Your Guide to Sports Betting in South Africa
Dive into the best sports betting action in South Africa on your one-stop hub for expert tips, trusted bookmakers, and everything you need to know to be a successful bettor. Learn the ropes of sports betting and dive into the action with the best bonuses! From soccer showdowns to cricket and rugby, we’ve got you covered with trusted reviews and expert advice, all in one place!
South African Bookmakers We Recommend in 2025
Wondering where to begin? Here are the bookmakers we trust the most for excellent odds, attractive bonuses, and non-stop betting action in 2025:
- No-deposit free spins
- Daily casino tournaments and promotions
- 600+ games, many from less common providers
- Fast payouts
- 1Voucher withdrawals available
- Deposit bonus requirements can’t be completed on casino games
- Aviator is the only crash game available
- Low number of live casino tables
- Large collection of “Spina Zonke” (slot machines)
- Good variety of live casino games
- Attractive casino tournaments and sweepstakes
- No-deposit free spins
- Licensed in all major jurisdictions
- Exclusive slots, card games, and crash games, including Shova 52
- No deposit matches listed
- Focus on betting bonuses
- No major progressive jackpot slots
- Some responsible gaming tools are missing
- No useful game categories
- Top-rated slot machine providers
- Useful game categories
- Amazing live dealer games from top providers
- Live games for every budget
- Pragmatic Play network promotions
- Cashbacks for Lucky Numbers
- A limited number of slot machines
- A low number of promotions
- High wagering requirements for casino players
- Welcome bonus favours sports betting
- Established, long-standing brand
- High-quality games
- Live dealer games
- BetGames, Virtual Games
- Aviator available
- Downloadable Android app
- Loyalty & VIP scheme
- No RNG table games (only live dealer games)
- A small number of games
- Almost no casino bonuses
- Welcome bonus for sports betting only
Check out all our reviews here.
Why Trust Us?
We have made it our goal to present all the pros and cons of South Africa’s most beloved gambling outlets objectively. We won’t shy away from calling them out if we find that their practices are shady or their terms predatory. Our team has years of experience not only as bettors and gamblers but as professional reviewers, too. We will never use misleading marketing language to push you toward one betting site or another. Instead, we remain transparent, objective, and fair.
On these pages, we will be comparing not only bonuses and other benefits but also the markets covered by bookmakers, the odds, the customer support system, and the payment methods offered so you can get a complete picture of the bookie before you register and deposit.
Learn More About Sports Betting
Are you new to sports betting? Are you preparing to dive into its world, for fun or maybe to put some cash in your pocket? We’re here to help. Our betting guides will teach you everything you need to know about the world of betting, from the slang used by betting sites to the smartest bets you can place on soccer, cricket, rugby, and other popular sports. Here are the basics to get you started:
- 5-6 articles explaining sports betting basics -
Check Out These Sports Betting Markets
What are the sports you can bet on? The short answer is “pretty much everything”, depending, of course, on the markets covered by bookmakers. You can bet on flashy events like Formula 1 and smaller ones, like the races at Greyville. Everyone has their favourite sport to bet on, but there are a few that are almost universally loved:
Soccer
Soccer is the king of sports, with fans all over the world. It’s so popular that even slot machines and live game shows try to ride on its popularity - quite successfully, I must say.
All bookmakers cover the most important soccer events in the world:
- Global events like the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup
- Continental football championships like AFCON, Europa League or Copa América
- International club competitions like the UEFA Champions League, the CAF Champions League or the Copa Libertadores
- Major national leagues like the English Premier League, the Bundesliga or the Spanish La Liga
- Local soccer, especially the Premier Soccer League
Cricket
Cricket is more than just a sport - it’s a global obsession. This is especially true in South Africa, India, and Australia. Cricket keeps fans on the edge with its mix of strategy, skill, and adrenaline-packed moments. Bookmakers cater heavily to cricket lovers, covering the biggest events worldwide, including:
- Global events like the ICC Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup.
- Regional tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the Big Bash League (BBL).
- Prestigious domestic competitions like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the County Championship.
- Test matches between cricketing powerhouses offer long-form drama and tension.
- Local cricket, including South Africa’s own Mzansi Super League (MSL).
No matter your format of choice - Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s - there’s always a match waiting for your predictions.
Rugby
Rugby isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life in South Africa and beyond. Known for its brute strength and unmatched team spirit, rugby draws a massive following. Betting on it adds to the excitement. Leading bookmakers feature a range of options, covering:
- International tournaments like the Rugby World Cup and The Rugby Championship.
- Club competitions such as the Super Rugby Pacific and European Rugby Champions Cup.
- Historic rivalries in events like the Six Nations Championship and the British & Irish Lions tours.
- Local rugby with fan favourites like the Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship.
Whether it’s the high-stakes world stage or the Springboks, rugby betting is always a thrilling experience.
Esports
Think gaming is just for fun? Think again. Esports has exploded into a global phenomenon with millions of fans and prize pools rivaling traditional sports. Bookmakers cover betting options for the biggest events and games, including:
- Global tournaments like The International (Dota 2), the League of Legends World Championship, and Counter-Strike's Major Championships.
- Popular titles such as Valorant, Call of Duty, and Overwatch.
- Regional leagues and qualifiers, keeping the action non-stop.
- South African esports, spotlighting rising stars in the local gaming scene.
With dynamic matches, unpredictable outcomes, and fast-paced gameplay, esports betting is perfect for those looking to break away from tradition.
Sports Betting Promotions and Bonuses
Bonuses are more than just marketing tricks to make you register and deposit at a bookmaker. If you use them right, they can boost your bankroll significantly and help you enjoy more bets - or win more rands. Betting bonuses go beyond simple deposit matches - although you’ll see plenty of those, too. There are many more ways in which bookmakers will reward you for sticking with them and betting on sports through their platform.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are those that you get when you register with a South African bookmaker, or when you deposit for the first time. These usually consist of no-deposit free bets, free spins, and deposit matches. Reload bonuses are similar, albeit usually smaller.
Free Bets
Free bets are the go-to bonus of bookmakers in South Africa and beyond. They’re basically a non-cashable bonus that you can use to place a bet, usually under specific conditions, like on certain events or at certain odds.
Boosted Odds
Bookmakers often boost sports betting odds as a promotion. It can be for important sporting events, like soccer derbies or league finals, or for special occasions. Plus, bookies routinely boost the odds of accumulator bets with many legs - the more legs, the bigger the bonus - to encourage you to use them. This is a risky business, but the rewards can be substantial.
Other Sports Betting Bonuses
There’s an entire array of sports betting bonuses you can claim at South African bookmakers:
- Risk-free bets return the entire amount you bet, usually as free bets
- Cashbacks return a share of your lost bets to you, usually as free bets
- Losing leg consolation prizes, for accumulators that lose by a single leg
- Other bonuses, like a birthday bonus or a reward if you refer a friend
Find out more about all sports betting bonuses!
Mobile Sports Betting
The most common - and, let’s face it, most convenient - device you can use to bet is your smartphone. Modern bookmakers are well aware of this preference of their customers, so they provide you with the means to do that.
All South African sports betting sites have fully functional mobile betting websites. Some of them go one step further, offering you the possibility to download and install their native betting apps on your Android phone or iPhone. Mobile betting apps come with extra benefits, like frequent updates, safer connections, and notifications that alert you of the latest bonuses and betting opportunities.
Betting Sites with Smartphone Apps
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting
What is sports betting?
Sports betting is the act of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. Whether it’s predicting the winner of a soccer match, the top scorer in a cricket game, or the total points in a rugby clash, sports betting adds excitement and a chance to win money by correctly guessing the result.
How does sports betting work?
Sports betting involves selecting a sporting event, choosing an outcome (like which team will win), and placing a wager. Bookmakers set odds that determine your potential winnings. For example, if the odds are 2.0 and you bet $10, a correct prediction will win you $20. The better your predictions, the more you can win.
How to win sports betting?
Winning in sports betting requires a mix of strategy, research, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips:
- Understand the sport you’re betting on and its players/teams.
- Analyze stats, trends, and forms before placing bets.
- Manage your bankroll wisely to avoid over-betting.
- Use promotions and bonuses to stretch your betting funds.
- While there are no guarantees, informed decisions improve your chances of success.
What are the odds in betting?
Odds represent the likelihood of an event happening and determine how much you’ll win if your bet succeeds. For example:
- Decimal odds (e.g., 2.5): Multiply your bet by the odds to calculate your potential payout.
- Fractional odds (e.g., 5/1): Shows your profit compared to your stake (bet $1 to win $5).
- American odds (e.g., +200): Indicates profit from a $100 bet.
- Understanding odds helps you evaluate the risk and reward of each bet.
Which betting site is the best?
The best betting site depends on your needs. Some prioritize live betting and streaming, while others offer great bonuses or diverse markets. Popular options include Betway, Bet365, and 1xBet. Check reviews to find one that fits your style and preferences.
Which betting site gives a bonus on registration without a deposit?
Several bookmakers offer no-deposit bonuses for new users, allowing you to bet without spending a cent upfront. Look for promotions from top sites like Betway, Sportingbet, or Hollywoodbets. These bonuses are a great way to try betting risk-free but always read the terms and conditions.