After the legalisation of sports betting, gamblers in South Africa have lots of choices when it comes to picking a bookmaker.
With so many options out there, it can get a bit confusing. That's where our team comes in.
We've put together a simple, helpful guide on betting in SA, covering the top bookmakers, how to get started, and what to look for. Whether you're new to betting or have some experience, our guide makes it easier to find safe and trusted sites.
In South Africa (SA), sports betting is legal. However, there are a few requirements to keep in mind before you start placing your bets.
Remember, while betting is legal, it's essential to gamble responsibly and choose reputable platforms to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.
We've handpicked the best betting sites available to players in the Republic of South Africa. Each site offers something different. Some are great for high rollers, while others have huge welcome bonuses or more sports to bet on.
There's no single "best" bookmaker for everyone, so it depends on what matters most to you. That's why it's important to look closely and choose the one that fits your needs.
What we can promise is that all the platforms on our table are safe, trustworthy, and regularly updated to give you the best betting experience.
Getting started with sports betting in the Republic of South Africa is easy, even if you're new to it. Just follow these simple steps to place your first bet.
Pick a trusted betting site by going through our list of the best bookmakers in SA
Sign up by entering your details. Most sites let you register by email or phone. Don't forget to verify your account when asked
Add funds to your account using popular payment methods like MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, credit cards, or bank transfers. It's quick and safe
Pick a sport you like, choose your bet, then add it to your bet slip and place your bet
Follow the game live or check your betting history to see if your bet won. Some sites offer live updates and stats
If you win, head to the withdrawal section and choose how you want to get your money. It usually takes a short time
Don't forget that many sites offer welcome bonuses or free bets when you make your first deposit, so take advantage of those.
We don't just list betting sites randomly. We carefully check and rank them based on criteria that matter to players in South Africa.
In South Africa (SA), sports betting is a popular pastime, and players enjoy placing bets on a variety of sports. While soccer is undoubtedly the national favourite, many other sports attract attention and offer great betting opportunities. Here are the top sports people love to bet on in SA:
CricketCricket has always been popular in RSA thanks to the British influence. Bettors enjoy international events like the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup. Local and African club competitions also get good attention, especially when national teams compete
SoccerSoccer fans bet on local teams like Kaizer Chiefs and top international clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Big tournaments like the CAF Champions League, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup draw lots of action
RugbyAfter soccer, rugby is the most popular sport in SA, with more than 10 million followers. Rugby fans usually bet during international events like Rugby World Cup and The Rugby Championship
AthleticsSouth African sports enthusiasts find that most athletics events, especially track events, are very exciting to bet on during major competitions. The Olympics and the World Athletics Championships are the biggest events. Fans bet on sprint races, long-distance runs, and more
BasketballBasketball betting is immensely popular thanks to leagues like the NBA and FIBA Africa competitions. SA has its national team and clubs like KwaZulu Marlins, which boost local interest
HandballHandball is another sport that gets solid betting action, especially during the African Handball Nations Championship and international events. Local matches and national team games are also popular among bettors
If you get bored with sports betting in RSA, it's not a problem – there are other fun options for people who want to take a slightly different approach. Here are some cool betting alternatives to try.
If you're new to betting in the Republic of South Africa, it helps to know the most popular types of bets. Each type gives you a different way to enjoy the game and possibly win some money.
Most forms of sports betting and online betting are legal in RSA, according to The National Gambling Act 2004. The body responsible for the gambling inspection and supervision is the National Gambling Board. The Board ensures observance of nationally and internationally recognised standards of compliance.
Gamblers can place bets online on sports betting sites provided they have a local license. Another alternative is to bet with foreign online bookmakers. These platforms often have international licenses, offer more sports, better odds, and user-friendly mobile apps.
Sports betting by region
Each of SA's nine provinces has a gambling and racing board. To offer online betting, local bookmakers must be licensed by one of these boards. The nine pieces of Provincial Legislation are:
- the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Act;
- the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act;
- the Gauteng Gambling Act;
- the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Act;
- the Limpopo Gambling Act;
- the Mpumalanga Gambling Act;
- the Northern Cape Gambling Act;
- the North West Gambling Act;
- the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act.
While the license from the Provincial Gambling Board allows betting services to be offered in the given province, the National License that can be obtained from the National Gambling Board gives a green light to operations throughout the country.
There are no separate rules or special betting laws for different provinces or regions. However, each Board may have its own procedures for issuing licenses and different taxes imposed on bookmakers and casinos.
In summary, betting laws in RSA are uniform across all provinces. The most important thing to remember is to make sure you use a legal, trusted site and bet responsibly.
All the betting sites you will see in our recommendations prioritise your safety and promote responsible gambling. They have helpful tools like spending limits and time-out options so you don't lose control. If betting ever stops being fun or starts to feel like a problem, you must know that there's support out there.
You can reach out to groups like BeGambleAware, GamCare, or Gambling Therapy. They offer free help and advice online. There are local services like the National Responsible Gambling Programme, which provide free counselling and support.