While new sportsbooks keep emerging in the country’s betting market, some users still hunt for old operators. This can be attributed to the trust that comes with longevity, their financial strength, robust safety measures, and more.
For those South African bettors looking for a time-proven betting site in South Africa, we have compiled our thoughtful ranking of the oldest bookmakers in the country.
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 This offer requires a x5 wager before winnings can be withdrawn.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
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
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
Betway Welcome Bonus
A deposit from just 5 ZAR grants access to a first deposit bonus valid for 30 days. The bonus carries a x30 wagering requirement and can be used on various casino games. Winnings are available as real cash once the playthrough is completed
Supabets - Bookmaker with First Betting Shops in South Africa
Supabets was founded in 2008 and holds a licence provided by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. It is headquartered in Illovo in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal province. The bookmaker is actively involved in sponsorships. For instance, it sponsors the Tembisa Sports Centre football team in Gauteng province.
The operator’s retail network in South Africa is wide. You can find Supabets' physical shops in different municipalities across different provinces in the country.
Mostbet - Oldest Bookie in the World Available in South Africa
Owned and operated by BiZbon N.V., Mostbet was the first bookmaker to hit the betting market in South Africa. It boasts an international licence provided by the Curacao Gaming Authority, enabling it to cater to betting fans in different jurisdictions, South Africa included.
Popular sports personalities like Francesco Totti, Andre Russell, Brendon McCullum, and Shokhzhakhon Ergashev have been associated with the operator as brand ambassadors.
1Win - Old Betting Site That Went Through Massive Rebranding
1win was rebranded from FirstBet, which was founded in 2016. The rebranding happened two years down the line, i.e., in 2018. Key changes included dropping the name FirstBet for 1Win and expanding the company’s boundaries to cover more markets globally.
FirstBet was purely a sports betting site. It would later incorporate an online casino after the rebrand. The design also received a facelift for a refreshing experience. Customer support was expanded in preparation for growth in the client base.
Betway - Bookmaker with Oldest Online Presence in South Africa
Betway opened its virtual doors to betting enthusiasts in 2006 and has since transitioned into a trusted betting hub for millions of Mzansi residents who gamble on the internet. Raging River Trading (Pty) Ltd, a company that runs Betway South Africa, is licensed by the WCGRB (Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board).
The operator sponsors some teams in SA Rugby, e.g., Springboks and BlitzBoks. Betway’s online presence in South Africa is excellent compared to most of its competitors.
Our Criteria For Choosing the Oldest Betting Sites
We have compiled a ranking of the oldest betting sites in South Africa using industry-standard criteria, and our experts update it regularly:
- Years of operation. A betting site that has been catering to clients for a decade or more has navigated market shifts and withstood stiff competition. Such longevity builds trust among bettors.
- Number of offline betting shops, offices and employees. Most old betting sites still have a robust physical presence. They have regional brick-and-mortar offices and betting shops. Besides, they still invest heavily in human resources for efficiency.
- Bettors and expert reviews on forums and social networks. Time-proven betting platforms often have massive pools of user and expert reviews across multiple online forums and social networks. Basically, the reviews are feedback about the services offered.
- Client base. Established betting sites in South Africa boast large numbers of active customers. They come back regularly to bet on their favourite sports. We determine that by monitoring site traffic.
- Ads, sponsorships. The oldest brands have mastered how to stay relevant in a highly competitive industry through marketing. They engage in sponsorships and advertise consistently on both mainstream and social media.
Old Bookmaker Sites Pros and Cons
Old is gold – even the oldest betting site in the world still attracts betting fans in the face of competition from new alternatives with flashy designs and perks. That said, they have their positives and drawbacks as highlighted in the following table.
Advantages
- A proven reputation built over time usually wins the trust of many customers, boosting the client base even more.
- Have an enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure, having been operational for years and experienced different online threats, including malware, data theft, and more.
- Can handle more substantial payouts without struggling since they have built stable financial foundations over the years.
- Prioritise user wellbeing by providing responsible gambling tools for setting deposits and taking a break from betting (self-exclusion).
Disadvantages
- May not have more aggressive bonuses and promotions as they already have expansive databases of loyal clients.
- Can be conservative and reluctant in exploring new technology and sports, e.g. virtual sports and eSports.
FAQ
The decision as to whether you should choose an old or new betting site hangs on what you value most in a betting platform, because both have their advantages and downsides. For instance, some players prioritise trust while others value modern designs.
In most cases, old betting sites are usually regarded as reliable for having been resilient and endured challenges in a highly competitive industry. However, longevity doesn’t necessarily mean a given bookmaker is reliable.
The ease of signing up with a given bookmaker is not determined by its age but by registration requirements and the number of steps one has to complete when signing up. In addition, established betting sites don’t stop onboarding new customers, however big their clientele may grow.
While old bookmakers tend to be slow to embrace new technologies, some adapt to them so quickly. So, you shouldn’t be surprised to find some with different types of popular cryptos such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, etc.
