Ready to back your favorite team or horse? South Africa’s got you covered with some of the best sports betting platforms out there. With options like football, cricket, and even live betting, the perfect platform is just a click away. So, where’s your first stop going to be?
Best Sports Betting Sites 2025
Sportsbook in South Africa is thriving! According to the reports by the National Gambling Board, in 2023/24, it accounted for 60.5% of industry income and generated R35.9 billion in revenue.
Since the popularity of sports wagering is constantly increasing, so dues the number of online betting sites. But which one should you choose? Our team has done much research to compile this bookmaker review and present you with the list of the most attractive, fair, and beneficial platforms gamblers can think about.
7 Top Online Sportsbooks
- Megapari — Best for Live Betting Features 🖥️
- Betshezi — Best for Emerging Betting Platform 🤩
- Betway — Best for User-Friendly Interface and Mobile Experience 📱
- Jackbit — Best for Innovative Betting Options 🤸
- 1xBet — Best for Diverse Sports Markets 🥍
- Playa Bets — Best for Promotions and Bonuses 💰
- Hollywoodbets — Best for Horse Racing Betting 🏇
How to Choose the Best Sportsbook
The perfect betting site doesn’t necessarily equal an ideal bookmaker for you. In this guide, we will do our best to explain the logic while choosing our top betting spots and pinpointing which factors you must consider to make the right choice.
- License & Safety
A site should have a valid license from the National Gambling Board of South Africa. Period. This way, you know that it plays by all rules and allows you to bet and withdraw winnings fairly and safely.
But why NGB? It’s easy. This license guarantees bookmakers operate within a legal framework.
- Betting Odds
You undeniably want your sports betting platform to bring benefits. The key? Check the odds. For instance, a match can be listed with odds of 1.90 on one betting site and 2.00 on another, affecting your potential payout. By the way, it’s just what we did while choosing our bookmakers. The best possible value for your bet — that’s what you hunt in this case.
- Choice of Sports
Want to bet on football? You’re lucky because it’s the most favored sport in SA, and almost any betting site supports it. But what if you want to go for something more exotic like, say, badminton or handball? In this case, you’ll have to do lots of digging.
Anyway, we recommend you choose bookmakers with massive sports selections (so you can easily switch).
- User-Orientation
Does a site’s interface appeal to you? How smooth and intuitive is the navigation? Does a bookmaker work on mobile? All those are sufficient details. For our selection, we picked only those companies that work flawlessly on mobile and desktop — just in case you want to make a switch.
- Payment Methods
You want to get your winnings in the fastest and most convenient way possible, right? That’s why you need a sportsbook with various payment methods listed. We ensured to list only those sites that offer many options like bank cards, e-wallets, and even crypto. Just an extra level of flexibility, you know.
- Bonuses & Loyalty Programs
We all like snagging some free cash, right? Finding a good betting site is brilliant, but what if your bookmaker also offers something like a 300% boost? It means just that — your initial budget is tripled. For our list, we tried to find the top bonus offers — choose any you like. All of them are super beneficial.
| Site | Welcome Bonus | Mobile App | Max Withdrawal Time | Min Deposit/Bet Size | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megapari | 100% up to R30,000 | ✅ | 1 day | R15/R1 | Jeton, USDT, Kvitum, Sofort, Visa/Mastercard |
| Betshezi | R2,000 + 25 FS | ✅ | Up to 5 days | R10/R1 | OTT Voucher, Capitec Pay, Peach Payments, Ozow |
| Betway | 100% up to R2,000 | ✅ | 3 days | R5/R1 | Bank Cards, Ozow, Kazang, EFT, Vouchers, FNB, USDT |
| Jackbit | 100% cashback | ✅ | 1 hour | $10/$10 | Crypto, Jeton, Bank Cards, Bank Transfer, Interac, Neteller |
| 1xBet | 100% up to R3,000 | ✅ | 2 days | $10/$10 | E-wallets, Crypto, Mobile payment, Visa/Mastercard |
| Playa Bets | 100% up to R2,000 | ✅ | 2 days | R50/R1 | Bank Cards, Ozow, Capitec, SID, EasyPay, Vauchers |
| Hollywoodbets | R25 + 50 FS | ✅ | 1 day | R5/R6 | PayFast, Ozow, Zapper, Peach Payments, Visa/Mastercard |
Top Online Betting Sites — Detailed Review
1. Megapari
- Key benefits: user-friendly navigation, fast withdrawals within 1 day, a wide variety of available payment methods, accessible first deposit, and a mind-blowing first deposit bonus.
- Sports listed: 1,000+ events daily at sports/eSports like football, basketball, rugby, motorsport, futsal, combat sports, table tennis, water polo, FIFA, and Dota 2.
- Unique features: live betting, cash-out feature, bet builder, multi-live feature, exchange.
- Ideal for: anyone.
- Bets examples: match winner bets, over/under bets, BTTS, accumulator bets.
- Our score: 5/5! No major glitches were spotted, and anyone can join in!
2. Betshezi
- Key benefits: a quick way to register, a variety of bonuses with accessible playthrough requirements, reasonable accumulation of loyalty points, and a commitment to responsible gambling principles.
- Sports listed: football, rugby, horse racing, tennis, cricket, basketball, eSports, etc.
- Unique features: live betting, parlay bonus, early cash-out, live streaming.
- Ideal for: anyone.
- Bets examples: moneyline bets, over/under bets, handicap bets, player props, local favorites.
- Our score: 5/5, ‘cos we liked this bookmaker’s versatility in sports and markets.
3. Betway
- Key benefits: accessible minimum deposit, a modern betting site with all the top features, and quick verification process.
- Sports listed: football, cricket, rugby, tennis, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, boxing, darts, golf, snooker, eSports, etc.
- Unique features: bet builder, cash out, live betting, multibet boost, one-game parlay, edit my bet.
- Ideal for: beginners, mainly due to the low minimum deposit.
- Bets examples: a huge variety with options like moneyline bets, BTTS, double-chance bets, accumulator bets, handicap bets, player props, long-term features.
- Our score: 5/5, as Betway combines the mix of beginner-friendly and advanced features. However, for newbies, it’s a definite must-try.
4. Jackbit
- Key benefits: best choice for crypto betting, convenient mobile app, great collection of eSports.
- Sports listed: soccer, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, horse racing, etc.
- Unique features: bet builder, cash out, edit bet function, in-play betting, live streaming, match tracker.
- Ideal for: beginners.
- Bets examples: over/under, handicap, accumulator bets, point spread, moneyline bets, prop bets.
- Our score: 4/5. Although the choice of sports is limited, it’s a fairly good new sportsbook.
5. 1xBet
- Key benefits: huge choice of sports and markets, advanced betting features, a sportsbook and a casino with a BIG reputation, and easy registration in one click.
- Sports listed: literally, any you can think of, from traditional soccer, horse racing, and tennis to biathlon, darts, chess, and golf.
- Unique features: live betting, live streaming, easy cash out, bet builder, and tournaments.
- Ideal for: anyone.
- Bets examples: single bet, accumulator bet, system bet, chain, multibet, conditional bet, anti-accumulator, lucky bet, patent.
- Our score: 4.5/5 due to the site’s reputation and features, although the navigation can be tough.
6. Playa Bets
- Key benefits: four licenses, special bonuses, a new and convenient mobile application, backed by a land-based casino, responsible gambling, and helpful support available.
- Sports listed: the choice is not as huge, but everything most popular is on, including soccer, rugby, cricket, boxing, handball, snooker, table tennis, and volleyball.
- Unique features: cash out, bet slip, check slip.
- Ideal for: especially newcomers, due to the wide variety of promos.
- Bets examples: winner, double chance, total goals, both teams to score, odd/even.
- Our score: 4.5/5 for the site’s reliability and ages-long history.
7. Hollywoodbets
- Key benefits: some rare sports finds, brilliant statistics featured, some of the best odds in SA, and an excellent betting app.
- Sports listed: horse racing, soccer, rugby, golf, Formula 1, basketball, ice hockey, surfing, motorsports, snooker, cycling, etc.
- Unique features: cash out, live betting,
- Ideal for: casuals.
- Bets examples: winner, odd/even, draw no bet, totals, double chance.
- Our score: 4/5 due to its limited choice of special features — we’d like to see more of them on a site of such scale.
Popular Sports for Betting in South Africa
Just like in any region, punters in SA have their preferences regarding sports betting choices. So what are they?
Football
Soccer is the most popular sport globally, and it has also won the hearts of South Africans. Whether it’s UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, La Liga, or a local event — SA punters won’t skip these.
Common soccer bets popular include:
- Match result
- Over/Under goals
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
- Correct score
Horse Racing
South Africa conducts some of the world’s most popular horse racing championships, with the local audience closely following the events. So, it’s the clear reason why horse betting brings the most revenue even when compared to all other sports combined.
The common bet types among SA enthusiasts include:
- Win bet
- Place bet
- Each-way bet
- Exacta
- Trifecta
- Quartet
- Swinger
Rugby
Rugby is the second favorite sport in SA. Why? Well, South Africa is a four-time winner of the Rugby World Cup and the current title holder, which is enough to make the nation rugby-mad! So, of course, the Rugby World Cup will be the leader in terms of betting here. However, the Super Rugby and the Currie Cup also get enough fan attention.
Despite its popularity, rugby is not as simple as it seems. To win your bet, be sure to consider:
- The current team form,
- Any injuries,
- Weather conditions,
- Historical matchups.
Handicap betting is particularly popular in SA, where bettors can account for perceived differences in team strengths. Additionally, prop bets, such as predicting the first try scorer or the method of the first scoring play, are also loved in SA.
Cricket
Like the previous two, cricket is huge in the region. The favorites are, of course, international PL, Ashes, and World Cup. However, local competitions like the Mzansi Super League and the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series are also on the top. Regarding betting markets, SA punters usually try to predict match winners, top batsmen, and top bowlers.
Mobile Betting in South Africa
For this review, we tested 50+ mobile apps in total and can state that the seven champions we discussed here offer the best overall experience. But, well, let’s make this more specific. Here’s why you should choose the sites mentioned above.
Best Mobile Apps for Betting
We’d say that Megapari is the most universal choice due to its seamless work on all mobile devices (even older ones)! It also includes a live betting feature with real-time updates and push notifications, which is quite convenient.
But if you’re not a tech gig, we’d advise switching to Betway — it’s quite easy to navigate, even for newbies. It also features single-click access to pre-match and live betting markets, personalized notifications, live streaming, and a cash-out option. So, speed and ease are your benefits here.
But of course, 1xBet turns out to be the most feature-packed on our list. Its choice of markets and sports is much greater than any other site. And, of course, withdrawals — they are super quick here.
Lastly, if you’re up for horse racing, Hollywoodbets has no competitors on this list. That’s because it has the best coverage in SA for both local and international events. This bookmaker will also provide information on jockeys, trainers, and past performances — everything you may need to place informed bets. And, of course, odds. You’ll find some of the best here!
Mobile Browser Betting
At this point, we must highlight that you shouldn’t necessarily download a mobile app to enjoy betting in SA. All because those seven bookmakers adjust seamlessly to the mobile layout. We’ve tested them on iOS/Android devices as well as tablets and spotted practically no glitches (minimum download delays are so minor that we don’t count them).
So, yes, you can open any of those platforms on your mobile phone and experience all the benefits of a desktop version, including featured functionality and all included sports.
Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Undeniably, all bettors want to maximize their bets’ benefit without draining the budget. Sportsbook promotions are that magic wand that can make this dream come true. Here are some types you should pay the most attention to.
Welcome Bonus
Best offer: Playa Bets will match your deposit by 100% up to R2,000.
Free Bet Bonus
Best offer: Megapari will give you 15% of your initial deposit through free bets.
Cashback Bonus
Best offer: 1xBet will return up to 35% on what you lost.
No-Deposit Bonus
Best offer: Betshezi will give you R25 for all bets above R10.
Loyalty and VIP Bonuses
Best offer: from what we’ve tested, Betway stands out for its generosity.
Refer-a-Friend Bonus
Best offer: Hollywoodbets will give R50 for your referral invitation.
Payment Methods for South African Players
Popular Deposit Methods
| Deposit Method | Transaction Speed | Fees | Benefits |
| Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Instant | None or minimal | Widely accepted, easy to use, and secure |
| EFT | 1-3 days | Varies | Good for larger transactions, familiar process |
| Instant EFT (Ozow, PayFast) | Instant | None | Fast and secure with real-time updates |
| eWallets (Neteller, Skrill) | Instant | Varies | Convenient for international payments and flexible |
| Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETC, LTC) | Instant | May apply | Anonymity and secure with blockchain technology |
| Pay by Phone | Instant | Minimal or none | Convenient for mobile users, secure and quick |
| Vouchers (OTT Voucher, 1Voucher) | Instant | Minimal or none | Accessible to unbanked users, simple to use |
Withdrawal Options
| Withdrawal Method | Transaction Speed | Min/Max Caps | Benefits |
| Bank Cards | 2-5 days | R100 – R25,000 | Widely accepted and familiar method |
| Bank Transfer | 1-3 days | R100 – R50,000 | Reliable for large withdrawals and secure |
| eWallets | Instant | R50 – R30,000 | Fast and convenient for frequent transactions |
| Cryptocurrencies | Instant | R100 – R100,000 | Anonymity and high transaction limits |
Legal Aspects of Online Betting in South Africa
- Is Online Betting Legal in South Africa?
Good news! Online betting is entirely legal in South Africa. But mind that you must choose only bookmakers licensed by the gambling boards, like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.
- Taxes on Winnings
Taxes on gambling winnings depend on how often you gamble:
- If you gamble occasionally, your winnings are generally not taxable.
- If gambling is your primary income source, winnings are taxable and must be declared. To do this, include it under “Other Income” in your SARS tax return. Keep accurate records of bets placed, winnings, and losses as supporting documentation.
FAQ
South Africa primarily uses decimal odds (e.g., 2.50), which show your total return per R1 stake. For example, a R100 bet at 2.50 odds pays R250 (including your stake). Odds reflect probability: lower numbers = favorites; higher = underdogs. Bookmakers build a margin into odds, so always compare platforms for value.
Tip: Start with low-stakes bets on sites like Betway or Hollywoodbets to practice reading odds risk-free.
1xBet and Megapari dominate live betting with real-time markets, instant updates, and features like cash-out (ideal for soccer/rugby). Betway and Hollywoodbets offer polished mobile apps for in-play cricket/horse racing. For fast-paced esports or tennis, try Jackbit.
Pro tip: Use Playa Bets’ live stats tool to spot trends mid-game.
Ready to win? Stick to your sportsbook list, claim your bonus, trust your strategy, and place your first bet today!
Chief Editor: Arch Stanton
Last Updated on 23.01.2025
Second Editor: Lerato Nkosi
