Best Sports Betting Sites South Africa

Bet on your favourite teams, players and tournaments at the best sports betting site in South Africa. We've got the best sports betting sites below that offer the best odds and betting bonuses for betting on soccer, rugby, cricket and more. ⚽️🏉🏏⛳️🎾

Top 3 Betting Sites in South Africa 2024

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!

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.

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.

Types of Bonuses for Sports Betting

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 Sports 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 sports 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.

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.

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. On the other hands, 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.

Yes, sports betting is legal in South Africa, as long it is done with a licensed South African bookmaker. According to the National Gambling Act of 2004, 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.

The National Gambling Board is the main regulator body in South Africa. The 9 provincial gambling boards are:

• Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board

• Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority

• Gauteng Gambling Board

• KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board

• Limpopo Gambling Board

• Mpumalanga Economic Regulator

• Northern Cape Gambling Board

• North West Gambling Board

• Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

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.

Mobile Sports Betting in South Africa

Betting on cellphones and other mobile devices in South Africa has become more popular than ever. Thanks to improvements in mobile technology, sports betting on your phone is smooth, fast, and convenient. Today 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.

• Apps offer faster navigation and quicker access to bets, making the process more efficient.

• You can place bets from anywhere at any time, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

• Mobile apps enhance live or in-play betting, making it easier to react to game events in real-time.

• Manage your entire betting experience on the go. Open a new account, claim bonuses, deposit or withdraw funds all from your mobile device.

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

Here's how to download a sports betting app on your iOS or Android smartphone.

For Android Users

If the bookmaker has an app on the Google Play Store, type in the name of the betting site and download the app. But many sports betting apps aren't available on the Google Play Store because of restrictions on gambling apps. If that's the case follow these steps.

1. Visit the Betting Site: Go to the bookmaker’s website using your mobile browser.

2. 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.”

3. 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.

4. Download and Install the App: Click the download link and install the APK file. Once downloaded, open the file, and follow the installation prompts.

5. 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:

1. Visit the App Store: Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Search for the Betting App: In the search bar, type the name of the bookmaker (e.g., "Betway", "Hollywoodbets", etc.).

3. Download the App: Once you find the official app, click Download. The app will automatically install on your device.

4. 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.

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:

• 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

• Gamblers Anonymous South Africa – 078-789-0868

For more information and resources visit our Responsible Gambling Guide.

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.

• Casino Association of South Africa

• South African National Government

• South African National Gambling Board

• Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

• TGM Gambling and Sports Betting Survey in South Africa | TGM Research

• South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)