In our betting site test, we make it a point to take a close look at every bookie. And we do not just do this once. Rather, we constantly update and complete the reports of our experienced testers. This is the only way to ensure that all our visitors are always up-to-date.
In the course of this, we examine the wagering offer, the bonuses, the options for mobile betting and the options for deposits and withdrawals. But all the big rest brings very little if you are not on the safe side from a legal point of view.
This is the legal situation of sports betting in South Africa
The South African government of the time permitted gambling and thus sports betting in the mid-1990s. The number of betting sites in South Africa that have a valid licence from the stakeholders of the National Gambling Board (NGB) is comparatively low at about 30. The majority of them operate with a licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). Plus, the authorities of the provinces, for example the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) and the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB), can issue licences.
Compared to other African countries, South Africa excels with a clear legal framework that applies not only to land-based gambling. It covers online gambling like online sports betting, too. The country does not only follow a legal approach, but also a highly regulated one. On one side, you can access several legal online betting sites. But on the other one, illegal betting activities result mostly in strict penalties. Because: The South African authorities are meticulous in their compliance with regulations.
After all, the country is a prime example of sports enthusiasm. It is no coincidence that the first World Cup finals in Africa took place here in 2010. Fifteen years earlier, in 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in front of their home crowd, and they still rank among the best teams on the globe. The Cape Town Cycle Tour also enjoys particular fame. More precisely, we mean the world’s most important cycling race with individual timekeeping. Besides, cricket like in many other African nations counts to the most appreciated sports.
The following bookies are authorized in South Africa
| 10bet |
| Bet.co.za |
| Betfred |
| BetOlimp |
| BettaBets |
| Betway |
| BetXchange |
| BizaBets |
| BossBets |
| eBetSA |
| FirstBet |
| G-Bets |
| GG Gaming |
| Hollywoodbets |
| Interbet |
| King Bets |
| Lulabet |
| Marshalls World of Sport |
| PalaceBet |
| Playa Bets |
| SA Sportsbook |
| Scorebet |
| SmartBets |
| Soccer6.co.za |
| Sportingbet |
| SportPesa |
| SunBet |
| SupaBets |
| TopBet |
| WSB (World Sports Betting) |
| YesPlay |
without guarantee – list might not be complete.
South African betting sites: How we evaluate them
Thus, there is more than one authority responsible for the licences of betting sites in South Africa. All of them constitute stakeholders of the the National Gambling Board (NGB). To be more precise, we primarily mean the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). So, you can be sure that you are landing at a trustworthy bookmaker. Yet, from the user’s perspective, there are many other factors that count. Below you can find out which ones these are.
The offer of the bookmakers
Good bookmakers impress with a particularly multifaceted betting offer. Here, many people think of the number of sports. However, there is much more to it, and we don’t just mean social and political happenings. The largest selection in this respect will not make you happy in the long run if you find too few subcategories such as competitions or betting markets. Furthermore, special bets should be available. No matter if you want to place pre-match or live bets.
Which sports betting site offers the best odds in South Africa?
Sports betting has the nice characteristic that the odds can be easily compared. And this means that we can quickly find out which ones the bookmakers offer for the same events. Together with the stake, the odds are one of the factors that influence the amount of potential winnings. Therefore, our experienced testers scrutinize this aspect and only betting sites with consistently fair odds score well.
The profit margins constitute a good point of reference. The lower they are, the more profitable the odds are for you. For prematch bets, the margin should be at least 5%. However, for live bets, you must expect significantly higher ones.
South African sports betting on the internet: app & website
As with many other things in the daily life, sports betting is predominantly done via the internet. Therefore, an adequate online presence is the be-all and end-all of a good bookmaker. And these characteristics should definitely be given:
- From the point of view of both experienced users and newcomers, a user-friendly and thus intuitive website design is essential.
- This means in particular that all main content needs to be clear and concise.
- Especially for live betting, loading, and processing must be quick.
- In the same context, access to livestreams or comparable functions is a must.
- And in general: transparency is the top priority.
Another trend is that more and more customers place their bets using smartphones or tablets. And with that, adequate solutions for mobile wagering are essential. We appreciate most of all sports betting apps that perform at least as well as the desktop versions. Those should exist for Android, iOS, and Windows. And they should feature push notifications. However, there are cases in which mobile websites perform just as well.
Deposits & withdrawals at betting sites in South Africa
We all know that most transactions are effected using debit and credit cards, bank transfers (including ETFs) and electronic wallets. It goes without saying that this should also work for betting sites. The bookmakers should therefore accept the following payment options:
- Mastercard and VISA credit cards, including VISA’s virtual option Entropay
- Bank transfers as well as ETFs
- Cardless methods like Ozow, SiD and numerous vouchers
- Electronic wallets like Neteller, Skrill as well as PayPal
However, we also consider important the fact that the transfers must be processed as quickly as possible. And this applies both to transactions on the betting account and to withdrawals. Too long waiting times inevitably impact on the overall rating.
Sports betting in South Africa: What fees are there?
It is also essential to us that transactions by the user are exempt from fees. Bookmakers have to pay tax on turnover, but this should not affect customers. Transparency and thus, for example, the absence of hidden fees are a top imperative.
South African betting sites and their bonus
Let us face it: with all betting sites, the first thing that attracts our attention is the bonuses. However, you should always keep in mind that tempting offers are not always good. And that is precisely why our experienced testers focus intensively on this topic. We look at the promotions for new customers as well as those for existing customers. In doing so, we concentrate especially on these points:
- Does using a bonus represent a child’s play or a challenge?
- Which are the terms that the respective bookmaker has thought up?
- What are the turnover requirements and the maximum amount?
- For much time, you can use the bonus?
Also, with betting sites, you find out a lot solely by reading the small print. Of course, this is tedious, but we save you the hassle. And we tell you whether an offer is profitable or not. At the same time, we describe the terms and conditions in detail so that you finally know how it works with every bookmaker.
South African betting sites and their extras: the petty things in sports betting
So far, we have covered the basic requirements for every bookmaker. However, good betting sites should put the icing on the cake. Then each user decides for himself to what extent he uses them. However, in case of doubt, these extras should definitely be present:
- Cashout on selected bets.
- A configurator to arrange the desired wagers.
- Loyal customers might appreciate a VIP programme.
If wagering sites perform particularly well on these aspects, we reward them with extra points.
The best South Africa betting sites
To make a long story short: We publish trustworthy reviews of betting sites. Moreover, we guarantee that we only include bookmakers that operate with a South African licence. Furthermore, our qualified testers act as objectively as possible. Nevertheless, they also reveal their treasured individual and personal impressions.
Furthermore, we offer fact-based tips and news about this market. And one more thing, we would like to say to you: Please feel free to share your experiences with us. Because: By doing so, you contribute to our very insightful overview of the bookies and their deals and packages.
Betting Sites by Country:
FAQ
What are the biggest betting sites in South Africa?
In South Africa, two top dogs in particular dominate the betting site market. We mean an international brand, Betway, and a local bookie, Hollywoodbets.
Which bookmakers are legal in South Africa?
If a wagering site has a licence from a National Gambling Board (NGB) stakeholder, such as the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), we can speak about a legal bookmaker.
What are the top online betting sites in South Africa?
Betway and Hollywoodbets definitely represent the best bookmakers in South Africa. Besides, you can opt for other excellent betting sites like, among others, G-Bet and WSB.
Are online bookmakers legal in South Africa?
If a National Gambling Board (NGB) stakehold like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) have issued a licence, this means that you are facing a legal wagering site.
Which betting site in South Africa has the best odds?
It often happens that the quality of the odds depends on the competitions. Moreover, it is common that betting sites lure with exceptionally good odds and at the same time provide below-average ones. Thus, we cannot determine which wagering site in South Africa holds the best odds.
Which bookmaker in South Africa has the best bonus?
Of course, from the customer’s point of view, the bonus conditions should be as convenient as possible. However, this of course also depends on individual preferences. Accordingly, it is tricky to evaluate which betting site in South Africa offers the best bonus.
Local betting providers or foreign ones – which is better?
For this, it is the same as for the bonuses. This too depends on personal preferences. However, the licence represents the only basic requirement.
Which bookies are banned in South Africa?
In South Africa, all betting sites with no licence from a National Gambling Board (NGB) stakeholder like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) do not operate legally.
Is sports betting legal in South Africa?
Sports betting constitutes a form of legal gambling in South Africa.
How many bookmakers are there?
As at 8 February 2023, the legal market in South Africa comprises 31 betting sites.
Which of them are reputable?
By no means, seriousness represents the only excellence factor for a wagering site. The other side of the coin is that only you can rely on those with a valid licence from a regulatory authority.
Are new betting sites reliable?
In this context, it is the same story as for the bookmakers in general. All of them that operate with a licence in the state can be considered trustworthy.
New bookmakers – what are the advantages?
The process is the same as in many other business sectors. A new betting site initially has to make itself famous. And the best way to do that is with the help of attractive odds and bonuses.
Which betting sites hold a permit in South Africa?
The whitelists are available on the websites of the National Gambling Board (NGB) stakeholders like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB).