Also known as Dota 2, the game offers engaging and dynamic gameplay. Besides, the prize pool can be so substantial compared to other eSports, making it even more popular among bettors.
Betting enthusiasts from South Africa may find it daunting when looking for somewhere to play the game. Luckily, we are here to help you find trusted and experienced Dota bookmakers where you can bet responsibly.
Best Dota 2 Bookmakers for Real Money Betting
Our team curates a ranking of the best Dota sportsbooks in 2026. We constantly update it with new operators to let you enjoy the best experience. All bookmakers we feature go through a rigorous test to ensure they’re worth trying for South Africa-based MOBA betting fans.
The criteria we use to test them comprises multiple aspects. First, the operator should be licensed by a recognised authority. The platform should be properly optimised for mobile devices, and users should be able to place wagers on live Dota matches. In addition, the platform must utilise advanced cybersecurity tools to keep user data secure.
1xBet Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus becomes active after registration and a deposit from 20 ZAR. The offer is valid for 30 days and comes with a x5 wagering requirement. Use it on video slots or other games and convert winnings into real money after meeting the playthrough
EasyBet Welcome Bonus
A first deposit from 20 ZAR grants a 150% bonus and 100 free spins, available only for a limited set of slot games. The offer is valid for 30 days with a x15 wagering requirement. Winnings from spins and bonus funds are credited as real money after rollover
Supabets Welcome Bonus
Deposit a minimum of 13 ZAR to receive a welcome bonus valid for 15 days. This offer requires a x5 wager before winnings can be withdrawn. Bonus funds may be used on video slots and other eligible games during the active period
1Win Welcome Bonus
New players who fund their account with at least 13 ZAR receive a bonus on the first deposit worth up to 500%. The bonus applies to video slots only and requires a x5 wager. Once cleared, winnings are credited as real cash
Melbet Welcome Bonus
A minimum deposit of 10 ZAR activates a welcome bonus valid for 30 days. This offer can be used on slot machines and other games, with a x5 wagering requirement. Winnings become available for withdrawal after the full playthrough
Mostbet Welcome Bonus
A first deposit of 374 ZAR unlocks a 125% bonus and 250 free spins, usable on selected slot titles only. The bonus is valid for 30 days and subject to a x5 wagering condition. After completing the required turnover, winnings are paid as real money
1xBet - Top Bookmaker for In-Play Dota 2 Betting
1xBet boasts an impressive presence in many jurisdictions across the globe, including South Africa. You can follow different Dota 2 matches on the platform in real-time through a live streaming feature.
There’s an exciting blend of betting markets to choose from, and the odds for each covered event are competitive.
1Win - Best Betting Site for Betting on DotA with Crypto
Besides offering users multiple betting opportunities on Dota 2, 1Win is a crypto-friendly online betting site. Supported cryptocurrencies include options like bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), tether (USDT), litecoin (LTC), and more.
Deposits are instant across all supported cryptos. Withdrawals are also fast, allowing you quick access to funds. The minimum and maximum limits for deposits and withdrawals vary from coin to coin.
Melbet - Most Extensive Dota Coverage and Best Odds
Melbet is a market leader in terms of Dota 2 coverage. Betting opportunities across various events can be found. Popular tournaments such as The International and ESL are well represented. You can also bet on matches in BTS Pro Series, Bali Major, and Dream League, etc. Generally, the operator offers competitive Dota betting odds.
Mostbet - Biggest Bonuses for Dota and eSports Bettors
If you are looking for the most generous Dota bookmaker in South Africa, go with Mostbet. This company offers a match welcome bonus of up to 2500 ZAR, which you can use to bet on the game as a newcomer before you start using your own funds. You can also keep an eye on eSports era under promotions more extras.
Dota 2 Betting Guide
Getting started on your Dota 2 betting journey at your chosen sportsbook shouldn’t be intimidating. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it singlehandedly:
- Step 1. Choose a bookmaker. Carefully review our rankings of the best Dota 2 betting sites and pick the one that excites you. Note that we only feature trusted and licensed operators.
- Step 2. Sign up for an account. Go to the official website of your preferred bookmaker and register as a user. Ensure you fill out the registration form with real data and thrash out all typographical errors.
- Step 3. Complete the KYC process. If required, verify your identification to sidestep delays that might emerge when withdrawing your winnings. Provide clear scanned copies of the necessary documents to hasten the process.
- Step 4. Make a deposit. Go to the deposit or cashier section of your sportsbook account and choose your preferred payment method from available options. Next, top up the account with enough funds.
- Step 5. Start betting. Look for a Dota 2 event in the sports section and select the betting market you want to create a bet slip. Afterwards, input a stake and place your bet.
- Step 6. Wait for results. Lastly, monitor the event and wait for the operator to credit winnings to your account if your bet succeeds. From there, you can withdraw your winnings.
DotA Betting Markets and Odds
There are different ways to bet on DotA. Multiple events and outcomes within a given match result in the availability of various markets and odds both in pre-game and live betting. Pre-game odds are generally stable, while drastic fluctuations are usually experienced in live betting.
Dota betting markets differ from those for traditional sports. Here are the popular ones.
- Match winner. In this market, you place your bet on the team you think will win the match. You can also predict the team that’ll win a series.
- Map winner. You bet on the team that is likely to win a given map in a series, even if they may lose the overall match.
- First blood. Predict the team that’ll score the first kill, i.e., draw first blood. Your winnings are credited as soon as the team scores.
Top Dota Events and Players
There are several Dota events to bet on in South Africa. Here are the popular options you should try:
- The International (TI): This annual competition was launched in 2011 and is organised by Valve Corporation. It has a colossal prize pool, making it the most prestigious MOBA event globally.
- ESL One: Takes place several times a year and is organised by Electronic Sports League (ESL). Therefore, you can expect betting chances year-round.
- Dota Pro Circuit (DPC): The DPC was set as a qualification platform for TI (The International). Those with the highest number of DPC points earned as a slot in the TI. DCP was discontinued in 2023.
- Telkom Digital Gaming League (DGL): The DGL is a local eSports league in South Africa. Dota is among the eSports covered and participants drawn from different corners of the country.
Some DotA fans bet on player-specific props, and certain players feature in these markets the most. Here are elite players you can bet on:
- Ilya Mulyarchuk, aka Yatoro. Plays for Team Spirit in the carry role.
- Michal Jankowski. Popularly known as Nisha, Micha plays in the mid role for Team Liquid.
- Neta Shapira. Plays the offlane role for Tundra Esports.
- Danil Skutin. A mid role player for BetBoom Team.
Bonuses Available to Dota Bettors
Perks available at South African bookmakers offering Dota 2 can vary from one operator to another. Here’s a glimpse of the most popular bonuses you’ll likely find at such sportsbooks:
- Welcome bonus: As the name suggests, this type of reward is usually given to new customers. It can be a match deposit bonus or a free bet.
- Dota-specific promos: Some of the operators have incentives specifically for eSports betting. You may even find those that are tailored for Dota 2.
- Bonuses for regular users: Those who bet at a given sportsbook regularly can leverage the bonuses meant for loyal customers. Some of the common examples include cashback and birthday rewards.
While most sports bonuses can be used on Dota 2, it is vital to read the applicable terms and conditions for finer details.
Betting Responsibly on Dota 2
Although betting on Defence of the Ancients can be delightful, always remember to do it responsibly to avoid problem gambling. Set a budget for placing wagers on the sport and stick to it. Bet with sobriety and not emotions.
Reach out for help as soon as you realise you no longer have control over your Dota 2 betting activity. SARGF (the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation) is one of the places you can seek free help.
FAQ
Absolutely. Combo bets are accepted in DotA betting. It is possible to combine multiple selections into a single bet. However, you have to get all the selections right for your bet to be successful.
Start by acquainting yourself with the basics of the game. After that, choose a trusted bookmaker that caters to bettors residing in South Africa, sign up for an account, and start with straightforward betting markets.
There are several strategies you can try to enhance your odds of winning in MOBA. Always do some research on the team or players you wish to bet on. Know their previous performances and current form. Above all, maintain discipline.
Betting on esports is allowed in South Africa, making it possible to legally bet on Dota and other MOBAs in the country. However, you should only do it via licensed and regulated operators.
