Gambling and betting in Africa: market insights

New sports betting sites in South Africa often launch with a fairly basic sportsbook that they build up over time. For example, they might have some important sports or markets missing when compared to the biggest online sportsbook sites that have been built over a long period. However, signing up for accounts with South Africa’s freshest online sports betting sites always offers people the opportunity to get in on the next big thing at the ground floor level.

Modern casino websites in South Africa know that they need to promote themselves on social media. In order to increase their online following, a lot of them offer exclusive free spins and other no deposit deals. So, make sure to follow the SA iGaming site you want on Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, and all other popular channels.

While we do our best to keep information current, promotions, bonuses and conditions, such as wagering requirements, can change without notice. If you encounter a different offer from the ones we advertise, please contact our team. Some casinos allow you to use EFT (electronic funds transfer) to fund your account; believe it or not, there are still some casinos that accept cheques.

The user-friendliness aspect of a mobile app refers to how simple it is to navigate an app. Everyone wants a simple-to-use app that does not cost you time before you master it. Thus, you should only go for one that seems easy, aesthetically appealing, and well-rated by other punters. While playing online, you may experience problems from time to time. According to statistics, 92% of South Africans have a cell phone, and 26.3 million own a smartphone (Source).

South African Online Betting FAQ

• Note that slight differences may exist depending on the site and its offer.
• As for sports, horse racing, rugby and soccer take centre stage, with a great range of events and races available every day.
• Sporting betting apps that give you live updates have an accurate picture of the event as it happens.
• You might wonder what makes the above listed sports betting apps the best.

Before making a withdrawal, you must wager your deposit and bonus at least 7x at odds of 1.70 (7/10) or greater. Your Gbets First Deposit Bonus will expire 30 days after being claimed. Hollywoodbets offers one of the only free registration bonuses in South Africa which does not require a deposit. Every new customer who joins the site gets a two-part welcome offer which includes 50 Free Spins on Spina Zonke games and a R25 Sign Up Bonus. When you log in to Hollywoodbets, your R25 Free Bet and 50 Free Spins will be available.

Guide to Gambling Online in South Africa

This is one of the reasons why so many gamblers in South Africa choose local operators instead of offshore sites. Click on the links above to learn more about the top 3 betting sites offering free bets in South Africa. Also, read the Easybet Sign Up Bonus article for easy instructions on how to claim the Easybet free bet and deposit bonus. The platform offers an Android, iOS & Huawei app almost equal to the desktop site.

Mobile Gambling Apps

The available payment methods for deposits are 15, while there are 4 for withdrawals. Although SupaBets has betting apps for Android devices, it does not have any for iOS players. On the other hand, the sportsbook has a total of 27 sports with long betting odds. You betting sport will enjoy 6 depositing and 3 withdrawal methods when you play here. For convenience, SportingBet has a mobile app for both Android and iOS players. There was a time when you could only play casino games by visiting a brick and mortar casino site.

Is Imperial Win Casino legal in South Africa?

• If you run into an issue along the way, contact the betting site’s customer support.
• When I assess and rank online betting apps, I do so in a completely unbiased and objective manner.
• In addition to the most popular African competitions, all the big European leagues are available on this bookie.
• To make a deposit simply select the deposit option you would like to use and follow the easy steps to complete the process.
• Players looking to deposit large amounts (which may exceed credit card limits) will be happy to know that bank transfers are also widely accepted from Kenyan players.
• If you are inexperienced in South African online gambling, it helps to know what you’re in for.

According to GeoPoll’s April 2025 Betting in Africa survey, a large percentage of people in many African countries have participated in sports betting at least once. Account creation needs to be straightforward and well-signposted; otherwise, a site risks turning away users from the outset. And if a site is willing to overlook something so important, what else has it overlooked? Registration also shouldn’t ask for unnecessary information, so your private details stay safe, and if claiming the welcome bonus is a part of this process, it shouldn’t be easy to miss. These are our favourite betting sites in South Africa, but how do we determine they’re the best?

Can I get a welcome bonus when joining a betting site?

Brand-new customers will find playing with them super easy as it only takes a few steps to sign up, make a deposit, place a bet and withdraw your winnings. South Africa’s Summer Cup is the finest horse racing event in the country today. It normally takes place toward the end of the year, in November and December. While it’s not easy to determine who will win the trophy, you can always find some favourites if you do your research. If you are interested in horse racing betting, you should consider a number of important factors to increase your chances of winning.

More Live Games

Additionally, the preference for cash transactions over digital payments reinforces the prevalence of offline gambling. Africa has a large unbanked population, with over 350 million adults lacking access to formal banking services as of 2023. This financial landscape makes it challenging for many individuals to engage with online gambling platforms that require electronic payment methods. Physical gambling venues, such as casinos and betting shops, accept cash and provide immediate payouts, appealing to those without bank accounts or digital wallets. Moreover, these venues offer social interaction and a communal atmosphere, which are culturally significant aspects of gambling in many African societies.

In this context, we only test bookmakers that have an approval respectively are operating legally in these countries. In addition to their sports offering WSB also Betgames Lucky 5, 6 and 7 as well as weekly promotions and money back specials. They’ve also recently added a legal live roulette game and several other casino style games which are fully legal to play. Their R Welcome Bonus is the joint biggest in South Africa and this great offer is backed up with fantastic odds, high betting limits and same-day withdrawals.

More Great Offers

This guide presents a comprehensive ranking of the top betting sites in South Africa, evaluated based on performance, user experience, and value to punters. Each platform listed is licensed and regulated, ensuring a safe and reliable betting environment. Whether you’re interested in local sports markets or international events, this guide aims to assist you in making informed betting decisions.

For example, previously operators have launched social betting apps that try to bring friends and family together to enjoy their sports betting hobby. It is likely that new betting sites will have to give users something a bit different from the norm if they are to be able to thrive in this sector. Launched with the aim of providing a dynamic and user-centric platform, SuperSportBet combines a sleek design with an extensive range of betting options to cater to diverse preferences. One of the standout features is its dedication to providing competitive odds across a wide array of sports, from football and rugby to cricket and beyond. Whether you’re a fan of local fixtures or international tournaments, you’ll find ample opportunities to place your bets and test your sporting knowledge. In recent years the SA betting and casino scene has seen a number of new entrants.

• They arrive here because they do not have a free bet welcome bonus, but they do offer plenty of free bet promotions.
• Betway is one of the most popular sports betting sites in South Africa, but did you know that they are also one of the best sites to play slots on?
• To claim a sign up free bet, you usually don’t need to make a deposit, but you may need to deposit in order to withdraw any winnings.
• Top online bookies understand the need for instant payouts and make it possible for bettors to receive their cash without delays.
• They then set up the regulatory infrastructure for each of the provinces, establishing a gambling and racing board in each of them.
• They offer a generous 100% deposit match bonus up to R10,000 and punters can bet on Soccer, Rugby, Horse racing, Casino Games and more.
• In sports where a draw is possible, you can also bet on this result.Point Spread – A point spread is used in sports betting to “level the playing field” between two unevenly matched teams.
• If you’re new to Springbok, use the bonus code SMS5000 to redeem a coupon code for a 500% match deposit bonus worth up to R5,000 with 50 bonus spins on the side.
• The mobile app is light and functional, with a user interface tailored for fast bet placement, even on older smartphones.

Meanwhile, you can head to the casino section if you ever tire of placing bets. Bet9ja offers a broad selection of casino games, including Slots, Roulette, Table Games, TV Games, Arcade, and even crash games. That’s not all, a compatible mobile app for Android and iOS is available on the Google PlayStore, and Apple Store. There’s also a Mobile Lite site if you’re using an older phone model. I was impressed with the uniformity of the features on all the platforms. All include a user-friendly interface, a dedicated section for prematch and live betting, a book-a-bet, quick bet and coupon check feature, a bet builder, and a live chat window.

Android Betting Apps

We also loved the exciting live betting feature, the live streams available on-site, and the high standard of safety at Fafabet. This is a betting site where you can make your wagers feeling secure and confident. As an international bookmaker which operates mainly in Eastern Europe, BetOlimp brings a lot of valuable experience to the local market. Well, for one thing, they have an excellent sign-up bonus for new customers which is a 100% deposit match up to R3 000. Another pro of playing with BetOlimp is their coverage of football and tennis, which includes markets for matches in the lower leagues and divisions. With a growing footprint in Europe and Africa, Betway is a world-leading bookmaker which offers the full package of betting options for punters of all preferences.

et Sports Betting App

Top-rated betting sites in the country also have the best bonus offers, including free bet promotions. And they use HTTPS and SSL encryption to provide a safe gaming environment. World Sports Betting (WSB) is a leading online sports betting platform catering to users in South Africa and beyond. Additionally, the platform supports convenient payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring flexibility and ease of use for customers. With its focus on providing a reliable and enjoyable betting experience, Playa Bets has become a preferred choice for sports enthusiasts looking to engage in online sports betting activities. Hollywoodbets is a prominent sports betting and gaming operator in South Africa.

Can I bet legally online?

Africa is recognized as having some of the most potential when it comes to betting industries. Many countries still have rudimentary regulatory frameworks, with many betting markets still in their infancy compared with well-established European, Asian, and American betting markets. This has seen many companies set up shop in an attempt to capitalize on an industry that is growing faster than the world average. Ghana is also home to a thriving horse racing industry and has seven land-based casinos. The country’s capital, Accra, is home to five of the seven casinos, with the other two located in Kumasi and Tema respectively.

A more personal experience is often up for grabs at the newest sports betting sites in South Africa. As with any online gambling operator, the newest sports betting sites in South Africa often have big welcome bonuses available to claim. Due to its association with sports broadcasting giant SuperSport SuperSportBet is especially interesting for sports punters. Wanejobets and Jackpot City on the other hand focus solely on delivering a top-notch casino gaming experience.

• The name simply implies that this promotion is created to welcome new players after they register.
• There’s also a Mobile Lite site if you’re using an older phone model.
• Multibet bonuses, work by increasing the bonus amount the more legs/events that are added to the bet slip.
• With over 2,560 smart card slot and 79 premium tables games, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town is South Africa’s largest casino in Africa gambling market.
• The platform provides competitive odds across different sports and events, maximizing the potential for higher payouts.
• Yes, online sports betting is legal in South Africa with licensed SA bookmakers.
• On the slots front you can enjoy playing Spina Zonke games at Hollywoodbets, Pragmatic and YGG Drasil games at Supabets and more.
• Win real money with your betting tips every month in our free tipster competition — open for participation to all registered users.

Some betting companies may also require you to provide FICA identification documents when withdrawing your winnings. This is part of the law for security purposes and should only take a few minutes of your time. Once all this is done, you can easily withdraw your winnings from the betting site. They generally disclose the national gambling board they are licensed within the footers of their websites, which can be found right at the bottom of their website homepages.

While South Africa mandates that online betting be conducted through officially licensed providers, some international bookmakers are accessible to South African players. These platforms offer extensive sports coverage and features, but it’s essential to understand their offerings and limitations. Gbets is a fully regulated South African betting site licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. Known for its clean interface, versatile markets, and strong local presence, it offers punters a reliable mix of sports betting, BetGames, Lucky Numbers, and casino products. With data-friendly apps and responsive support, Gbets continues to attract South Africans looking for a trustworthy all-in-one platform.

One of the best reasons to use Betway as a new player is their 100% deposit bonus match up to R2000, which means you’ll get double what you deposit once you sign up. The bonus can be used on slots, making it one of our highly recommended slots betting sites. There’s a R1000 Free Offer for sports fans, but for casino players the R2000 offer is much better. A major advantage of the mobile versions is that it is very easy to access and doesn’t require any downloading.

Additionally, the casino has over 15 payment options, and the payout time ranges from 2 hours to 3 business days. The bookmaker has a mobile app for both Android and iOS players for a better betting world. ECOGRA certified, meaning you can play your favorite online casino games happy in the knowledge that your real money and your personal details are secure.

The future of gambling in South Africa will also be shaped by the increasing focus on responsible gaming. Operators will need to prioritize player protection and promote responsible gaming practices. This may involve investing in technology that helps to identify problem gamblers, as well as providing support and resources for those who need it. By prioritizing responsible gaming, operators can help to ensure that the industry grows in a sustainable and responsible way.

The 2008 Act was confronted in its attempt and lobbied against by the land-based gambling establishments for fear of profit loss. They were accompanied by anti-money laundering authorities that were afraid online gambling could lead to even more nefarious activity. Despite the more modern legislation, casinos were being operated in Bantustans around the 1970’s. There was estimated to be at least 2000 illegally operating casinos by 1995.

We especially like how you can use the bonus on any sporting event you desire. The major requirement of the promo code for Hollywoodbets is that you don’t wager the bonus in two markets of the same event. The highest levels of participation in money-related games or bets were observed in Western African countries such as Guinea (58%), Angola (51%), Burkina Faso (51%), and Côte d’Ivoire (49%). Other countries with high engagement include Congo (45%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (45%) and Mozambique (45%).

#1 Betway.co.za

However you’ll need to manually download them as you won’t find them in the play store. We’ve reviewed and tested several betting apps as well as how to download and install them. You can find out the latest about the best betting apps on offer on our Betting Apps page.

This is an area that many of the new  sites excel in as they not only offer a host of great promotions but have very innovative bonuses for new and existing players. They have many sport specific bonuses and also offer some promotions that older betting sites don’t offer. When South African players register an account at the bookmaker, they get a welcome offer. This offer is a 100% deposit bonus up to a maximum of R1000 in free bets.

One of Betway’s standout features is Build A Bet, which enables players to create customized wagers by making multiple selections from the same match. Whether you’re a sports fan or a casino lover, you will be delighted with the Betway experience. WSB may only be on the online scene for the last decade and a half, but they have been operating retail betting shops for over two decades. Their experience in the industry particularly in horse racing since the 1990s has made them a trusted name, offering excellent odds on the sport. Their R first deposit match offer sets them apart on the local betting market along with their above average odds on all sports. Arguably the most competitive soccer league in the world, the English Premier League offers non-stop excitement and frequent upsets, making it a favourite among South African bettors.

Betway – 30-day Validity with High Deposit

There are many differences between online bookmakers and land-based bookmakers. The internet hasn’t just revolutionised how we bet, but the things we bet on. You don’t have to bet on a single team now, but can compile your own, using your sports knowledge to craft a winning team to bet on. Online fantasy sports are also simple to engage with as the website handles the different numbers and changes throughout the season.

Betting Site Offers: What Should the South African Players Expect?

European football/soccer is responsible for the majority of the betting revenue in Kenya, especially the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. The massive expansion of the Kenyan betting market can largely be attributed to this accessibility. By 2019, the gross revenue of the Kenyan betting market is expected to grow to over $50 million USD, according to The Daily Nation. Not only are all the major offshore sportsbooks mobile-friendly these days, but the Kenyan-run sites are also available on cell phones. If a sportsbook is not licensed, any operations in Kenya are illegal.