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Best Sports Betting Sites in South Africa 2024

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Rudie Venter
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Sportsbooks South Africa

Sports betting is popular all around the world, South Africa is no exception! Punters have a variety of sports to bet on, with multiple odds set out by different online sportsbooks.

Finding the best sports betting websites that offer generous bonuses, competitive odds, fast payouts, a seamless mobile experience, and that accept rands, however, can be challenging. This is why our team tests and reviews various betting sites and apps to provide our players with the best possible selection.

Best Betting Sites South Africa

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 below, along with other useful information about the best betting sites and sports betting in South Africa.

List of the Top Recommended Sportsbooks:

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Types of Bonuses Available at These Sportsbooks

These different sportsbooks offer many different bonuses and incentives to sports betting South Africa players. Below, we will explain the terms and how these work:

Welcome Bonuses

These offers traditionally welcome players to the online sports betting site by matching their first deposit by a certain percentage. So, for example, if you deposit R1,000 into your newly opened sports betting online account and the offer is a 100% match bonus, the site will reward you with another R1,000 into your account – giving you R2,000 to place on events of your choice.

Sign-up Bonuses

These are sometimes another name for a welcome bonus or match bonus. Other times, a sports betting site will offer players a no deposit bonus. This means free credits to players who sign up at the site without the need to make a real-money deposit initially.

Free Bets

One of the most lucrative offers at a sports betting site is free bets for new players. Use the free bets to explore the site, check out the odds and enjoy all the online sports betting site offers. You can even keep some of your winnings!

Money Back

Money-back offers ensure that part of your bankroll is always kept secure. The mobile betting site promises to pay back a certain percentage of your losses. For example, if you lose R200, a 20% money-back offer will ensure that R40 is automatically returned to your account as credits to use at the site.

Other Promotions

Online sports betting sites regularly run other types of promotions, e.g. around important sports events such as the World Cup, weekend specials, etc. Also, look out for refer-a-friend offers that reward you for promoting the site to friends and family and getting them to sign up for an account.

How We Select and Promote Good Betting Sites

We have very strict criteria when it comes to selecting and promotion 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.

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: It essentially entails placing a wager while the game is being played out. Live betting is also known as betting in-play and is offered on sports such as football, boxing, rugby, cricket, tennis and horse racing.

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.

Which Sports Have the Best Odds and Payoffs?

There are many sports events that one can bet on. All of these function in different ways and have different probabilities of occurrence. Here is more information for any of you punters.

How Are the Odds Calculated?

The odds offered on a sports event are calculated according to the risk associated with the event happening or not. For example, the chances of England winning the Rugby World Cup, or the chances of a horse coming in first place in race.

In the case of Live Betting, in-play betting and in-game betting odds are calculated differently. In the case of in-game betting, players wager on the game while it is happening. Odds usually change during a commercial break or a timeout. Odds for in-play wagering change after every play or possession. Players can place in-play bets via their mobile betting devices. They need to be very focused on the game as the odds change fast – sometimes within seconds. In-play odds are calculated according to what’s happening in the game in the immediate present.

Cashout options allow you to get money back on your wager before the event actually takes place. The amount that you get will be determined at the time of cashing out, as well as the likelihood of the bet winning. A cash out is usually offered as part of in-play betting. As the chances of winning change, an offer for cash out will increase or decrease (or be removed altogether) accordingly.

Popular Local and International Sports Leagues and Competitions

The sports calendar is filled with events in every imaginable sport. Players can bet on local leagues and competitions or look abroad for their choice of literally thousands of options. These are just some of the local and international sports events that run.

Local

Soccer: Telkom Knockout Cup, Premier Soccer League, First Division

Cricket: SuperSport Series, The MTN Domestic Championship, T20 Challenge

Rugby: Currie Cup, Vodacom Cup, Varsity Cup

Golf:  Sunshine Tour, The Nedbank Challenge

Racing: Summer Cup, Vodacom Durban July, J&B Met

Athletics: South African Athletics Championships

Boxing: >SANABO Elite National Championships, SANABO Boxing League

Motorsport: South African Rally Championship

Tennis: South African Open

International

Athletics:  World Championship every two years, Athletics World Cup

Badminton: Badminton World Championships

Baseball: World Baseball Classic, Premier12, Baseball World Series

Basketball: World Cup, NBA Finals

Boxing: Boxing World Championships

Cricket: ICC World Cup, World Twenty20

Cycling: UCI World Championships, Tour de France

Golf: Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, British Open, US PGA, Masters, US Open

Equestrian:  EI World Equestrian Games

Gymnastics: Artistic Gymnastics World Championship, World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships

Handball: World Championships

Hockey (ICE): Stanley Cup, World Cup of Hockey, Ice Hockey World Championships

Hockey (Field): World Cup

Football (American): Super Bowl

Football (Soccer): World Cup, FA Cup, Asian Cup

Motorsports: F1 Grand Prix

Netball: World Championships

Rowing: World Championships

Rugby Union: Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, The Rugby Championship, World Cup Sevens

Rugby League:  World Cup

Sailing: Americas Cup

Swimming: FINA World Championships

Surfing: World Surfing Games

Table Tennis: Table Tennis World Championships

Tennis: Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, French Open, Davis Cup, Hopman Cup, Federation Cup.

Triathlon: World Triathlon Series

Volleyball: World Championships

Weightlifting: World Weightlifting Championships

Deposit and Withdrawal Options at Sports Betting Sites

These sportsbooks offer various deposit and withdrawal options in a great variety of currencies. You can find the latest information in this section.

Banking Methods

The best online and mobile sports betting sites for South Africans make sure that the entire banking and payment process goes as smoothly as possibly. To this end, most accept the following banking methods:

For more information about SA-friendly banking methods, feel free to check out our comprehensive Banking Methods Guide.

Accepted Currencies

The best sports betting sites accept a range of currencies to cater to players from all around the world. South African online betting sites accept ZAR (Rands) as a form of currency, as well as other currencies such as NGN (Nigerian Naira), Kenya Shilling, US Dollars, Euros, UK Pounds, etc.

Mobile Sports Betting in South Africa

Improvement in mobile technology in recent years has led to a significant spike in the number of South Africans who bet while on the go.  Gone are the days when navigating around betting sites was difficult and unintuitive. Today, you can guarantee yourself an unbeatable sports betting experience in the palm of your hand.  Most bookmakers today make it possible for players to navigate their sites on their mobile devices, but the vast majority of them also have dedicated mobile betting apps.

Sports betting fans, as a rule, prefer sports betting mobile apps since they make for faster and smoother navigation.  Mobile betting is also incredibly convenient, allowing you to make a bet anywhere and at any time – as long as you have a signal. Lastly, mobile apps make in-play betting so much simpler and more enjoyable.

Of course, players can do other things using their mobile sports betting apps, besides betting on sports. They can open an account, redeem bonuses, transfer funds, request payouts and contact customer support – in fact, anything that they’d be able to do on a desktop sports betting site.

How to Download Mobile Betting Apps

The best sports betting sites have dedicated betting apps that can be downloaded to your mobile devices. This gives you the opportunity to wager on your favourite sports from wherever you happen to be. Gambling on the go has never been so entertaining or rewarding.  Place bets from your smartphones or tablets and put yourself in line to win significantly.

Android mobile devices such as Galaxy Nexus and Google Pixel allow you to download Android betting apps fast and free.  Head to the Google Play store, enter the mobile sportsbooks’ name and download the app onto your device.

The majority of bookies offer a mobile site that is compatible with Apple iPhones and iPads. However, dedicated Apple betting apps may offer a better quality of play.  Download betting apps for iPhones and iPads from iTunes and from all major online betting sites.

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:

  • 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

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.

Rudie Venter

Rudie Venter

Online Slots and Casino Games Expert

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Rudie Venter is a seasoned online casino games expert with eight years of industry experience. Holding a degree in psychology, he combines academic insight with practical knowledge of casino game strategies. Rudie's talent lies in demystifying game mechanics, making them accessible and fun for everyone. On his time off, Rudie loves a good ol’ braai and watching the rugby with a naughty Klippies & Coke (in moderation, of course).

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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.

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