Exploring the surge in SAs online betting space

If you’re looking to bet on your favorite South African sports, like rugby, soccer, and cricket; you’ve come to the right place. Online sports betting is live and legal in South Africa (SA), and this guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started to find new betting sites South Africa 2025. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal. A 2011 report found that online gambling should be made legal, but this has still not happened. There have been repeated promises from the South African government and Trade and Industry Ministers that online gambling in the form of casino games such as poker will be made legal. The Gambling Act of 1965 officially banned all forms of gambling except betting on horse racing.

Responsible Gambling

Interestingly, there has been rapid growth in the popularity of darts, especially in 2023. This sport has grown by 75% since 2022 and is popular amongst people who are willing and able to risk larger amounts per bet, around R700 per bet. There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on for South Africans, although there has been little growth in popularity in recent years. The NGB’s strategic intent is to sustain and grow its regulatory capability to position South Africa as the pre-eminent jurisdiction with an exemplary and effectively regulated gambling industry.

Your gambling queries answered

The main goal of the game is to create a hand nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. Hence, the evolution of the online gambling market has been indefintely stalled for the moment, with only a few companies willing to still take a chance on the Kenyan market. This can be a barrier to adoption for iGaming and betting operators, who may struggle to overcome negative perceptions and build trust with local communities.

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• This means there’s no need to leave your home, and you can bet from the comfort of it.
• Marshalls World of Sport has given a suggestion on the most profitable odds on Horse Racing, Sports and Lucky Numbers for more than 50 years .
• If you’re looking to bet on your favorite South African sports, like rugby, soccer, and cricket; you’ve come to the right place.
• Betting and gambling have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of wagering found in ancient civilisations from China to Greece.
• Bonuses are central to the appeal of 1Win, they are the bread and butter for South Africans to boost their opportunities.
• It’s crucial to remember that while online sports betting is legal, online casinos and other forms of interactive gambling remain restricted.
• Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races.

If you want a real edge, go for the best sports betting sites that offer live odds, fast payouts, and solid mobile apps — they make all the difference. The sports betting platform covers more than 60 sports with thousands of markets, including live bets. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites. The main provider is the WCGRB, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, but there are actually a licensing board located in each province. So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally.

• In South Africa, banking institutions have uniform online payment systems and have implemented 3D security which requires the entering of a one-time password (“OTP”).
• Roulette, which has been traditionally popular in land-based casinos, is now growing online.
• Betting on horse racing, rugby and football, for example, was allowed and was very popular because it was the only form of gambling that was allowed.
• Balancing potential returns with responsible practices and regulatory adherence could be key to success in this rapidly growing sector.
• Marshalls World of Sport gives the opportunities of placing bets on Horse Racing and international sporting events using different ways such as internet, mobile phone and even several cash outlets.

Best Online Betting Sites in South Africa 2025

As well as individual reviews, we also compare the best South African bookmakers and offer alternatives. You have often also access to titles by Ezugi, Authentic Gaming or Pragmatic Play. Play roulette, blackjack or baccarat against live dealers and enjoy a thrilling betting experience. With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa. Now, the company is leveraging its expertise in gaming and entertainment to introduce new and exciting offerings to consumers in West Africa, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the market.

SunBet uses the latest online security protocols to ensure that your information is safeguarded against any threat, and we comply with stringent South African Financial Intelligence Centre legislation. Your EFT should reflect within 1 working day and will automatically be allocated to your SunBet account when it reflects in our bank. You can use more than 40 cryptocurrencies with Cloudbet, including BTC, ETH, USDT, DOGE, ADA, and more.

We offer flexible, cost effective group memberships for your business, school, or government organisation. Online gambling has also become a sector of interest for several foreign investors in other African countries. There is an ongoing legal conflict between the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lotteries Board, as both organisations are trying to impose regulations and collect licensing taxes.

Sports for betting popular in Africa

When betting online in SA, secure and reliable payments are key to a pleasant and positive experience. You need a trusted banking method that makes deposits fast and withdrawals hassle-free. Advanced Features and ToolsMany sites provide live streaming, in-play stats, early cash-out options, and bet builders to help you make informed decisions and control your wagers in real time. Ensure that you make use of these tools, as they can give you an edge when placing your bets. If you’re a South African bettor looking for a rush and big winnings, 1Win is the place to be.

How online betting works

From cricket and rugby to soccer and basketball, the platform provides extensive coverage of global and local sports. Before 1965, all forms of betting and gambling were illegal in South Africa, with the government viewing the activities as a threat to public morality. Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports. However, this changed in 1965 when the government legalised horse racing, making it the first form of legal gambling in the country. While traditional sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket will likely be mainstays of the sports betting sector for some time to come in South Africa, a growing number of niche sports are attracting bettors too. Whether it’s table tennis, darts, mixed martial arts, or the rise of celebrity boxing bouts, all have attracted growing interest from punters.

Sport

• Betting grew by 51.2%, driven by sports and horse racing, while casinos showed marginal growth (0.1%).
• Examining this journey illuminates the intersection of tradition and innovation in one of Africa’s burgeoning gambling markets.
• Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total.
• Therefore, Parimatch offers a wide selection of football leagues and international championships, where you can get and easily withdraw a solid cash prize.
• As well as to uphold and maintain the image of the South African gambling industry on a global level.
• Goldrush Holdings achieved strong growth in its online gaming division, with gross gaming revenue rising 102% from R57 million to R115 million in six months.
• Your EFT should reflect within 1 working day and will automatically be allocated to your SunBet account when it reflects in our bank.

Relates to various typesof gambling conducted online including poker, slot games, bingo and others. These gamesare influenced more so by probabilities with significantly less ability to analyse the game. Online gambling is prohibited if practiced through a South African based platform. It is uncertain whether this type of gambling will ever become legal in South Africa.

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They might look similar at first, but they differ in performance, features, and reputation. Bookmakers with the best odds, generous bonuses, customer service, live streaming, and quick withdrawals receive high ratings. Most people don’t like some South African betting websites due to the lack of sports and surprise https://betika.win/ fees, confusing bonus rules, and slow websites. If you like betting on the ponies, make sure there are South African Horse racing betting markets.

From casinos to smartphones – the big shift in South Africa’s gambling market

Legit South African betting sites use stats and live market data to price bets fairly, and auditors make sure they are following betting regulations. During a losing streak, I discovered the importance of responsible gambling tools. South African online sportsbooks are required to refer to the National Responsible Gambling Programme and should include tools for you to set restrictions and exclusions. Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach.

Each sport has its uniqueness, affecting how bets are structured and odds are calculated. Boxing, for instance, often involves more strategic and tactical exchanges, leading to fewer knockouts and more decisions compared to MMA. New users can benefit from a welcome bonus that works similarly to a casino deposit match, providing a good start with a small wagering requirement before playthrough. Slots and Aviator are growing rapidly, both at over 100% per annum, and stand to become the games of preference to the average person in SouthAfrica.

According to 2022 statistics data, Nigeria has the largest population and gross domestic product in all of Africa. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the country is currently the most profitable gambling market in sub-Saharan Africa, which translates to an average of 7% of the continent total. And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. In addition, using special deals for South Africans can increase the value of your bets. Betting on fighters like Kamaru Usman, Valentina Shevchenko, and Israel Adesanya, each with unique styles, can make your bets more thrilling.

• The Saturday Star is a popular weekend read which offers a comprehensive and engaging read for its diverse audience.
• The governments of several African countries have already passed regulatory acts which offer further hope for future developments and reforms taking place on the continent.
• I’ve compared the top sites based on event coverage, odds, and in-play features to give you a clear picture of where each stands.
• Government regulation goes a long way to ensuring that people do feel that sense of safety.
• Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

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This has further been aided by the greater prominence of casino products in recent times, especially slot games. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet. Check out the table on this page and follow the links to the bookmaker you wish to join. Complete the registration process and once you’ve fulfilled the requirements you’ll have free bets in your account. “In 2025, protecting player data and ensuring regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Advanced security measures, including anti-DDoS (distributed denial of service) protection and account safeguards, are critical for maintaining trust,” said the Softswiss report.

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• Parimatch also contributes to the development of betting in Africa – on the bookmaker’s website you can easily find information on how to bet and win every day.
• Some other signs that a sportsbook is safe are if it offers security protocols, reliable and secure payment options, and responsible gambling tools and resources.
• Play roulette, blackjack or baccarat against live dealers and enjoy a thrilling betting experience.
• Leading to a wider range of betting markets like the method of victory, round betting, and whether or not the fight will go the distance.
• Banking transactionsReputable sports betting sites in South Africa offer secure and reliable payment options.

BetShezi casino also offers a 4-tiered welcome bonus worth up to R10,000 for a 20x turnover. Multiples of the Day add 7% to the odds and the Bet Builder offers some great boosted odds. We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay. Senzo Tsabedze’s vision and leadership are guiding Afrirent Holdings towards a future of success, innovation, and positive impact in the West African market. Despite rising costs of living and economic pressures, gambling has gained popularity, particularly due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet access. Advertising from betting companies further fuels this trend, increasing participation within this demographic.

The transaction pay screen will appear once the type of e-wallet is selected. Our next step is to examine some of the payment methods for South African betting offered by trusted South African bookmakers. I like 10Bet because they accept major coins like BTC, ETH, LTC, and USDT instantly with low fees, offer fast crypto withdrawals, and have competitive odds on 40+ sports events. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site. Each site has its pros and cons and it all comes back to your individual preferences. Our team has put together extensive reviews to support your research so that you can make the right choice.

• Below are some alternatives that have something the original bookmaker lacks, whether it’s bonuses, live betting quality, ease of use or South African betting markets.
• Some South African betting websites may not allow you to make withdrawals using cards.
• I spent some time testing out a variety of SA betting sites to get a feel for how they really perform in everyday use.
• Besides, with competitive odds and detailed statistics, 1Win equips players with the tools needed to make informed decisions, enhancing their chances of success.
• With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa.
• Taxes and levies from the industry increased by 19.2% to R4.8 billion, underscoring its growing economic impact.

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors.

Overall Top-Ranked South African Betting Sites

In this regard, the gambling industry is currently much like the retail industry of South Africa, which is also showing promising signs of growth despite the economic slowdown that the whole country is experiencing. At any rate, optimism has returned to the South African economy, as most top executives are confident in the country’s future, and are temping up their plans for investment. Traditional Payment OptionsMost betting sites accept bank cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. These bets are gaining popularity because they appeal to non-sports fans and capitalize on global entertainment trends. However, some regions restrict political or novelty betting, so always check local regulations before placing these bets. There are some very strict rules in place regarding online betting in South Africa.

However, this has also given rise to innovative payment solutions that cater to the needs of African players, such as mobile money and cryptocurrency. Mobile penetration in Africa is among the highest in the world, and mobile devices are the primary means of accessing the internet. This presents a significant opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to develop mobile-first platforms that cater to the unique needs of African players. In January, DStv’s parent company officially entered SA’s sports betting market with a new platform, using its tie in with SuperSport, Africa’s largest sports broadcaster, to stand out in an already crowded, but growing, market.

Safety, trust, licensingEnsure that the sportsbook you’re signing up for is licensed. Most South African sportsbooks do this, as they fall under the regulation and oversight of a reputable gaming authority. Nevertheless, there are a few references that give us a satisfying backstory. Marshalls World of Sport is a National Group, suggesting people’s betting on Horse Racing, local or international sport and Lucky Numbers. On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers.