bitcoin | Fast, anonymous, lower fees | Volatility of cryptocurrency value, limited acceptance | Instant deposits, 1-2 days for withdrawals |
Mobile Sports Betting in South Africa
Mobile Sports Betting in South Africa
Mobile sports betting in South Africa has become more popular than ever, thanks to improvements in mobile technology. These days, sports betting on your phone is smooth, fast, and incredibly convenient. Gone are the times when navigating betting sites on your phone felt clunky or difficult. Now, most bookmakers offer mobile-friendly sites and dedicated mobile apps that make the entire experience seamless.
Sports betting fans generally prefer using mobile apps over mobile browsers for several reasons.
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Apps offer faster navigation and quicker access to bets, making the process more efficient.
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You can place bets from anywhere at any time, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
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Mobile apps enhance live or in-play betting, making it easier to react to game events in real-time.
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Manage your entire betting experience on the go. Open a new account, claim bonuses, deposit or withdraw funds all from your mobile device.
Essentially, anything you could do on a desktop betting site site, you can now do just as easily from the palm of your hand with a mobile app. As mobile technology continues to evolve, mobile sports betting is only going to become more convenient, making it the preferred method for South African bettors.
How to Download Mobile Betting Apps
Downloading mobile betting apps is a straightforward process, and most bookmakers offer apps for both Android and iOS devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading these apps on your smartphone:
For Android Users:
Visit the Betting Site: Go to the bookmaker’s website using your mobile browser. Many sports betting apps are not available on the Google Play Store due to restrictions on gambling apps.
Locate the App Download Link: Most betting sites have a direct link to download their Android app on their homepage or under a section labeled “Mobile” or “Download App.”
Enable Unknown Sources: Before downloading the app, you may need to allow your device to install apps from unknown sources:
Go to Settings > Security.
Toggle on Install from Unknown Sources.
Download and Install the App: Click the download link and install the APK file. Once downloaded, open the file, and follow the installation prompts.
Log in and Start Betting: Once installed, open the app, log in to your account (or create one if you’re new), and you can start betting.
For iOS Users:
Visit the App Store: Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Search for the Betting App: In the search bar, type the name of the bookmaker (e.g., "Betway", "Hollywoodbets", etc.).
Download the App: Once you find the official app, click Download. The app will automatically install on your device.
Log in and Start Betting: Once installed, open the app, log in to your account, and start placing your bets.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Always download apps from official sources to ensure security.
Some betting sites may offer incentives, such as free bets or bonuses, for downloading and using their mobile app.
Keep your app updated to benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
Responsible Gambling Helplines
Betting on sport can be a fun and entertaining pastime, but it’s important to understand that it has the potential to become an addictive one if you don’t gamble wisely. If you reach the point that you feel that you are about to develop a problem, or you have already, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
Here are a few free resources available to you:
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The National Gambling Board Programme has a problem gambling counselling line that operates countrywide, 24/7 – 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp/SMS HELP to 076-65-0710
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Gamblers Anonymous South Africa – 078-789-0868
Best Sports Betting Sites FAQs
How does sports betting work?
Sports betting is the act of placing a bet on a sporting event and winning a certain amount of money if the team (or player) that you bet on happens to win. Alternatively, if the team that you bet on did not win, you will lose your bet. There are different kinds of bets available on different events. Wagers can be placed at physical sportsbooks, online or via mobile sports betting apps.
How do odds work in sports betting?
Odds are determined by the probability of a certain outcome being reached. The numbers that appear next to each outcome – the odds – tell you how much you will win if that result arrives. The payout you receive is determined by your odds and your stake. In other words: The odds x your stake = your payout.
What factors directly affect betting odds?
There are many factors that could determine betting odds. For example, player injuries, changes in team lineups, the weather, whether the team is playing home or away, and many more.
How to win at sports betting in South Africa?
To win at sports betting, South African players could follow these important sports betting tips:
- Play at legal and reputable sports betting sites that are fully licensed.
- Keep informed. Stay abreast of all your favourite sports and teams so that you make an informed wager.
- Minimize your losses. Gamble wisely and don’t chase your losses.
- Learn from the pros. Read online sports betting guides and get sports betting tips from tipsters.
Is sports betting legal in South Africa?
Yes, it is. As long as betting takes place through the licensed and regulated sportsbook, it is legal to bet on sports in South Africa. This also applies to wagering online.
How can I check sports betting results, tips and fixtures?
All the current sports betting results, tips and fixtures can be found at the best South African sports betting sites.
What bonuses are available for sports betting?
There is a wide range of bonuses available for sports betting fans. These range from welcome bonuses, to no deposit bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, loyalty bonuses and special offers.
What is the difference between live betting and sports betting?
Sports betting means betting on the outcome of a sports event before it takes place. Live betting entails placing a wager while the game is being played out. Odds are updated during the event.
Can I bet on my mobile?
Yes you can! The vast majority of online sports betting sites have a dedicated mobile platform or app, which means that you can place your bets while on the go – at any time and from anywhere. You can also open an account, redeem bonuses, ask to withdraw your winnings or contact customer support from your mobile.
Why Trust Our Online Sports Betting Suggestions?
We have very strict criteria when it comes to selecting our recommended online and mobile sports betting apps. Before anything else, the site has to be legal, regulated and secure. It needs to offer a good range of events to bet on, with fair odds and good payouts. We also require that the sports betting sites on our list accept ZAR as currency and that the payment options are accessible to South African players.
We take care to cover various aspects of a sports betting website, highlighting both its selling points as well as its imperfections. We also update our reviews to reflect the latest changes, such as potential problems with the betting site, changes in payment methods, or simply updating our review with the latest welcome offers and bonuses for new and existing players. You can find all of this information along with other useful information about the best betting sites and sports betting in South Africa in our in-depth guides and reviews.
Sources Used in Our Content
Recognizing the importance of trustworthy information, we have curated a reference list of the credible websites and sources we have used to write this content. Each source has been meticulously vetted to ensure its reliability and relevance.
Who Created, Edited & Fact Checked The Content On This Page?
Team of Casino Experts
The content around our reviews including the editorial content on this page has been created by an experienced team of casino players. Here is a bit more about them, what they look for in a top casino site and their current favourite sites for their own betting.
I’m always drawn to sports betting platforms that really get the local vibe and capture the essence of South African sports. That’s why 10bet and Hollywoodbets are my top choices – they consistently offer a betting experience that feels like it’s made for true South African sports fans. What makes the best sports betting sites stand out for me is not just the range of markets, but also how well they handle live betting – it’s got to keep up with the game’s pace.
Kelvin Jones has become a leading authority on online casinos in South Africa, having spent over 10,000 hours analyzing sports betting platforms. His expertise spans across casino reviews, mobile platforms, and bonus structures.
As a passionate Orlando Pirates fan and Sportstake enthusiast, I look for betting platforms that cater to my soccer obsession. I go for sites that offer the best odds of the PSL and international matches, with plenty of betting options that keep me engaged. Hollywoodbets is my go-to because they nail it on both fronts – they’ve got great sports betting promotions that keep things exciting, and they also offer Spina Zonke on Habanero games, which is a nice bonus.
With over 20 years of experience, Katlego Modise is well-respected in the sports betting world, with a strong background in soccer analysis and lottery strategies.
With over a decade of experience in journalism and online media, Ilse is the driving force behind PlayCasino's accurate and engaging content. She brings a sharp eye for detail and fact-checking, maintaining PlayCasino's reputation as a trusted source of information in the competitive world of online gambling. Specializing in cutting through the noise to find the facts, Ilse ensures that every piece of content adheres to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity.