The 13 Best Betting Sites in South Africa in 2025

What is a Bookmaker in South Africa?

A bookmaker, also known as a sportsbook, is a company that facilitates betting online on sports and other events. All betting sites in South Africa require a license issued by a Provincial Gambling Board to operate legally. Several premier bookmakers operate legally under licenses issued by provincial regulatory boards in compliance with the National Gambling Act of 2004. You will find that these recommended bookmakers are reliable sites that have strict regulations set in place for gamblers to make the most of their betting sessions. 

They also provide online platforms for sports fanatics to place real money wagers on various types of sports, including rugby, cricket, tennis, golf, motorsports, horse racing, and so much more. Bookmakers offer different betting markets, live betting options, welcome bonuses, and regular promotions to attract new customers and existing customers and enhance their betting experience. 

Best Betting Sites in South Africa 2025

With betting in South Africa becoming even more popular in today’s world, several new betting sites have been brought to the gambling scene. Sports betting enthusiasts are looking for excellent odds, stunning bonuses, promotions, and multiple betting options to make their sessions more interesting. Take a look at the different betting sites in South Africa for 2025 listed below, see what each site offers, and which sports you can wager on.

1. Betway South Africa

Betway is a well-known betting site that was launched in 2017 to offer sports fans in South Africa a new, dynamic, and easy-to-navigate platform where they can place bets on sports worldwide. This site has grown immensely and is famous for:

• It is a global brand with a strong reputation.
• You can bet on a wide range of sports markets, including live betting.
• The site offers generous welcome bonuses and frequent promotions at the best value.
• Enjoy a user-friendly mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.
• There is a variety of payment options, including Blu Voucher and e-wallets.

2. Hollywood Bets

This betting platform originally started in 1986 as a small South African-based publishing company named Winning Form. They handled the publishing of race cards for South African Horse Racing. Hollywoodbets was then launched in 2006 and took over from Winning Form. The new horse racing bookmaker site came out for bettors to place wagers on their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes. It has developed and grown immensely over the years and is now rated as one of the best South African bookmakers in 2025 purely because of its offers such as:

• This platform is 100% South African-owned and operated.
• It offers a variety of betting markets, including horse racing, soccer, rugby, and more.
• You can claim daily odds boosts, accumulator bonuses, and ongoing promotions.
• Provides extensive in-play betting options.
• There is an excellent customer service team with 24/7 telephonic support.

3. Sportingbet

The largest online gaming company, Sportingbet was released back in 1998 and has expanded to over 30 different markets across South Africa, Europe, Australia, Canada, and South America. You can sit back, relax and enjoy world sports betting features. This online betting site has plenty on offer including:

• Displays a wide selection of top sports, including football, cricket, tennis, and plenty more.
• There are attractive offers and promotions, including deposit match bonuses.
• You can enjoy live streaming on selected sports.
• This is an intuitive platform suitable for both beginners and experienced bettors looking to have fun and win real money.

4. 10bet

Launched in 2003, this globally popular sportsbook and casino site offers South Africans and players in other countries the chance to gamble casino games and bet on sports with bet slips for real money. 10Bet gives their members competitive odds and a range of different sports and markets. You can take full advantage of the features of the site such as:

• This betting site has over 60,000 sporting events monthly.
• It has a strong focus on football betting and accumulator bets.
• There are casino games available alongside sports betting.
• You can take advantage of the competitive odds and high bet limits.
• The reliable customer service is top-notch.
• Multiple payment options to make use of with the best valued deposit and withdrawal funds.

5. Gbets

With becoming one of the most recognizable sports betting brands in South Africa, Gbets holds an incredible name for itself. This site is part of the Goldrush Group and was released in 2005. You have so much to look forward to when visiting this site such as:

• This platform has a strong presence in the South African market.
• You can claim thrilling bonuses and promotions, including bet credits and cash-back offers.
• It offers odds boosts on major events.
• There is an extensive sports selection, including basketball, cricket, golf, and loads more.

6. Playabets

Playabets is a more modern betting site that is still new on the betting scene. The website was first launched in 2014, and it has recently been ranked as a well-established betting brand that is fully licensed and regulated by the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board. It offers a seamless mobile version and a downloadable app that offers the ability to enjoy the best betting features. This site also has a list of standout features such as:

• Has an attractive first deposit bonus available to claim.
• It covers a wide range of international and local sports.
• You can enjoy user-friendly betting experiences with simple navigation.
• Ensures you have secure and fast deposits and withdrawals.

Best Bookmakers by Sport

Bettors are always looking for sites specializing in sports, live events, and leagues. The top bookmakers in South Africa excel in offering multiple different sports to bet on. Continue reading below to see which sports are available and what types of events they offer.

Rugby

Rugby is constantly a hot topic with sports fans, and these leading bookmakers leave bettors speechless with nail-biting events such as:

1. Extensive Super Rugby, Currie Cup, and international rugby betting markets. You can access these from the Hollywoodbets site and Betway South Africa.
2. There are also weekly rugby union betting tips and competitive odds on matches offered at Gbets.

Cricket

When talking about cricket, you automatically think of Twenty20 (T20), One Day International (ODI), and the Indian Premier League (IPL). South Africans love cricket and thankfully Betway South Africa, Playabets, and 10Bet bring more excitement with their offerings such as:

1. You can enjoy a wide selection of Test, ODI, and T20 betting markets.
2. There are plenty of promotions and enhanced odds on major cricket events which include the World Cups and IPL.

Horse Racing

Horse racing in South Africa was legalized in 1965, before this, there was no form of gambling or betting available. This still happens to be one of the most popular categories to bet on in this industry. It has been around for decades and is recognized worldwide. There are future odds available on South Africa’s biggest horse racing races including the Durban July and Cape Town Met. The leading South African bookmakers like Hollywoodbets, Betway, and Gbets are known for: 

1. Their comprehensive coverage of both local and international horse racing events.
2. They also offer live streaming and racing guides to help bettors make informed decisions when betting on horses.

Other Popular Sports to Bet on in South Africa

Although I have already spoken about the best sports to bet on, the highest-ranking bookmakers in South Africa don’t only offer that. I spent hours going through these sites and checking out all the sports they have on offer. If you are not into rugby, cricket, or horse racing, you can enjoy other sports such as:

• Soccer (English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, PSL)
• Tennis (Wimbledon, ATP, WTA)
• Basketball (NBA, EuroLeague)
• Golf (PGA Tour, The Masters)
• Motorsports (F1, MotoGP, NASCAR)
• Esports (CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends)
• MMA (UFC, Bellator)

Best Betting Apps

Mobile compatibility is a key feature of leading betting sites in South Africa. If you are looking to place bets from your mobile devices on the go, or from the comfort of your own home, view the table below and see which South African betting sites have mobile apps available for iOS and Android devices:

Top Bookie for Live Betting

Each South African betting site mentioned above in this guide, offers stunning live betting features. After personally placing bets on each platform, Betway South Africa caught my attention by far. I feel it is the leading bookmaker in live betting as it offers real-time odds, fast market updates, and live streaming options on selected events.

The Best Betting Site in South Africa 2025

From my current point of view, Betway South Africa offers the highest welcome bonus, stunning promotions, and large betting markets, and also ranks as the best bookmaker in South Africa. Hollywoodbets and Sportingbet follow closely behind Betway, offering unique promotions and great betting options for new beginner bettors and high roller professionals.

Betting Sites with High Odds

The table below helps compare the odds across bookies for a Premier League match:

Choosing the Right Betting Site in SA

With so many online bookmakers available in South Africa, it’s crucial to distinguish between reliable betting sites from potentially risky ones. After reviewing the best betting sites for 2025, I put together a list of key factors you should look for when choosing which betting site you’ll be playing at. Read below and learn more about the main key points to consider such as payment options, support services, licensing, and security when it is time to select the best bookmaker in South Africa for 2025:

1. Licensing and Regulation

The National Gambling Board of South Africa regulates online betting sites. This means that a trustworthy betting site must hold a valid license from a South African regulatory body including:

• The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.
• The National Gambling Board.
• The KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board.

You can clearly see that high-ranking bookmakers like Hollywoodbets, Betway, Playabets, and Sportingbet are fully licensed, ensuring they operate legally and fairly, and offer their bettors exceptional betting experiences.

2. Secure Payment Options

Safe and secure bookmakers provide multiple payment methods that are risk-free. It’s important to check whether the platform offers SSL encryption to protect your financial transactions. Many betting sites in South Africa offer mobile payment options for convenience. Payment options at South African betting sites include:

• Debit Cards like Visa and Mastercard.
• Local eWallet Payments like Ozow and Zapper.
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
• Vouchers like Blu Voucher and OTT Voucher.
• Cryptocurrencies.

3. Transparent Terms and Conditions

Reading and understanding everything that the terms and conditions state is pivotal. The best betting sites have clear policies that outline how promotions and payouts work. You need to pay close attention to this, especially when it comes to what the casino is offering in terms of:

• Welcome bonuses.
• Ongoing promotions.
• Withdrawal limits.
• Wagering requirements.

4. Fast and Reliable Customer Support

Leading online bookmakers always make sure to look after their clients and offer multiple support channels. Betway South Africa and Gbets provide 24/7 customer assistance, ensuring help is available whenever you need it. Although casinos have long operating hours, the support teams are very helpful no matter what time of day or night it is. The most popular forms of customer support services include:

• A live chat feature.
• Support email address.
• Telephonic support. 

5. Competitive Odds and Betting Markets

It is crucial to opt for a betting site that offers competitive odds across a variety of sports. If you are deciding between two different bookmakers, compare the odds between the platforms. For example, compare Sportingbet and 10Bet to maximize your potential winnings. Pick the site that has more markets available, including niche options like esports and political betting as it will provide you with a better overall betting experience.

6. User Reviews and Reputation

Before signing up at any betting site, read through and check user reviews. Try and also get an expert’s opinion on betting forums and sports communities. A bookmaker with consistently positive feedback is more likely to offer a seamless betting encounter. By considering the reviews and reputation of the sites, you can confidently choose the best South African bookmakers that provide a secure, enjoyable, and rewarding betting journey.

7. Generous Welcome Bonuses and Ongoing Promotions

The greatest South African sports bookies offer welcome offers for new customers and ongoing promotions for existing customers. A welcome bonus is an exclusive special offer received when first signing up to betting sites. These welcome offers often come as matched first deposits. A matched first deposit bonuses reward new users with a percentage of their first deposit as bonus credits. Many betting sites offer free bets of R1000 or R2000 equal to your first deposit where other betting sites offer free bets as large as R10000 available during special promotions. Be sure to keep an eye out for promo codes as they are often required to unlock the biggest welcome bonuses at online betting sites.

Innovative Features to Look for in the Best Bookmakers in South Africa (2025)

As online betting continues to evolve with each day passing, the best bookmakers in South Africa are providing bettors with cutting-edge features to enhance their betting experience. These innovative features provide users with more betting options, flexibility, and entertainment value. Here are some pointer innovations to look out for in 2025:

1. Bet Builder & Custom Bets

Admired bookmakers like Betway and Sportingbet now allow punters to create custom bets by combining different markets within a single event. This was one of my favorite features as it gives you more flexibility and control over your wagers.

2. Early Cashout & Partial Cashout

You will see that Hollywoodbets and 10Bet offer early and partial cashout options, allowing players to secure their winnings before an event concludes. I feel that this feature is ideal for those who want to minimize risk or claim and lock in their profits.

3. Live Streaming & In-Play Betting Enhancements

With live betting becoming increasingly popular, top platforms like Gbets and Betway South Africa now provide HD live streaming for major sports. This includes football, rugby, and cricket. I love this feature as it allows bettors to watch the action unfold in real time while placing their wagers.

4. AI-Powered Betting Insights

Some South African betting sites have recently included AI-driven predictions and betting tips. For instance, Playabets provides data analytics and match predictions to help users make informed decisions. This is a remarkable feature to have as it will enhance your gaming sessions.

5. Cryptocurrency & Alternative Payment Methods

Digital finance continues to expand leading to many bookmakers choosing to support cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. Betway South Africa and Sportingbet have integrated Bitcoin and other digital payment options to provide fast and secure transactions. I always tend to use Bitcoin as my chosen crypto method.

6. Esports Betting & Virtual Sports

Esports betting has surged with bookmakers like 10Bet and Hollywoodbets offering extensive markets on games such as CS: GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends. Additionally, what caught my attention is that virtual sports betting has grown, and bookmakers have made sure to include simulated football, horse racing, and even cricket in their offers.

Getting Started with Online Betting in South Africa

Creating an account at one of the leading betting sites in South Africa is pretty simple. They all have similar sign-up processes and require the same information. Follow the steps below to create your account in no time.

1. Choose the licensed betting site of your choice.
2. Click on the “Sign Up” button and fill in all your personal details. Enter your details like your name, surname, email address, and ID number.
3. Verify your betting account.
4. Make your first deposit using your preferred method.
5. Make sure to read through and understand the wagering requirements of the betting bonus before claiming it.
6. Now that you have registered successfully, you can start betting on your favorite sports and play some casino games.

Responsible Gambling

When gambling and placing bets on your favorite sports, it should be fun and enjoyable, not a source of stress. Gambling responsibly consists of setting betting limits, not chasing your losses or spending money you cannot afford to lose and playing in moderation while taking regular breaks. With online casinos and betting platforms being so popular, bettors become addicted and sometimes need serious help. Although many online platforms offer responsible gambling tools, like self-exclusion options, deposit, and wagering limits, or cool-off periods, they don’t often help if someone is battling with their addiction. If you have a gambling addiction or know of someone who needs help, reach out to the following gambling organizations:

• National Responsible Gambling Programme: 0800 006 008
• Gamblers Anonymous South Africa: www.gamblersanonymous.org.za
• South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)

Conclusion: Best Online Betting Sites ZA

As we come to the end of this informative guide, we can say that there is an outstanding number of South African bookmakers to place bets at. After testing and trying out each site, the platform that stands out most to me is Betway South Africa. This bookmaker ranks as the best bookmaker for 2025 due to its extensive betting markets, high-value bonuses and promotions, casino section, live betting, and many other striking features. 

Hollywood Bets, Sportingbet, 10Bet, Gbets, and Playabets are excellent alternatives with unique advantages for different betting preferences. South African sports fans have a variety of performing bookmakers to choose from. Whether you prefer high odds, a strong range of betting markets, or top-notch customer support, there is a bookmaker to fit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a South African betting site is safe?

The South African betting sites listed in this informative guide are reputable and trustworthy. To confirm this, you can double-check its safety by looking if the platform is fully licensed and regulated under the National Gambling Act. You can also read reviews about each betting site and rate what people say about them.

Can I get free bets from betting sites in South Africa?

Yes, of course you can! Many high-ranking bookmakers offer free bet promotions for both new customers and existing customers. The reason these sites offer free bets is to keep players on the edge of their seats as they 

Can I bet using my mobile phone?

Yes, indeed you can. All the major bookmakers provide mobile-friendly sites or dedicated apps that can be downloaded from your Play Store. No matter if you play from the website or mobile app, you can enjoy seamless betting sessions from wherever you are.

Which site gives a welcome bonus without a deposit in South Africa?

There are certain sites that offer a no-deposit bonus promotion. You can check the bookmaker’s promotions page and see what bonuses and promotions they have.

Do I need to use a bonus code when claiming the best bonus offers?

Yes, you will definitely need a bonus code when claiming your welcome bonuses at these bookmakers.

Which bookmaker gives the best odds?

After testing out the best South African bookmakers, I’ve seen that each platform offers pleasant odds. The two top betting sites that stood out for me are Sportingbet and Betway. These sites generally provide the best odds on major events.

Which is better, Betway or Hollywood Bets?

This all depends on your personal preferences but if you are comparing the two sites in terms of better betting markets, I would choose Betway South Africa. If you are talking about horse racing options, Hollywoodbets excels by far. After playing at both these sites, I personally enjoyed Betway South Africa more than Hollywoodbets.