BlogJuly 7, 2025by Kiran PrajapatiGauteng Gambling Board Gambling Industry Regulators

All knowledge and skills are gained with experience, but the bookmakers themselves are interested in helping newcomers get used to it faster. Among the popular bookmakers in Africa is the famous Parimatch, which allows you to place bets on popular world events, as well as African championships and competitions. The rules for betting and winning on sports are the same for the African target audience as for the rest of the bettors.

• Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to the betting scene, knowing which platforms offer the best experience for UFC betting is crucial.
• I’ve reviewed bookmakers based on a few important factors to see which ones offer the best range of sports and events.
• Below, you’ll find a comparison table of the best options, along with a detailed look at what each bookmaker does well.
• The activity has been banned in Uganda by the Ugandan president (6) and religious leaders in Tanzania have called for it to be curbed (7).
• Betway’s platform is praised for its intuitive design and a robust mobile application, ensuring a seamless betting experience.
• Such licenses are issued by the Provincial Licensing Authorities, one per province.
• Whether on the go or from the comfort of their home, many South African gamblers nowadays would rather use their cell phones to make bets.
• Traditional forms of betting, such as fixed-odds betting on outcomes, have been complemented by innovative offerings such as in-play betting and exotic bets.

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For many, particularly those with limited financial resources, the appeal of a big win can be incredibly tempting. Instead of earning easy money, those who indulge in excessive gambling frequently face financial strain, said John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual. Just pick one of the top sportsbooks in south africa, create an account, throw some money in, and start backing your favorite teams. Cryptocurrency BettingDue to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, many betting sites now accept crypto payments for both deposits and withdrawals. Getting started is easy — just sign up with a legit sports betting app south africa, make a deposit, and start picking your matches. Not only will you see a great welcome bonus upon signing up, but you’ll also have access to deposit match bonuses, free bets, multi-bet bonus boosts, and cashback offers.

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• Gross gambling revenues for casinos, limited payout machines, bingo and betting totalled R27 billion in 2016, a 3.9% increase on the prior year.
• The NSPCA reveals shocking evidence of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board allegedly allowing a licensed bookmaker to profit from illegal cockfighting.
• More and more sportsbook operators now offer betting apps to really cater for their customers.
• What’s more, 10bet promises to give you the best odds on your favorites, like Premier League games.
• We’re about to help you gain a better understanding of the history of sports betting and also clear up any confusion about a number of the rules currently in place.
• The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has broader social and cultural implications, reflecting changing attitudes towards gambling.
• No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income.

Reviewers meticulously go over the initial write-up, correcting errors and clarifying. Safe South African sportsbooks should display what South African Deposit and withdrawal methods they accept, like cards or eWallets. While Tic Tac Bets’ odds are competitive, I love that I can see all the boosted odds in one place by clicking the Price Boost tab. 1X2 bets, double chance, handicaps and more are accessible for thousands of events. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

• They make the betting experience more engaging with live betting options, allowing you to place wagers as the fight progresses.
• US legislators are now mulling how to regulate the sector at a national/federal level given the increased uptake in what is now estimated to be a $10bn industry.
• Overall, the main role of the National Gambling Board is to protect bettors from unfair practices.
• If you love to bet on the go, then look for a sportsbook that offers a mobile-compatible site or a dedicated app.
• The main focus of betting is among young people under the age of 25, most of whom, moreover, are unemployed and see betting as an opportunity to get good winnings.
• With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years.

Trends that will shape South Africa’s online betting landscape in 2024

Right up until 1996, any punters wanting to gamble on horse racing had to do it at the track. After 1996, it became possible for players to gamble online and horse betting is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races. The Constitution then established that gambling and wagering were legally competent, and so it became necessary to coordinate matters on a provincial and national level. Additionally, promotions like free bets and cashback promotions keep you playing for more without spending more.

UNDETECTED HYPERTENSION PUTS SOUTH AFRICANS AT RISK

• And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years.
• Both BetGames and Evolution Live Dealer Games are fully licensed in South Africa and hence playing these games is safe and legal.
• However, stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities and uphold ethical standards to facilitate sustainable growth within the industry.
• Not all online sports book sites offer this feature yet and we highlight relevant bookmakers.
• You can use credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies on some sites.
• Over four weeks, we place multiple bets on different sports, markets, and features to get a data-driven user-focused overview.
• Even if you have missed your bet before kick-off, you can jump into the action later on.

The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events. These apps offer a seamless betting experience, providing real-time odds, live streaming of events and instant transaction processing. Furthermore, integration with digital payment systems has facilitated secure and convenient transactions for bettors. Improved internet connectivity and smartphone penetration are transforming the gambling landscape, making platforms more accessible across the continent. Leading providers such as Betway are capitalizing on this trend by offering sports betting, casino games, and lotteries through mobile apps. These advancements reflect a shift toward online channels, positioning Africa as a key player in the global gambling industry.

Myth 5: Bookmakers Ban You for Winning Too Much

Towards the end of the 1970s casinos started operating in the independent areas called homelands. Only native South Africans lived in these areas and most weren’t able to access such establishments. Figures from 1995 such there were as many as 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country. As a regulatory authority, we play a pivotal role in fostering responsible gambling practices, protecting vulnerable individuals, and promoting a fair and transparent gaming environment. Nevertheless, the winnings are not always available due to a coincidence of circumstances – you need to understand the nuances of the bookmaker’s office, understand the bets, and have a winning strategy.

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Ultimately, the success of the industry will depend on the ability of operators to understand the unique needs and challenges of the African market and to tailor their products and services accordingly. Every month, we update our sportsbook reviews based on member feedback and operator updates. We may write a new review when bookmakers update their sites or platforms or when new South African sports betting sites surface. Esports betting is gaining popularity, with more bookmakers offering exciting options.

How online betting works

No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. Sports betting in South Africa has deep historical roots, dating back to the early 19th century, when informal wagering on horse racing was prevalent. After examining the surge in mobile credit and the rise of sports betting we put forth the conclusion that the digital credit has been an enabler to the growth of sports betting has in East Africa.

SA20: Joburg Super Kings vs Durban Super Giants: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Overall, the main role of the National Gambling Board is to protect bettors from unfair practices. It is also responsible for promoting responsible gaming and keeping a close eye on underage betting. Experience (mobile and computer)A reliable sports betting platform will have an easy-to-use desktop interface, allowing you to find what you’re looking for in a reasonable amount of time. Types of Bonuses and PromotionsThese are the most popular bonuses you’ll find when signing up and playing at top sports betting destinations in SA. In terms of sports betting, South Africa has witnessed a remarkable evolution from traditional methods to the integration of cutting-edge technology that merits closer examination. This transformation reflects the shifting preferences of consumers, concurrently showcasing the remarkable adaptive capacity of the industry in modern technological advancements.

Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa

There are different types of sports betting promotions, including welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free bets, reload bonuses, and much more. EasybetEasyBet is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board and owned by EasyGroup. It launched in October 2024 and offers both casino and sports betting options. The brand offers a range of over 12,000 sports markets, which include soccer, rugby, horse racing, cricket, tennis, basketball, and more. You’ll also find a range of live betting options here, providing real-time updates.

Rugby Betting in South Africa

The National Gambling Act requires that if you win, real money betting sites in South Africa must pay you out. We have all heard stories about South African online sports betting that led us to be sceptical of them. Over four weeks, we place multiple bets on different sports, markets, and features to get a data-driven user-focused overview. With our combined 25 years of experience, our team conducts South African betting site comparisons for each operator against strict performance criteria. It is not enough to take a South African gambling site at face value, some aspects need inspection. Instead of just looking for things like free bets or live sports betting in South Africa when you land on a site, you need to do a little bit of research to avoid any nasty surprises.

Below, you’ll find a comparison table of the best options, along with a detailed look at what each bookmaker does well. In a bold move to expand its influence and footprint in Africa, Afrirent Holdings, a renowned investment company led by Senzo Tsabedze, is venturing into the vibrant gaming, lottery, and betting market of West Africa. With a history of success and a strong presence in South Africa, Afrirent Holdings is now setting its sights on the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region.

Only available to South African bank account holders with internet banking access. From football and MMA to kabaddi and eSports, BetShezi offers a huge range of sports. You’ll love the live betting, bet builder, system bets, and boosted odds that make every wager more exciting and flexible. By using our website, content and services you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

US sports such as the National Basketball Association (NBA)  and National Football League (NFL) have also attracted a new betting audience in South Africa. Although sports betting is legal in most provinces, other forms sports betting of online gambling, like remote casinos, are not. One of the aims of the Remote Gambling Bill, which is backed by the Democratic Alliance, is to regulate various types of online gambling by introducing uniform norms and standards pertaining to “interactive gambling”. South African bettors often seek alternatives due to limitations or their personal preferences. Below are some alternatives that have something the original bookmaker lacks, whether it’s bonuses, live betting quality, ease of use or South African betting markets. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years.

Betting GGR rose by 14.3% in 2016, raising its share of total GGR to 19% from 17% in 2015. “Given its focus on online betting, which has stronger economics than its agency business, BetKing Nigeria has moved to number two in the online betting market. A focus on the quality of its agency network over quantity has also resulted in improved profitability through higher average wagers and revenues per agent,” said the group. In July 2024, the group launched the Aviator casino game in SA through its KingMakers unit.

We’re about to help you gain a better understanding of the history of sports betting and also clear up any confusion about a number of the rules currently in place. From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673. In 1965, the Gambling Act prohibited diverse types of sports betting except for horse racing.

FLAGSHIP EVENTS

While each of these options sounds rewarding, and they definitely are, it’s important to understand how they work and what to look for so you can get the most out of each one. Let’s be honest, since childhood we wanted to participate in some kinds of lotteries at the fair and our parents don’t mind it, they even praised us for that. Then, when we became more mature and grown-up, this desire for risk just continued increasing.

Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. This report covers casino gambling, limited payout machines (LPMs), betting (horse racing, sports and fixed odds), bingo and the National Lottery. It provides a diverse selection of betting markets including moneyline bets, over/under rounds, and method of victory. This encourages more South Africans to bet safely, securely and ultimately responsibly. Of particular importance for South Africa has been the rise of mobile sports betting apps.

Each sport has its uniqueness, affecting how bets are structured and odds are calculated. Boxing, for instance, often involves more strategic and tactical exchanges, leading to fewer knockouts and more decisions compared to MMA. New users can benefit from a welcome bonus that works similarly to a casino deposit match, providing a good start with a small wagering requirement before playthrough. Slots and Aviator are growing rapidly, both at over 100% per annum, and stand to become the games of preference to the average person in SouthAfrica.