Best betting in South Africa

We’ve done the homework for you. This guide ranks the best betting sites for South Africa based on factors like licensing, payment options, sports coverage, and overall user experience. Whether you’re backing the Boks or just looking for a good punt, you'll find the right sportsbook here. Now, let’s get into the details. 

Our top betting sites for 2025

Here’s a glance at the best 10 betting sites in South Africa that made our list: 

• Betway – 100% deposit match bonus up to R1,000

• Supabets – Up to R5,000 deposit bonuses + R50 free bet 

• 1xBet – 200% welcome bonus up to R3,000

• Hollywoodbets – R25 sign-up bonus 

• Sportingbet – Welcome package up to R15,000

• Playabets – 100% deposit match bonus up to R3,000 + 50 free spins 

• Gbets – Up to R16,000 in four deposit matches 

• Lulabet – 100% deposit match bonus of R250 bet

• Bet.co.za – 100% welcome offer up to R5,000

• YesPlay – 100% deposit bonus up to R3,000

You can also find topslist of the best betting sites in Ghana - if you are looking for more african betting.

Top 10 betting sites 

Now, let’s check out the South African betting sites above to see how they stack up:

1. Betway 

There’s no talking of sports betting in South Africa without mentioning Betway. The operator has been around since 2017 and has dominated the space with its super-packed features, including thousands of daily betting events, competitive odds, and support for South African-friendly payment options like Ozow, EFT, and online vouchers. 

Pros

✔️ Accepts airtime and EFT deposits 
✔️ Wide range of sports betting markets across football, cricket, and rugby

2. Supabets 

Supabets is renowned for its presence in physical locations and success in online betting. The mix of both worlds positions this bookmaker among all kinds of bettors, allowing them to enjoy its packed sportsbook. It includes a blend of local and international tournaments, live betting, and exciting bonuses and promotions. 

Pros 

✔️ Strong online and offline presence 
✔️ Licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator

3. 1xBet

1xBet is a world-class bookmaker with a remarkable presence in the South African online betting scene. The operator holds a foreign license from Curacao, but processes direct ZAR payments and crypto deposits to accommodate all kinds of bettors. It also boasts one of the most comprehensive sportsbooks, with a wide range of local and international markets. 

Pros

✔️ Global reputation 
✔️ In-play betting and live streaming

4. Hollywoodbets 

As one of the pioneers of online betting in South Africa, Hollywoodbets combines the thrill of online betting with in-shop betting at its various locations across the country. Both experiences offer players access to top sports events across football, horse racing, and less popular games like badminton and Biathlon. 

Pros

✔️ 40+ sports games 
✔️ Local trust due to licensing in different provinces

5. Sportingbet 

Sportingbet is another international bookmaker that has immersed itself in the South African online betting space. The operator is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, and it is well-known for its accumulator boosts and big odds. The wide sports coverage is also a plus, allowing players to access different markets for the best opportunities. 

Pros

✔️ Triple welcome bonus up to R15,000
✔️ Best for accumulator bets 

6. Playabets 

Playabets isn’t among the oldest bookmakers in South Africa, but it has grown at a massive pace and is now a top pick for many bettors. The operator thrives because of its excellent mobile experience, support for local sports, and strong promotions. It also offers virtual betting, opening it up to a wider range of niche bettors. 

Pros

✔️ Local sports coverage and promotions 
✔️ Up to R3,000 in sports welcome offer 

7. Gbets 

While many sportsbooks focus on popular games like football and horse racing, Gbets excels in providing players with alternative games like BetGames, virtual sports, and esports. Its bet builder feature also attracts players looking to maximise their potential winnings with a single bet slip. Additionally, there’s a whopping R16,000 up for grabs for new players. 

Pros 

✔️ Deposit via vouchers and other local payment methods
✔️ Live sports and BetGames are available 

8. Lulabet 

Lulabet isn’t the most popular bookmaker in South Africa since it’s relatively new. However, it has quickly secured a license from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, establishing itself as a legitimate brand. Players fancy Lulabet for its instant registration and KYC. It’s also great that it offers one of the lowest bonus wagering requirements. 

Pros 

✔️ Low 5x wagering requirement 
✔️ Fast KYC approval 

9. Bet.co.za 

As an active player in the South African betting terrain for over a decade, Bet.co.za is a well-established brand with a strong focus on servicing South African bettors. The operator offers one of the best mobile gaming experiences, providing full access to all sports. 

Pros

✔️ Weekly football and cricket bonuses
✔️ Instant payouts 

10. YesPlay

YesPlay is an upcoming online betting brand in South Africa, making it the last name on this list. The operator is nothing short of impressive, though. It offers a range of sports games across all top events, and there are BetGames for those who prefer them. 

Pros

✔️ Thousands of daily events across top competitions 
✔️ Up to R3,000 welcome bonus

How do we rank betting sites?

Here are the factors we consider when reviewing and picking the best betting sites for South Africa:

💵 Support for local payments

The best betting sites in South Africa support ZAR payments via local EFT and Ozow. 

✔️ Security and licensing

We only recommend betting sites with operational licences from South Africa or reputable bodies abroad.  

💸 Bonuses and free bets

Sports bonuses and promotions can be massive. However, we assess the bonus terms and conditions to confirm if they are fair.  

📱 Mobile support

Nearly all South African bettors use Android and iOS devices. We recommend sites with either mobile apps or mobile-optimised sites.  

✍🏼 User experience

We recommend only sports betting sites that prioritise simplicity with their design, look, and feel. 

🎧 Customer support

We look for betting sites with good customer support and fast response times. 

Which betting sites should I pick?

If you’re new to sports betting and not sure where to begin, sportsbooks like Betway, Playabets, and Hollywoodbets are a good place to start. Those who love horse racing should try Hollywoodsbet or Gbets. 

For the best deals, check out 1xBet and Betway. For local payment support, Gbets and Supabets are great options. 

What makes a betting site good?

Here are some features that help bookmakers stand out in the competitive online betting space:

📈 Odds 

The best betting sites make sure their odds are competitive across all markets. Playing on bookmakers with higher odds means you could win more from your bets.

⚽SportCoverage 

Top betting sites offer a diverse range of markets across the South African Premier League, EPL, NBA, UFC, virtuals, and even African leagues. 22Bet and Betway South Africa thrive in this aspect.

⏩ Live betting 

Live betting adds more excitement to the gaming experience, and operators like Betway, Sportingbet, and Gbets are excellent choices in this aspect. Extra features like live streaming and cash-out options also give you more control when playing. 

❤️ Fair play 

Choose any of the licensed operators on our list to ensure fair gaming, transparent odds, and verified results.

💲Bonuses and promotions 

We look for bonuses with clear and fair terms. The best of the lot also have various deals for new and existing bettors. 

Play only with trusted betting sites 

Always play on verified and licensed betting platforms to ensure you’re in safe hands. Such sites protect your personal and financial information with proper security measures. Payouts from them are guaranteed because they are bound by the law. 

Plus, if something goes wrong, regulators can step in to help resolve disputes. That’s why every site we recommend is properly licensed in South Africa to give you the best experience. 

Responsible gaming in South Africa

Online betting is regulated in South Africa, with both online platforms and physical betting shops widely available. In terms of regulation, the National Gambling Board (NGB) serves as the main authority overseeing online betting activities nationwide. However, it works closely with provincial gambling boards which enforces their own local laws depending on the jurisdiction. 

Licensed operators are required to implement a range of responsible gaming tools. These include age restriction, self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, time-out sessions, and reality checks. Betting companies are also expected to monitor customer behaviours and flag any signs of problematic gambling. 

For players seeking gambling help and support, there are several support services available. The National Responsible Gambling Program (NRGP) is an independent public-private institution that provides free and confidential treatment and counselling. Other organisations offering gambling support include the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), as well as provincial regulators like the Gauteng Gambling Board and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. 

Best advice for joining a betting site

Here are a few tips for bettors:

• Have a budget and stick to it

• Start with small bets and go bigger with confidence 

• Take advantage of bonuses, but understand their requirements

• Read and understand the operator’s terms and conditions 

• Don’t chase your losses 

• Know when to quit or take a break