It is becoming increasingly difficult to point out which are the best bookmakers in South Africa. Every month we hear of a new bookie with even better features and promos. At Betbench, we make it easy for you to pick out the right bookie for you depending on your betting style and preference by leveraging the first hand experience of other bettors like you.
Best South African Bookmakers
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1xBet is an online betting platform established in 2007. Owned by 1X Corp N.V., the company operates under a Curacao license. Known for its extensive sports betting options and casino games, 1xBet has expanded its presence globally. However, the site has faced criticism and scrutiny over transparency and customer service issues.
Some users have reported difficulties with withdrawals and account verification. Despite these concerns, 1xBet remains popular, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, due to its competitive odds and variety of betting markets. The platform also supports numerous payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, catering to a diverse user base.
100% Deposit Bonus
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Betway is an online betting site established in 2006 and operated by Betway Group, headquartered in Malta and Guernsey. The platform offers sports betting, casino games, and esports wagering, and it is licensed in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Malta.
Betway has earned a reputation for its user-friendly interface, extensive sports markets, and competitive odds. Despite its popularity, the site has faced criticism over account verification processes and withdrawal times. However, it generally receives positive feedback for its customer service and responsible gambling measures. Betway is also known for its sponsorships in major sports, enhancing its visibility and credibility in the betting industry.
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Bet.co.za offers a straightforward experience for those interested in sports and casino betting. The site features a range of sports, with odds that appeal to South African users. Many appreciate the smooth interface and range of payment options available, making it easy to deposit and withdraw funds.
Customer service is responsive, although some users have noted room for improvement in terms of response times during peak periods. The site offers competitive odds, but some users find the sportsbook selection a bit limited compared to other options. Overall, it seems to cater well to local bettors with few major complaints.
100% Deposit Bonus
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Easybet is a betting site that offers sports betting, casino games, and virtual sports. Users can access a range of betting options, from football to cricket, with competitive odds. The site is known for its user-friendly interface, but some users report that navigation can be a bit slow at times.
While many appreciate the variety of payment options, including local methods, others have noted occasional issues with withdrawal times. Reviews are mixed—some praise its reliability, while others point out areas for improvement, like customer support responsiveness. Still, it remains a solid choice for many sports enthusiasts in the region.
No Deposit Free Bet
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Lulabet is an online sports betting site that offers a range of markets, including football, basketball, and tennis. Users have mixed opinions, with some appreciating its user-friendly interface and fast payouts. Others note that its selection of live betting options can be limited compared to more established sites.
Customer support is generally seen as responsive, although some players report occasional delays. The site also features a mobile version, which many find convenient for placing bets on the go. Despite its strengths, some users have raised concerns about the lack of certain payment methods and promotional offers.
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Gbets offers a straightforward sports and casino betting experience. The site features a range of sports, from popular ones like football to niche options, with decent odds for each. Users appreciate the ease of navigation, though some have noted that the website’s design can feel basic. The live betting section is functional, allowing punters to place wagers during ongoing events.
Customer support generally receives positive feedback for being responsive, but the payment options could be more diverse. While some users are satisfied with the odds and promotions, others feel that there’s room for improvement in its offerings.
Four Deposit Matches
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10bet is known for offering a diverse range of sports and casino games, appealing to users looking for variety. Its website is functional, with an interface that feels intuitive but slightly outdated compared to competitors. The site provides competitive odds across popular sports like football, tennis, and basketball.
While the live betting feature is appreciated, some users feel the platform could improve by offering faster updates during matches. Withdrawals are generally reliable, though the process might take longer depending on the method used. User reviews are mixed; many praise the range of markets, but others critique occasional technical issues and customer support response times.
100% Welcome Bonus
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Playabets is known for its user-friendly interface, diverse sports coverage, and competitive odds. The site offers pre-match and live betting options across major sports and leagues, appealing to sports enthusiasts. Its promotions, such as welcome bonuses and cashback offers, are frequently appreciated, though some users have noted that wagering requirements can be complex.
Navigation is generally smooth, and mobile accessibility is a strong point, but occasional technical issues have been reported. While customer service receives mixed reviews, with some finding it responsive and others citing delays, Playabets is regarded by many as a solid choice for experienced and casual bettors alike.
100% First Deposit Bonus
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Morris Vee is a South African sportsbook known for its focus on horse racing and local sporting events. Established with a traditional retail presence, it has since expanded into online services, providing a range of sports and lottery options. Users appreciate its straightforward design and emphasis on niche markets, though some have noted that the website lacks advanced features found on competitors.
The odds and promotions are described as fair but not particularly competitive. Customer feedback highlights reliable payouts but mixed experiences with support response times. It’s seen as a decent option for casual bettors, particularly those interested in horse racing.
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Betolimp is an online sportsbook known for its diverse market offerings, including sports, esports, and virtual games. Users often highlight its competitive odds and a straightforward interface that caters to both beginners and experienced bettors. The site provides live betting options and frequent promotions, which some find appealing.
Despite its positives, reviews occasionally point out delays in withdrawals and limited customer support availability, which can frustrate users. Its mobile experience is functional, though not as polished as competitors. BetOlimp seems to focus on practicality rather than flashy features, leaving mixed impressions depending on individual priorities, such as reliability or user experience.
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BoyleSports is an Irish bookmaker offering a range of sports and gaming options. The site is known for its user-friendly interface and features like live streaming and in-play options, which many users appreciate. Promotions are frequent, especially for sports enthusiasts, though some users have criticized the wagering requirements for bonus offers.
Customer service receives mixed reviews; responses are often quick but not always satisfactory. Payment options are adequate but could be more diverse. Many users value the competitive odds on major events, though others have expressed frustration with limits placed on winning accounts. It’s widely seen as reliable yet unremarkable.
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World Sports Betting is a South African bookmaker that offers a wide range of sports markets, including football, rugby, and cricket. Users generally appreciate the variety of betting options and competitive odds, though some mention that the website design feels outdated. The site also provides in-play betting, which has received positive feedback, though the mobile experience can sometimes be less fluid.
Customer service is seen as decent, with some users praising its responsiveness, while others feel improvements could be made. Users also note that the payout process is relatively smooth, though withdrawal times vary depending on the method used.
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Sunbet is an online bookmaker known for its South African roots, offering a range of sports markets and features. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and competitive odds, particularly for rugby and cricket. It provides live in-play betting and cash-out options, adding flexibility during events.
While many commend its customer support and easy navigation, others feel its promotions and bonuses could be more rewarding compared to competitors. Feedback often highlights the site’s strong focus on South African users, which can make it less appealing internationally. Despite minor criticisms, Sunbet enjoys a reputation for reliability and secure transactions among its user base.
100% Welcome Bonus
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Sportingbet is known for its broad range of sports markets and competitive odds, catering to both casual and experienced bettors. Users often appreciate its user-friendly interface, making navigation and bet placement straightforward. Features like live betting and a cash-out option are well-received, offering flexibility during games.
Some users report delays in withdrawals and mixed experiences with customer support, suggesting room for improvement. Its mobile app is praised for functionality but criticized for occasional glitches. Sportingbet’s promotions are seen as appealing, though some find the terms restrictive. Opinions are varied, with many valuing its reliability while others highlight specific frustrations.
Welcome Challenge
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Supabets is a sports betting platform founded in South Africa. Supabets is known for its wide range of betting markets and user-friendly interface. It offers competitive odds across sports like football, cricket, and rugby, along with options for virtual games and casino features. Many users appreciate its frequent promotions, though some criticize the site for occasional delays in processing withdrawals.
The desktop version is straightforward, while the mobile platform has been described as less responsive by some. Customer support is generally helpful, although response times can vary. Overall, Supabets is seen as reliable but could improve in areas like user experience and faster transaction processing.
100% First Deposit Match
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Bettabets is a South African bookmaker offering sports, casino games, and virtual events. Users often appreciate its straightforward interface and diverse betting options, which cater to both beginners and seasoned bettors. The site provides competitive odds, especially on popular sports like football and rugby.
Some users have noted slow response times from customer support, which can be frustrating during urgent issues. While the promotions are decent, the terms and conditions can feel restrictive. Bettabets receives criticism for occasional technical issues and delayed withdrawals, impacting the trust of some users.
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YesPlay is a South African based betting platform known for offering sports betting, lottery, and casino games. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, smooth navigation, and diverse game options. It supports a range of payment methods, making transactions straightforward. While some users find its odds competitive, others feel they could be improved to match top-tier international platforms.
Customer support is available through live chat and email, though response times can vary. Overall, some enjoy the simplicity and accessibility, while others point out the lack of features like advanced betting tools. It’s seen as a solid, mid-range option.
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Hollywoodbets is a well-established betting site offering sports betting, casino games, and live betting options. Many users appreciate its extensive market coverage, especially for horse racing and football, alongside features like cash-out and a simple, mobile-friendly interface. The platform also provides informative statistics and betting tips, which can be useful for beginners.
Some feedback highlights slow withdrawal processes and a lack of diverse payment methods as areas for improvement. Others point to its limited promotional offers compared to competitors. Overall, Hollywoodbets is viewed as reliable and user-friendly but could benefit from enhanced customer-centric features to compete more effectively.
No Deposit Free Bet
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Betfred is a well-established betting site offering a range of sports markets and features. Users often highlight its intuitive interface, making navigation straightforward for both new and seasoned bettors. The platform provides competitive odds on popular sports, though some feel its offerings in niche markets are limited compared to competitors.
Betfred’s in-play betting is appreciated for its smooth functionality, though a few users report occasional delays. The site’s promotions receive mixed reviews; while some value the variety, others find the terms restrictive. Customer support is generally reliable, but feedback points to room for improvement in response times.
First Deposit Bonus
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Afribet Nigeria offers a solid betting platform with a range of sports and casino games. Users appreciate the straightforward interface and variety of betting options, including live betting. The site’s customer service receives mixed reviews, with some users praising its responsiveness while others report slow resolutions. Payment methods are diverse, catering to different preferences, although some users experience delays in withdrawals.
Afribet Nigeria’s odds are competitive, but not consistently the best in the market. Overall, it’s a decent choice for bettors, though there are areas that could use improvement, particularly in customer support and withdrawal processing.
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SportPesa is a betting site that started in Kenya in 2014 and has expanded to other regions, including the UK and Tanzania. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making navigation and placing bets straightforward. Users appreciate the wide range of sports and events available for betting, as well as competitive odds.
There have been concerns about its regulatory compliance in certain regions, leading to temporary suspensions in operations. Overall, SportPesa is seen as a reliable option for both new and experienced bettors, offering a comprehensive betting experience despite occasional operational hiccups.
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Betting in South Africa is a thriving industry, deeply rooted in a love for sports like soccer, rugby, and horse racing. With clear regulations overseen by the National Gambling Board, both land-based and online betting are legal, creating a safe and exciting space for bettors. Operators like Hollywoodbets and Betway dominate the scene, offering everything from live sports betting to online casino games.
Essentials to Betting in South Africa
Population | 60,000,000 |
Active Bettors | 8,000,000 |
Regulation Status | Regulated at a provincial level |
Gambling Age | 18 years |
Gambling Tax | Generally no tax |
Gambling Regulations
In South Africa, gambling is regulated by the National Gambling Act (2004), which provides a framework for all forms of gambling, including sports betting, casinos, and online gambling. The regulation of gambling activities is overseen by the National Gambling Board (NGB), which ensures compliance with laws and maintains integrity within the industry.
The act also established the Provincial Gambling Boards in each of the nine provinces to manage local gambling operations, granting licenses, and overseeing enforcement.
Sports betting and casinos require separate licenses, and online gambling, including sports betting, is also regulated but subject to restrictions. For online gambling, foreign operators must apply for a local license to legally offer their services in South Africa.
Regarding taxation, gambling winnings are subject to taxes under the Income Tax Act. Operators pay a tax on gambling turnover, while bettors do not directly pay tax on their winnings, though winnings may be taxed if they form part of their overall income.
Betting Options
In South Africa, the betting landscape is diverse, offering a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Here’s a look at the main types of betting available:
Popular Sports for Betting
In South Africa, several sports and events dominate the betting scene, offering plenty of opportunities for bettors to engage. Here are the top sports that attract the most attention:
![sports betting in South Africa](https://betbench.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/sports-for-betting-optimized.png)
Tips for New Bettors in South Africa
Betting in South Africa can be both fun and profitable with the right approach. Here are some tips for new bettors:
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in South Africa
In the betting world, there are many methods used to rank bookmakers. It can be based on features, quality of service, market coverage, and even bonuses and promos on offer. However, here at Betbench we rank the sites solely based on the reviews done by other players like you.
We recommend you read the reviews posted on Betbench to determine if the bookmaker you want to use aligns with your betting style and preferences.
Top SA Bookie Recommendations by Category
There are many types of sports bettors and they often have preferences that differ significantly. A new and novice punter will be looking for very different features in a bookie as compared to a veteran high roller. The rule of thumb is to use the site that satisfies your most urgent need.
What Sets the Best Bookies Apart from the Rest
According to the users on Betbench, the best bookmakers in South Africa stand out by offering a combination of features that enhance user experience, reliability, and value.
Positive Reputation
Consistent reviews and a proven track record of payouts, fair play, and user satisfaction define the best bookmakers. Use Betbench to analyze the reputation of the bookies you are interested in joining.
Competitive Odds and Payouts
High payout percentages and competitive odds are critical for bettors looking to maximize returns. Elite bookmakers often offer odds that are above market average, especially for popular sports and events.
Quality Core and Innovative Features
Cash-out options, bet builders, and detailed statistics give users more control and insights, making the experience more interactive and enjoyable. Furthermore, Live betting options combined with real-time streaming elevate the betting experience.
Generous Promos and Bonuses
Lucrative welcome offers, free bets, loyalty programs, and cashback deals attract and retain bettors. The best bookmakers also ensure transparent and fair wagering requirements.
Local vs International Bookmakers
Choosing between local and international bookmakers in South Africa depends on factors like convenience, market options, and regulations. Local bookmakers offer tailored services with ZAR support and local payment methods, while international platforms provide wider sports coverage and innovative features. Each has unique benefits suited to different betting preferences.
Pros of Local Betting Sites
Perks of International Betting
It’s clear from our guide that there are many good bookies to choose from in South Africa. Whatever your choice, make sure you pick the right bookie for you because this will greatly influence the success of your career in betting, and most importantly – gamble responsibly!