Best Sports Betting South Africa 2025: Claim Your Bonus Now!

If you're looking to bet on your favorite South African sports, like rugby, soccer, and cricket; you've come to the right place. Online sports betting is live and legal in South Africa (SA), and this guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started.

You'll come across many sportsbooks allowing you to place bets in SA. That said, there are a few key things you need to keep an eye out for to make sure that the sportsbook is trustworthy and reliable. We've done the legwork for you, and these are our choices for placing sports bets in SA.

10bet
10bet launched its online sports betting and gaming services in South Africa on the 7th of November 2022. The sportsbook is currently licensed and regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.

The sports betting platform covers more than 60 sports with thousands of markets, including live bets. When it comes to bonuses and promotions, 10bet doesn't disappoint.

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. What's more, 10bet promises to give you the best odds on your favorites, like Premier League games.

Features:

• Official partnerships with local teams
• Early cash-out feature
• Bet Builder
• Level-up loyalty program

Pros:

• Extensive live betting options
• Comprehensive range of sports and betting options
• 10bet app available for Android and iOS

Cons:

• Newly launched, so some bettors may prefer more established brands

My Take: After extensively reviewing the 10bet sportsbook platform, I believe it's a solid choice for South African bettors, especially those who love betting on soccer. Thanks to their official partnerships with local teams, unique features like Bet Builder and early cash-out, and extensive live betting, 10bet does stand out among the crowd of sports betting platforms in SA. While the site is well-designed, it can feel a bit busy. Overall, I believe that 10bet is a good sportsbook with room to grow.

Betshezi
Betshezi launched in 2021 and is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) and operated by SMP Gaming (PTY) Ltd. The sportsbook covers over 30 sports, including popular selections like rugby, cricket, and soccer from the Premier League. When it comes to bet types, you'll have access to pre-match, live betting, and virtual sports as well.

Expect to find multiple bonuses and promos here, including deposit match bonuses, a refer-a-friend program, odds boosts, and more.

Features:

• Virtual sports betting
• Esports betting available

Pros:

• Live sports betting
• Top leagues available
• Multiple bonuses and promos

Cons:

• No mobile app

My Take: I love the fact that Betshezi offers both virtual sports and esports betting. I didn't love that most of its unique features, like Bet Games TV and crash games like Aviator, are dedicated to the casino segment of the brand. That said, the range of sports and top leagues is adequate, but 10bet still takes the lead in this aspect with a solid offering of over 60 sports. After signing up, you'll also have access to a good range of bonuses to kickstart your bets. Overall, I think that Betshezi is a great option, especially for novice bettors.

Easybet
EasyBet 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.

If you're after sports betting promotions, you'll find a wealth of them available here at EasyBet. This includes a series of weekly cashback offers, bet matches, cash bonuses, bet insurance, and multi-bet bonuses to boost your winnings.

Features:

• Data-free betting
• Cash-out option
• Bet Builder
• Birthday bonus bet on the house

Pros:

• Huge range of sports and leagues
• Live betting available
• Drop My Idea (Earn R500 for every idea implemented)

Cons:

• Lacks live streaming options

My insight
If you're looking for a social sportsbook, there's a few aspects you'll need to keep an eye on to ensure that the sportsbook balances fun, competition, and rewards. Make sure you have access to free-to-play contests, leaderboards, and community engagement activities, as these all make a difference to the overall social sports betting experience.

Personally, I recommend SportsMillions social sportsbook, as it offers a dedicated Pick'Em section, not to mention Blitz'Em, both providing fast-paced prediction and betting rounds, which test your skills and allow you to go for big wins.

Bonuses and promotions are offered by sports betting sites in SA  to attract new players and keep existing bettors engaged. There are different types of sports betting promotions, including welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free bets, reload bonuses, and much more. 

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.

Types of Bonuses and Promotions
These are the most popular bonuses you'll find when signing up and playing at top sports betting destinations in SA.

• Welcome Bonus: Welcome bonuses are given to new players after signing up and are usually in the form of a deposit match or free bet. You’ll find them at the best sportsbooks as well as the best online casinos in South Africa.
• No Deposit Bonus: As the name implies, you'll receive a small free bet or bonus cash after signing up to the best sports betting sites, without the need to make a deposit.
• Deposit Match Bonus: The sportsbook will match a percentage of your deposit with bonus money. For example, a 100% match means that if you deposit R50, you'll receive an additional R50 in bonus money to wager with.
• Free Bet: This is bonus money that you can use to place bets without using your own funds.
• Risk-Free Bet: If your first bet loses, you get a refund in bonus credits or free bets from the sportsbook.
• Odds Boost: This is when the sportsbook increases the odds on specific games or matches, giving you the potential to win bigger.
• Reload Bonus: This is used to encourage existing bettors to place bets on the site. It's usually in the form of a deposit bonus, meaning each time you make a deposit, you'll receive bonus cash as well.
• Bet Insurance: A promotion that refunds part or all of your bet, provided a certain condition is met.
• Cashback Offer: A percentage of your losses is returned as bonus money.

When looking to enjoy the best sportsbooks in South Africa, you’ll need to keep an eye out for a few key aspects. These factors will ensure you have the safest and most rewarding online sports betting experience:

Let’s take a closer look at the key factors to finding the best online sportsbook in SA:

Safety, trust, licensing
Ensure that the sportsbook you're signing up for is licensed. In fact, this is the first requirement you need to keep an eye out for. Most South African sportsbooks do this, as they fall under the regulation and oversight of a reputable gaming authority.

Betting markets 
If you see a range of sports markets offered, then it's a telltale sign of a competitive online sportsbook. The most popular sports for bettors include football, soccer, and basketball, as well as some niche markets to cater to different preferences. Having a variety of sports markets ensures that you can explore mainstream events and specialized competitions.

Odds quality
Likewise, aside from having a range of sports betting markets, the betting platform should offer competitive odds and a variety of wagering options. A site that consistently offers competitive odds gives you the potential for higher returns on successful bets.

Bonuses and promotions
If you come across a range of bonuses and promotional offers, then it's another key sign of a competitive sportsbook. That said, while bonuses and promotions may look great, it's important to read through the terms and conditions associated with each offer. 

In other words, you need to look beyond the title of the bonus and consider factors such as wagering requirements and restrictions on eligible bets. Another key point is ensuring that the terms surrounding the bonus are fair and reasonable.

Banking transactions
Reputable sports betting sites in South Africa offer secure and reliable payment options. This is one of those aspects that are non-negotiable. Aside from offering well-known and reliable payment methods such as credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets for deposits, the site needs to use robust encryption technology to ensure that both personal and financial data are safe from third parties.

Customer support and user experience
Responsive customer support is another non-negotiable factor when looking to play at the best online sportsbooks. Keep an eye out for live chat, email, or phone support options, and test them to ensure that the customer support team is knowledgeable and responsive, addressing your questions in a reasonable amount of time.

Availability 
Of course, another key factor is ensuring that the sports betting platform is available in your jurisdiction. That said, it needs to be licensed, regulated, and accept players based in your location.

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. 

Additionally, the sportsbook should be mobile-compatible, so you can place wagers on the go. If the sportsbook offers a dedicated or downloadable mobile app, then that's even better.

How to choose the best betting site for you
If you're a beginner, I suggest you choose a site that offers simple and easy navigation, as well as low minimum wagering requirements. If you love to bet on the go, then look for a sportsbook that offers a mobile-compatible site or a dedicated app. If you're always on the hunt for bonuses, then choose a site offering multiple bonuses and promotions, including tournaments and loyalty rewards.

Is Sports Betting Allowed in South Africa?

Sports betting in South Africa is legal and currently regulated by the National Gambling Board. While all other forms of online gambling are illegal, sports betting has experienced significant growth in popularity over the last few years.

That said, it's perfectly fine to place bets at licensed and regulated online sportsbooks in SA. All online betting activity falls under the National Gambling Act, which also allows single-game and parlay bets, provided you're using a licensed platform. Additionally, each province is responsible for regulating sports betting activities.

Current Legal Status:

As mentioned earlier, South African sportsbooks are licensed, and all activities conducted on these platforms are closely monitored under the National Gambling Act. Aside from single-game bets and parlays, you can place live in-play wagers, handicap bets, totals, and futures, as well as make use of the early cash-out option, provided the sportsbook offers it.

Regulatory Authority:

The National Gambling Board oversees, enforces, and ensures that sports betting in South Africa operates fairly and transparently. 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.

Requirements to Bet on Sports in South Africa

Before you start placing bets, make sure you meet the legal requirements for sports betting in South Africa. Here’s what you need to know:

• Minimum Age – You must be 18 years or older to legally bet on sports.
• Residency – You don’t have to be a resident, but you must be physically present in South Africa when placing bets.
• ID Verification – Licensed sportsbooks require you to verify your identity with a government-issued ID, proof of address, and sometimes banking details.
• Prohibited Individuals – Sports officials, athletes, coaches, and anyone involved in professional sports are generally banned from betting to prevent match-fixing.
• Betting Platform – You must place bets through a licensed sportsbook regulated by the National Gambling Board or a provincial gambling authority.
• Taxes – Winnings may be subject to taxation, depending on how frequently you bet and how much you win.

If you’re new to sports betting, getting familiar with a few key terms will make things easier:

• Odds – Show how much you can win based on your bet.
• Stake – The amount of money you’re betting.
• Payout – The total amount you’ll get if your bet wins.
• Bet slip – The digital slip where your selected bets are placed before confirming.

There are different bet types to choose from, including:

• Single bets – A straightforward bet on one outcome.
• Accumulators (multi-bets) – Multiple bets combined into one for bigger potential payouts.
• In-play betting – Placing bets while a game is happening, with odds changing in real time.

Setting Up an Account
To start betting, you’ll need to register with a licensed online sportsbook. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit the site and click the sign-up button.
2. Enter your personal details, including name, email, and phone number.
3. Verify your identity by uploading a government-issued ID.
4. Set up a secure payment method for deposits and withdrawals.

Always provide accurate details to avoid issues when withdrawing your winnings.

Placing Your First Bet
Once your account is set up, follow these steps to place your first bet:

1. Browse the available sports markets and select a game.
2. Choose your bet type (single, accumulator, or in-play).
3. Enter your stake amount.
4. Review your bet slip to double-check your selection.
5. Click confirm to place your bet.

Always check your bet slip before confirming, as once the bet is placed, it can’t be changed.

Sports Betting Tips for Beginners:
If you're new to sports betting in South Africa, you should start with small bets. This means placing bets with lower amounts to help you understand how everything works without risking too much. You can gradually increase the amount you bet each time as you gain confidence and based on what you're comfortable with.

Perhaps one of the most important rules of betting is setting a budget and sticking to it. You first need to decide exactly how much you have to spend, and once you do, ensure that you don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. Overall, responsible sports betting ensures that you enjoy the entire online betting experience without unnecessary stress.

Lastly, don't just place your bets blindly. This means you should do some research, and learn about the teams, players, stats, and betting markets before placing a bet. Additionally, take the time to learn about odds and probabilities to help you make more informed betting decisions instead of relying purely on luck. Ultimately, the more you know, the better your chances of placing smarter and more strategic bets.

Advantages of Online Betting

Online betting is growing in popularity day by day. This is due to the various benefits it offers, including the convenience of betting from anywhere at any time, as well as the wealth of features and opportunities online sportsbooks provide. Let’s take a closer look at why many bettors prefer online sportsbooks:

Convenience and Accessibility
Online betting allows you to place your bets from anywhere at any time using your PC, phone, or tablet. This means there’s no need to leave your home, and you can bet from the comfort of it.

Variety of Betting Markets and Sport
Online betting sites cover a huge range of sports and betting markets, so expect to find everything from football and basketball to esports and niche sports. If you enjoy live betting, then you should take advantage of in-play wagers, which are also available on online sportsbooks.

Advanced Features and Tools
Many sites provide live streaming, in-play stats, early cash-out options, and bet builders to help you make informed decisions and control your wagers in real time. Ensure that you make use of these tools, as they can give you an edge when placing your bets.

Better Odds and Comparisons
Online sportsbooks offer higher odds and lower margins. This means that if you win, you have the potential to win big. The best thing about betting online is that you can compare odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing your wager, ensuring you get the best possible odds when you need them.

Safety and Security
This is by far a non-negotiable factor when enagaing in sports betting in South Africa. Online sportsbooks use encryption technologies, such as two-factor authentication and SSL encryption, to ensure secure transactions and a safe online betting experience. What’s more, many licensed sportsbooks in South Africa provide access to responsible gambling resources and tools, helping you stay within your limits.

Odds show how much you can win based on your bet. They also indicate the probability of an outcome. The higher the odds, the bigger the payout, but the lower the chances of winning.

Here are some common bet types:

• Moneyline – A simple bet on who will win the game or event.
• Point spread – The favorite must win by a certain margin; the underdog can lose within that margin and still win the bet.
• Over/Under (Totals) – A bet on whether the total points in a game will be higher or lower than a set number.
• Prop bets – Side bets on specific events in a game, like a player scoring first.
• Parlays – A combination of multiple bets that must all win for a payout.

To find the best betting markets, explore different sports and events. Many sportsbooks offer bets on football, basketball, tennis, and horse racing, along with esports and entertainment events. Betting markets vary based on region, so check what’s available.

Other Types of Bets Available
Beyond traditional sports, many sportsbooks offer alternative betting markets that attract different audiences.

• Esports betting – Competitive gaming events have a huge following, with bets on matches and tournaments.
• Entertainment & award shows – Bets on Oscars, Grammys, and reality TV results.
• Political betting – Some markets allow wagers on election outcomes.
• Novelty bets – Unique bets on weather, celebrity news, or special events.

These bets are gaining popularity because they appeal to non-sports fans and capitalize on global entertainment trends. However, some regions restrict political or novelty betting, so always check local regulations before placing these bets.

Market-Specific Betting Options
 
Let’s take a closer look at common and popular betting options in South Africa:

Legal Considerations

In South Africa, sports betting is legal, but only through licensed operators regulated by provincial gambling boards. Unlike some countries, betting on college sports is permitted, as long as the event is listed on a licensed sportsbook. However, all bettors must be 18 years or older, and sportsbooks must comply with responsible gambling laws to prevent underage betting.

Popular Teams, Events, or Sports

In many markets, betting revolves around local teams and leagues. For example, in South Africa, rugby, soccer, and cricket are among the most popular betting options. Betting interest spikes during major events like the Rugby World Cup or English Premier League. Local rivalries and fan loyalty often influence odds and betting trends.

Betting Trends and Common Bets

Different regions have unique betting habits. In South Africa, many bettors prefer:

• Live betting – Placing bets while the game is in progress.
• Prop bets – Focusing on player stats and game events.
• Over/Under betting – Popular for high-scoring sports like cricket.

Sports betting apps make it easy to bet from anywhere and at any time. They offer fast navigation, smooth gameplay, and instant access to betting markets.

Compatibility With Devices
Most sportsbooks have dedicated apps for iOS and Android. These apps give a better experience with faster loading times and easy navigation.

If you don’t want to download an app, you can use a mobile browser instead. However, apps usually offer smoother performance and extra features.

Features of Mobile Betting Apps
Mobile apps send push notifications for promotions and bonuses. They also have quick payment options and mobile-only offers.

Some apps let you cash out early or stream live games. The best ones offer fingerprint or Face ID login for extra security.

If you bet often, using a mobile app is the best choice for speed and convenience.

Comparison Table 

When betting online in SA, secure and reliable payments are key to a pleasant and positive experience. You need a trusted banking method that makes deposits fast and withdrawals hassle-free.

Traditional Payment Options
Most betting sites accept bank cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Each method has different processing times, fees, and availability.

Comparison of Payment Methods 

Here’s a table listing popular payment options and their associated fees and transaction times:

Cryptocurrency Betting
Due to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, many betting sites now accept crypto payments for both deposits and withdrawals. Some of the most popular options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Benefits of Using Crypto

• Faster withdrawals – No waiting for bank approvals.
• Lower fees – Fewer transaction charges compared to banks.
• More privacy – No need to share banking details, so anonymous transactions are what you'll get.

Prior to using crypto, check whether the sportsbook supports your preferred crypto coin. You should also be aware of market fluctuations that can affect your balance.

Responsible gaming simply means enjoying your betting sessions, while staying in control of your budget. It's all about understanding your limits and making sure that you never bet more than you’re willing to lose. Overall, it means not allowing your sports betting activities to affect your finances.

How to Bet Responsibly
Here are some tips to ensure that you enjoy your online sports betting sessions without the stress of betting more than you can afford to lose:

• Set a budget and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Limit your betting time. Take regular breaks and don’t let gambling take over.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of the game and move on.
• Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence. Bad decisions happen when emotions take over.
• Know when to stop. If betting stops being fun, take a step back.

Tools and Features for Responsible Gaming
Most licensed betting sites offer features to help players stay in control:

• Deposit and betting limits – Set limits on how much you can deposit or bet.
• Self-exclusion tools – Block access to your account for a set period.
• Time-out options – Take a short break when needed.
• Reality checks – Get reminders of how long you’ve been playing.