The Best Online Sports Betting Site in South Africa 2025

Reviewed by Max Fox
Checked by Max Fox
Updated

At OddsSurfer, our experts evaluate South Africa’s sports betting market and numerous bookmakers to identify the top options. Below, explore our selections and their features.

Best Online Sports Betting Sites in South Africa

  1. Rating 4.9
    100% up to 5,000 ZAR
    • Excellent welcome package
    • Multibet bonus up to 30%
    • 24/7 customer support
  2. Rating 4.8
    100% bonus on first deposit up to 2,000 ZAR
    • Amazing mobile betting site
    • Enticing promotional offers
    • Bet insurance option available
  3. Rating 4.8
    200% up to 3,900 ZAR
    • Excellent promotions
    • Mobile app available
    • Friendly support
  4. Rating 4.7
    100% up to 2,000 ZAR
    • Amazing customer service 24/7
    • Attractive bonuses
    • Supports cryptocurrencies
  5. Rating 4.6
    Welcome Bonus 700% Up To 190,000 ZAR + 725 FS
    • Broad sports coverage
    • Fast live interface
    • Multi-crypto support
    • Daily 10% cashback

List of Top Betting Sites in South Africa

100% First Deposit Match up to 5,000 ZAR
  • Cash Out:
  • Bet Builder:
  • Live Betting:
  • Live Streaming:

Playa Bets

Playa Bets started operating in 2014 and got a seal of approval from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. The bookie is secure, well-designed, easy to navigate. Playa Bets focuses on local tournaments and sports markets. Users can wager on tennis, football, and American football. You can access a wide variety of gaming options and features.

New customers are welcomed with a 100% first deposit match bonus up to 5,000 ZAR.

Playa Bets offers multiple payment methods, such as SnapScan, Zapper, and OTT voucher. Finally, the registration process is effortless, making your betting time memorable.

Playa Bets has a cool feature called Empty Bet, which lets you create custom bets for rare markets.

Pros
  • Excellent welcome package
  • Multibet bonus up to 30%
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Loyal VIP program present.
Cons
  • Limited to South Africans.
100% bonus on first deposit up to 2,000 ZAR
  • Cash Out:
  • Bet Builder:
  • Live Betting:
  • Live Streaming:

PariPesa

PariPesa is an online betting site offering sports betting to South African punters. Users can bet on local sports tournaments like soccer, basketball, and tennis. They also have extensive live betting options. Established in 2019, PariPesa is licensed by the Curaçao Gaming Authority.

Deposit and withdrawal processes are simple. The site provides various funding methods, including digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. PariPesa offers a 100% First Deposit Bonus to South African customers, matching their initial deposit up to 2,000 ZAR.

Our team paid special attention to the Bet Slip Sale feature. Users can cash out their bets before the event ends.

Pros
  • Amazing mobile betting site
  • Enticing promotional offers
  • Bet insurance option available.
Cons
  • The interface slows down at times.
  • The default home page appears cluttered.
200% Welcome bonus up to 3,900 ZAR
  • Cash Out:
  • Bet Builder:
  • Live Betting:
  • Live Streaming:

Megapari

Megapari, launched in 2019, operates under the Curaçao Gaming license. Unlock the reward by betting it five times on accumulator bets with three or more events at 1.40 odds or higher within 30 days.

Megapari offers a broad range of betting options, complemented by a huge selection of over 20,000 casino games. Payment methods include cryptocurrencies and local options. Our Team appeciated VIP Cashback Program with eight rewarding levels, plus 24/7 customer support.

Pros
  • Excellent promotions
  • Mobile app available
  • Friendly support.
Cons
  • Cluttered design.
100% up to 2,000 ZAR
  • Cash Out:
  • Bet Builder:
  • Live Betting:
  • Live Streaming:

20Bet

20Bet was launched in 2020 and operates under the Curaçao Gaming license. The operator is best known for competitive odds and various betting markets. As a Western Cape punter, you are covered whether you want to bet on regional or global sports. Bet on rugby, tennis, soccer, and markets such as double chance, handicap, and total goals scored.

20Bet grants a generous 100% First Deposit Bonus to South African bettors. The bookmaker offers many secure banking options for bettors. Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, Skrill, and PayPal are just a few. We found 20Bet to have a clean, crisp design, offering an amazing user experience.

Pros
  • Amazing customer service 24/7
  • Attractive bonuses
  • Supports cryptocurrencies
  • Great loyalty program.
Cons
  • Esports are not present.

Local Betting Information for South Africa

🌏 CountrySouth Africa 🇿🇦
👌 LanguageAfrikaans, English, Ndebele, Setswana, Sesotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Venda, Zulu, Xhosa, and South African Sign Language
💰 CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
⚽ Popular sportsSouth Africa Football, Basketball, Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, Horse Racing
⚖️ Is betting legal?Yes
🏛️ RegulatorNational Gambling Board (NGB) and provincial regulators
🧾 Gambling taxes15% tax on winnings
💳 Most popular payments methodsVisa, Mastercard, Capitec Pay, Ozow, OTT Voucher, E-wallets

Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in South Africa

Betting in South Africa was highly restricted. Many laws blocked gambling until 1994. This is when all gambling, including sports betting, was legalized. 

The National Gambling Act of 2004 set betting rules and licensing standards.

The Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 aimed to update wagering laws to address the rise of online betting, but its implementation has been delayed.

In SA, each province has authorities. These local authorities check and permit sportsbooks and guarantee compliance.

Non-compliance with the law might have serious consequences. This may result in fines, license revocation, asset seizure, and imprisonment for severe offenses.

Pending laws may change the legal framework. New betting rules could change the industry a lot.

Best Betting Apps in South Africa

Online betting has greatly evolved over the last few years in SA. Placing wagers on favorite sporting tournaments or casino games is easier. With just a smartphone, you can view betting markets in the palm of your hands. Mobile apps provide easy access to online sports betting, real-time updates, and secure payments.

Here are the best betting apps in South Africa.

Betway

Betway excels as a top betting app for smartphones. To install the mobile app, you require Android version 10.0+ and a storage space of 30MB. Apple users need iOS version 11.0+ and a storage space of 60MB. Its fast performance and simple design simplify betting. Also, the app offers several features, such as real-time betting, live streaming, Cash Out, and Bet Builder.

Hollywoodbets

Use the app from Hollywoodbets to follow your favorite sports anytime, anywhere. It is available on both Android and iOS devices. Your mobile must meet certain device requirements to perform optimally. Use Android version 5.0+ with a storage space of 100 MB. For Apple, use a phone with operating system version 9.0 or later. The mobile app is quick and enables bettors navigate various sections. It boasts several features. These include live betting, Aviator, and live streaming.

Sportingbet

The Sportingbet app offers betting on 30+ sports, which is a solid choice for variety. It’s suitable for the latest smartphones, including Android version 4.2+ and iOS version 9.0+. The app installs fast and runs clean. They boast impressive features. Real-time betting, live streaming, and cash-out that helps you manage the bets instantly.

Playa Bets

Playa Bets is one of the best apps for online betting in South Africa. It’s compatible with Android 5.0 and IOS version 11.0+ and above. Playa Bets downloads fast and is optimized for simple operation. The website meets user needs with cash out, bet builder, and in-play betting. The design is simple and easy to use.

How we rate the Best Bookmakers in South Africa

At OddsSurfer, we take the ranking of SA betting websites seriously. Each bookmaker gets a full check before approval. OddsSurfer’s experts emphasize these criteria when evaluating betting sites.

  1. Licensing and Security Measures

    Licensing is the first thing we factor in during our bookmaker reviews. If a sportsbook doesn’t have a valid license, we don’t verify it. We also check the company’s privacy policy to confirm if the bookmaker implements safety measures to protect personal information

  2. Payment Methods and Local Currency (ZAR)

    Payment options are also crucial in our rating criteria. Our betting sites offer various payment methods that accept South African Rand (ZAR). We recommend South African betting sites with easy payment options. These include Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, and e-wallets

  3. Reputation and Trustworthiness

    Reputable South African betting sites are known for their reliability and credibility. Before recommending a bookie, we check user reviews and assess its industrial history. This is to make sure it has a solid track record of fair play, quick payouts, and dependable customer service

  4. Mobile Accessibility

    The sites we review should have a mobile-friendly version and apps. You access the bookmaker from any device and bet while moving. We verify each site version works without lags. It shouldn’t affect your betting

  5. Competitive Odds and Market Variety

    We compare the odds offered and market alternatives on different wagering sites. Experts aim to find the most profitable, competitive odds and comprehensive markets. This helps punters maximize their winnings and have diverse options

  6. Bonuses and Promotions

    We assess all South African betting sites by their offers for better user experience. We pay more attention to the variety of promotions available. This includes any free bets or additional perks. Our reviews also consider any wagering requirements for these promotions

  7. Customer Support

    The team reviews each bookmaker’s customer service to see if it’s reliable and effective. We rate sites that provide multiple contact methods higher. Sites with 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support prove they value customers.

Top Bookmakers in South Africa by Sport

Sports betting is a competitive industry. Most top betting sites offer similar products and features. Choosing reputable betting sites in South Africa opens up various possibilities. National leagues grow the range of betting options.

Check OddsSurfer’s list of top online bookies in South Africa by sport.

  • Football

    • Topmost Bookmakers: Betway, Hollywoodbets

    Football is the most popular sport in South Africa, both amongst fans and bettors. This is because top betting sites like Hollywoodbets and Betway offer excellent soccer betting options.

    You can bet on local leagues like the Premier Soccer League and MTN 8. Also, wager on global events, such as the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and English Premier League.

  • Basketball

    • Top Bookmakers: PariPesa, 20Bet

    Basketball has over 2.2 billion fans. It is one of the most accepted sports in the world. Most basketball lovers, including South African punters, prefer betting on leading sports. This helps them test their predictions and make profits.

    Punters can stake in local championships. Betting options include the BNL and international leagues like the NBA and FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

  • Tennis

    • Leading Bookmakers: Sportingbet, Megapari

    Tennis lacks popularity, but punters still bet on it. Because of this, South African betting sites offer betting on local and international tournaments.

    Bettors can view local tennis tournaments. Events include Stellenbosch ITF tournaments and Tennis South Africa (TSA) Club Championships. Other global events include the US Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and Miami Open.

  • Rugby

    • Top Bookmakers: Sportingbet, Gbets

    Rugby is a popular sport with many matches in different competitions worldwide. That’s why most of the best sports betting sites in South Africa offer such betting markets. Punters can bet on national tournaments, e.g., the Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship (URC). Global tournaments, such as the World Rugby Seven Series, are also there.

  • Cricket

    • Top Bookmakers: Betway, Playa Bets

    One of the world’s biggest sports is cricket. It may not be as popular as football worldwide. Yet, fans in the Western Cape watch it. As cricket’s popularity grows, leading betting sites offer different events to bet on.

    You can bet on some domestic tournaments. These include the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series and the Momentum One Day Cup. Global tournaments to bet on are the ICC Cricket World Cup, Women’s Cricket World Cup, and more.

  • Horse Racing

    • Top Bookmakers: Hollywoodbets, Gbets

    Horse racing is one of the oldest sports to wager your money on. You can bet on horse races online without attending the events in person. With a few clicks, you can bet on horse racing at top South African betting sites.

    Punters can bet on local horse races. The Durban July and Cape Town Paddock Stakes are popular choices for horse racing bettors. There are also international racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot.

South African Betting Sites Which Offer the Best Odds

When looking for a bookie that’s suited for you, find a site that offers great odds. This is because odds are a critical factor when selecting the best betting sites in South Africa. Odds determine potential winnings and reflect the operator’s reliability. Competitive odds offer better value by increasing returns with lower bookmaker margins (closer to 100% payout).

Continue reading to find bookmakers in South Africa with competitive odds.

Below is our list of the best South African betting sites that offer the best odds.

  • 20Bet
  • Betway
  • Hollywoodbets
  • Sportingbet
  • Gbets

Best Betting Bonuses in South Africa

You can get many promotional offers as a South African bettor. However, you need to understand betting bonuses come in different shapes and sizes. See the best offers from South African betting sites.

Welcome bonus

Bookmakers are always competing to gain new customers. One way to attract potential customers is through offering a welcome bonus. A welcome bonus is a special offer for new users when they sign up. You can use it to place bets and win money. However, before qualifying for the offer, register and deposit money.

  • Betway

Receive a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to 1,000 ZAR. To qualify, wager the bonus amount 3 times on sports with odds of 3.0 or higher within 30 days.

  • Sportingbet

Claim 100% match offer up to 1,000 ZAR when you first deposit, plus 100 free spins. To qualify for the bonus, deposit at least 50 ZAR and wager it 10 times at minimum odds of 1.70.

No Deposit Bonus

Unlike deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses don’t require you to add money to your account. You can claim the offers without making any deposit. No-deposit rewards are among the best bonuses. The bonuses are also rare, as not all online bookmakers have them. Remember, these bonuses don’t come for nothing; meet the wagering requirements.

  • Hollywoodbets

Get an 25 ZAR no-deposit bonus when you sign up, and the details are verified.

Free Bets

A free bet is a promotional offer that enables bettors place a bet without risking their own money. Betting sites often offer free bets to keep their customers happy and engaged. Bookmakers use bonuses to keep you active and draw new users. However, gifts are subject to certain terms and conditions.

  • Betway

Get 100% first deposit match up to 1000 ZAR.

  • 20Bet

Claim 100% bonus match in free bets, up to 1,000 ZAR, by signing up and depositing $10

Deposit $20 min and receive free money for your wagering journey. You’ll be rewarded 100% match bonus of $120, along with 120 free spins.

Cashback

Betting sites give cashback bonuses to lower betting risk. It gives you back a percentage of your losses, so you don’t lose everything. Betting sites offer cashback for encouragement.

  • Playa Bets

Earn a 5% weekly cashback bonus up to 2000 ZAR on losses each week.

  • Megapari

Claim 3% of your total losses back, up to 1,000 ZAR weekly.  

Reload Bonus

You receive a reload bonus when you deposit more money into your account. A reload bonus is given for using their real money account. Reload bonuses add to your funds for extra play.

  • Betway

Get 50% reload bonus if you deposit 100 ZAR.

  • Gbets

First Deposit Match Bonus of 100% up to 1,000 ZAR. To get this Sports bonus, bet six times at min odds of 0.70 (7/10). The bonus amount does not include the 1x turnover rule for deposited funds.

Boosted odds

Boosted odds mean you can win more money on specific bets without risking more. Boosted odds are great for new bettors. With them, users can explore different bet types and events at better odds. 

  • Sportingbet

A 50% odds boost token increases wins on Football Built A markets. Place a bet with 3 picks from one event at 5.00 (4/1) odds and a 500 ZAR minimum stake.

  • Playa Bets

Grow your multibet earnings by up to 125% with the exclusive bonus.

Payment Methods at South Africa Betting Sites

Online betting requires depositing money. When you bet and win, you’ll need to withdraw your winnings. That’s why betting sites provide multiple funding choices to make transactions easy. Below, we’ve highlighted the popular payment options.

Betting Sites
Table of Payment Methods at South Africa Betting Sites
  • Visa and Mastercard

    Widely accepted by South African betting sites. These cards offer secure, instant deposits with fees varying by bank. Debit and credit cards provide advanced security with encryption and fraud detection. Regarding deposits limit, it varies from one site to the next, often starting from as low as 50 ZAR. However, users must complete KYC verification when using credit or debit cards. You have to provide an ID and proof of address.

  • Capitec Pay

    Capitec Pay is a popular mobile payment option for Western Cape gambling. It’s linked to Capitec Bank accounts. The transactions are instant, with a min fee of 1 ZAR per transaction. Capitec offers low fees for a budget-friendly choice. The payment method applies strong encryption for safety. This guarantees the safety and security of transactions. Your Capitec account type determines the limits. Link your bank account to the betting site to pass verification.

  • Ozow

    Ozow offers a secure Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment solution. It supports quick and secure fund transfers for punters. It’s built with the latest tech. Ozow adheres to international safety and security standards. You can make minimal deposits of 10 ZAR, with varying maximum limits. With Ozow, no additional verification is needed since it uses your bank’s authentication.

  • OTT Voucher

    The OTT Voucher resembles an airtime voucher, but functions like a debit or credit card. It lets you make secure online payments with your funds. Transactions process right away with no banks or extra fees involved. Depending on your preferred betting site, the minimum deposit is 10 ZAR. In addition, the OTT voucher doesn’t require verification or personal details.

  • Zapper and SnapScan

    Zapper and SnapScan are leading contactless payment apps in South Africa, using scan-to-pay technology. They make it easy and safe to pay online using your phone. Zapper and SnapScan require storing and verifying credit card information for payments. They’re encrypted on your mobile phone. The minimum deposit is 10 ZAR, and the maximum limit depends on your chosen bookmaker. With your phone number, you’re guaranteed account verification.

  • E-wallets

    E-wallets like Skrill, NETELLER and PayPal are also becoming popular. They’re efficient and secure payment options for betting sites in South Africa. They provide punters with immediate access to funds for their betting activities. Bear in mind some betting sites South Africa charge for using electronic wallets. Deposits start at 50 ZAR, but maximums change by account type. For verification purposes, you must provide your ID and proof of address.

How to Open an Account on a Betting Site Step by Step

Signing up for a betting account is easy. To open your betting account, follow our step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a betting site

    Select a safe South African bookmaker from our list and click the link to visit.

  2. Sign Up

    Tap “Sign Up” or “Register” and enter your details. To avoid any delays, confirm your account immediately by phone or email

  3. Make your First Deposit

    Use an accepted payment method to deposit the required amount for the welcome bonus.

  4. Place your Bets

    Review the minimum stake and odds requirements to confirm your bets fit promotions.

Fastest Withdrawal Betting Sites in South Africa

In South Africa, fast withdrawals matter to bettors for quick access to winnings. Some betting sites offer instant transactions. They have quick funding options. However, the withdrawal speed depends on the method and the site’s policies.

E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and NETELLER are among the fastest. They often process transactions within hours. Bank transfer and credit cards take longer. This is due to transaction processing times and local regulations. Ozow offers Instant EFT services as a middle ground. E-wallets permit transaction completion within some hours.

The best betting sites in South Africa, considering fast withdrawals, include:

  • Sportingbet: processes withdrawals within 24 hours, especially with e-wallets
  • Betway: Provides same-day withdrawals through e-wallets like Skrill and NETELLER
  • Hollywoodbets: Offers fast withdrawals through EFT, completed within a few hours

Responsible Gambling and Licensing

Betting can be fun, but anyone can develop a gambling problem, even those who bet responsibly. OddsSurfer encourages responsible gambling for a safer user experience.

Below are some betting tips to consider.

  • Set a Budget

    Creating a budget is the first step toward responsible wagering. This is for both new and regular bettors. Stop once you are over the limit.

  • Don’t chase losses

    Believing you must win your next bet is not right. It indicates you need help, and it’s a major step towards problem gambling. If you encounter losses, take breaks. Taking breaks helps you maintain control and thus have fun.

  • Recognize the Signs of Problem Gambling

    Look out for any problem signs. Problems such as spending beyond your limit, feeling stressed, and struggling to stop. Be mindful of these signs and get help if you recognize any.

  • Seek Help

    If you are struggling with gambling, seek support. The South Africa Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) and the National Responsible Gambling Programme provide free, confidential counselling services. You can also seek help from other organizations, like GambleAware, Gambling Therapy, and GamStop.

  • Additional Tips for Responsible Gambling

    Other tips for betting responsibly are: knowing the game, avoiding betting under the influence, and taking regular breaks.

  • Licensing in South Africa

    Place your bet only on licensed sites. Licensed operators guarantee safe and fair betting. Furthermore, licensing indicates the website follows regulations. Thus it guarantees the protection of the bettor’s funds and personal information.

Conclusion

The online betting market in South Africa is well established. We hope this review has helped you understand the betting options in South Africa. Do you live in South Africa and wish to have an outstanding betting? Pick a site recommended by OddsSurfer and start betting.

Check out our site now and find a trustworthy licensed sportsbook.

FAQ

  • Is Sports Betting Legal in South Africa?

    Sports betting is legal in South Africa under the National Gambling Act of 2004, with oversight by the National Gambling Board and provincial regulators.

  • Many betting sites are available in South Africa. The best regional sites are Hollywoodbets, Fafabet and Playa Bets. They offer numerous opportunities to bet on national and intercontinental sports. For competitive odds and additional features, consider Betway and 20Bet. They are popular offshore betting sites.

  • South African betting sites offer diverse payment methods. These include electronic wallets, Mobile Payments, Vouchers, credit or debit cards.

  • Yes, you can place bets on local sports leagues at South African betting sites. You can bet on national leagues like the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Currie Cup for rugby. Bet also on horse racing events like the Summer Cup.

  • Currently, betting winnings in South Africa are not subject to income tax.