1
R25 Bonus and 50 Free Spins
Average score from 6 review sites
Ghana Soccernet
Goal.com
Telecom Asia Sport
Bets.co.za
SportyTrader
Casino Guru
2100% up to R3,000
Average score from 4 review sites
Bets.co.za
freetips.com
SportyTrader
Ghana Soccernet
3100% up to R5000
Average score from 5 review sites
Bets.co.za
freetips.com
Casino Guru
SportyTrader
Ghana Soccernet
Average score from 13 review sites
Goal.com
AskGamblers
Ghana Soccernet
Bets.co.za
SportyTrader
Complete Sports
freetips.com
Casino Guru
Betpack
Casino.org
MightyTips
Google Play
Telecom Asia Sport
Average score from 9 review sites
Goal.com
Ghana Soccernet
Casino.org
AskGamblers
SportyTrader
Telecom Asia Sport
Google Play
Casino Guru
Apple Store
Average score from 7 review sites
Casino.org
Goal.com
Ghana Soccernet
Google Play
Telecom Asia Sport
AskGamblers
Apple Store
Average score from 6 review sites
Telecom Asia Sport
SportyTrader
Ghana Soccernet
freetips.com
Bets.co.za
Casino Guru
Average score from 5 review sites
Ghana Soccernet
Telecom Asia Sport
freetips.com
Bets.co.za
Casino Guru
Average score from 5 review sites
Goal.com
SportyTrader
freetips.com
Bets.co.za
Ghana Soccernet
Average score from 6 review sites
Telecom Asia Sport
Ghana Soccernet
freetips.com
SportyTrader
Bets.co.za
Casino Guru
Sports betting is hugely popular in South Africa, which means dozens of bookmakers compete for your attention. Below, we explain the criteria we use when choosing the best local betting sites and how we score each one.
We ensure each bookmaker holds a valid local licence and, where applicable, an international licence, so their operations are fully legal. We verify that all software comes from reputable developers and is audited on a regular basis. To confirm security standards, we review each site’s encryption policy, terms and conditions, and privacy policy. Finally, we look at genuine user feedback on independent review platforms to assess how well the bookmaker actually performs.
Bonuses are a key factor when selecting a betting site. Welcome offers vary not just in size, but in the wagering conditions a player must meet to withdraw any winnings. Watch out for different bonus types—deposit matches, cashback, free bets, reload bonuses or even no-wagering promotions. Our site lists all available offers in detail, including the specific terms for claiming and wagering.
Rugby, football and cricket remain the most popular sports in South Africa, but a top bookmaker should cover many more events. Look for sites that also offer esports, golf, athletics, long-distance running and boxing. In our reviews, we list every sport and event available, classic and niche alike.
The simplest wager is on which team will win, but the best bookmakers let you do much more. In football, for example, you can bet on half-time/full-time results, over/under goals, team totals, handicaps, both teams to score or the exact score. We evaluate each site on the variety of betting options it offers.
The more payment methods supported, the better. Leading South African bookmakers accept bank cards, vouchers, e-wallets and various electronic transfers. It’s also crucial to be able to withdraw funds quickly and without hidden fees. Our reviews include a full list of deposit and withdrawal methods, estimated processing times and any applicable commissions.
Players often struggle with the platform’s technical quirks and interface. Prompt, effective support is essential, especially for financial matters. Check other users’ reviews to see how staff treat customers and how quickly they resolve issues. We always provide all available contact details for each betting provider, and based on this information and feedback from bettors, we deliver a final evaluation of the support service’s quality.
When we wrap up a bookmaker review, we assess its unique offers, handy tools and special features. Our checklist includes live HD streams, one-off promotions, niche casino games or sports markets, intuitive navigation, and a free iOS/Android app. In each review, we lay out every strength and weakness of SA betting sites in full detail, without hiding any shortcomings that could affect your experience. At RSABets, transparency is our guiding principle, so we aim to deliver completely impartial content you can rely on.
RSABets reviews have earned a reputation as the most reliable source of information on South African bookmakers. We stand apart thanks to:
Our experts work hard to bring you the freshest, most accurate data so you can make smarter wagering decisions and pick the right platform.
Before you sign up with the first website you come across, make sure that the sportsbook meets all your requirements. Just do the following to achieve this:
Make sure the bookmaker holds a valid licence to operate in South Africa. Visit its official website and look for licensing details from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or another recognised regulator. On RSABets, we list all licences held by each operator.
Confirm there are no recent, well-founded complaints from players. Consult RSABets.co.za for aggregated user ratings drawn from leading review platforms in South Africa.
Deposit a small amount using your preferred method, place a low-stake bet, then withdraw those funds. This test reveals processing speeds, fees and any limits on deposits or withdrawals.
Ensure the site offers comprehensive coverage of your favourite sport. Check the depth of markets, available bet types, odds and margins. On RSABets, you’ll find our expert recommendations for each sport in the table below.
Only when we are absolutely sure that the SA betting site is safe and trustworthy, we include it in our list of recommended bookmakers, where you can bet online with absolute confidence, knowing that you are in good hands.
In the rapidly growing betting market of South Africa, choosing a reliable bookmaker can be challenging. To help you start winning with secure payouts, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best betting sites in the country:
Founded in 1986 as a local publisher, Hollywoodbets is now one of the largest bookmaker portals in the market. It operates legally under permits from 7 South African regulators, and holds an official UKGC licence. This platform offers a very impressive sportsbook with all the most popular options, such as racing, football, cricket, and tennis. It also offers 2,000+ lotto draws every week and provides casino games from top developers like Pragmatic, Yggdrasil, and Spribe. Hollywoodbets has a secure mobile app and greets newcomers with a welcome offer of R25 + 50 free spins.
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This 2021 platform is now a big hit in South Africa, attracting players with its licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, free app Android, and a large welcome bonus of up to R2,000. The main advantage of Betshezi is that it offers a very extensive sportsbook with 46 sports and eSports, including both the hottest options like rugby, cricket, and MMA and niche disciplines like alpine skiing, netball, and sumo. Users also get access to live casino games and can choose from more than 20 payment options.
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Founded back in 1967, this is one of the oldest and most respected bookmakers on the market. Its operations are regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator and the UKGC, and it offers gambling services legally through its desktop site and mobile app. The Betfred catalogue includes 30+ sports and thousands of live betting markets. The brand has a focus on horse racing, table games, and lotto. Newcomers get an instant boost with the site’s welcome bonus: up to R5,000 + 500 free spins, alongside other generous promos.
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Yesplay was launched in 2002 as a local South African lottery provider, and today, it is considered one of the most generous bookmakers, operating legally under a licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. It focuses on the user experience and offers top-notch mobile gameplay through its modern app. New bettors are greeted with a generous deposit boost of 100% up to R3,000, and active players can take advantage of additional promos like 10% cashback and random Lucky Numbers prizes.
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Betway was launched in 2006 and offers legal betting services to users in South Africa under a permit from the Western Cape Gambling Board. The platform is available to both mobile and desktop users, and players can even download the free mobile app for iOS and Android. When registering, users can get a welcome incentive of R1,000 as a free bet. Members get access to casino games and 20+ sports options, including MMA, cycling, greyhound racing, and even politics. Local bettors can place wagers on South African leagues and tournaments.
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Launched in 2003, this international casino and betting provider works in South Africa under a permit from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. The site has a user-friendly design and simple navigation mechanics that allow newcomers to register and play without any issues. The platform’s services are also available through its secure mobile app. New sports bettors can improve their winnings by activating a 100% match bonus, and active players get accumulator boosts and short-term football incentives.
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Founded in 1990, Playabets went online in 2012 and is now very popular among players in South Africa. It is licensed by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Gaming and Betting Board and protects all its members through the most innovative encryption algorithms and measures, such as SSL and HTTPS. The bookmaker has a free app and offers generous sign-up bonuses of 100% up to R2,000. The main focus of Playabets is on the most popular sports, such as basketball, soccer, and tennis. There is also a separate casino section with the top live lobbies.
7Created in 2021, this younger betting platform operates in SA legally under a Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board permit. Fafabet is available for both mobile and desktop betting, offering a convenient site and user-friendly apps for iOS and Android. When registering, newcomers can claim an impressive 150% match bonus of up to R5000 and use it to get larger winnings. For local bettors, the bookmaker has created an extensive sportsbook with more than 30+ sports, from Cricket and Tennis to Snooker and Horse Racing. They also offer HD live streaming for real-time bets and big wins.
8This local bookmaker brand was created in 2010 and is very popular among SA bettors. It offers a wide range of services, provides both mobile and desktop betting options, and strongly focuses on safety. Licensed by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board, Bet.co.za operates legally and pays out all winnings. Newcomers can get a R5000 welcome prize, while active users are granted additional bonuses and free bets for wagers on cricket and football. Bet.co.za also has an impressive selection of casino games like baccarat, poker, and dice.
9After its launch in 2015, Tic Tac Bets has become one of the most beloved South African bookmakers, offering 25 sports with numerous betting markets and operating under a Northern Cape Gambling Board licence. The site attracts new users by offering to double their first deposit, granting up to R5,000 plus 50 FS. Bettors can enjoy live and pre-match wagering both on the main platform and in the Tic Tac Bets mobile app. To make the user experience as convenient as possible, this bookmaker accepts 13 popular SA payment options.
10To start placing real money bets in South Africa and gain a chance to win money, players must execute a series of simple steps. Read our step-by-step guide to do it as soon as possible:
Take a look at the top betting shop brands providing services to the SA players. Assess their sportsbooks and odds and select a secure and reliable platform whose operations are authorized.
In the case of newcomers, they must complete registration by submitting their personal information as well as their contact details. Accept the platform’s T&Cs and verify your account to access real-money services.
Visit the Deposit page to see the site’s payment methods, learn more about their commissions and top up. Check that the chosen method is available for rapid and secure withdrawals.
Plan your budget and use it strategically to avoid unsustainable losses. Select a tactic such as flat, fixed, or percentage-based methods. Gain experience and create your own strategy.
Learn how to collect and analyse official match statistics and use additional details such as team history, player form, and weather forecasts. Combine all this data to make accurate predictions.
Check out the platform’s bet options and how they function. Select between singles, system bets and accumulators depending on your betting strategy. Don’t forget to examine the odds and terms.
Look through the bookie’s sports section and select your favourite discipline, division, or team. Peruse the events on offer to decide which of them you wish to bet on, and bet on live or pre-match.
If you hit a win, analyse what assisted you in achieving it and add it to your betting log. Use this log to track your stats and modify or eliminate useless betting styles.
Mobile applications of bookmakers have become an indispensable tool for most players. About 35% of bets in South Africa are placed on phones via the mobile website or a dedicated app.
Mobile betting apps mirror all the desktop site’s functionality. Compared to the mobile site, they deliver faster performance on weak internet connections, a more user-friendly interface and quicker operation overall. For live betting, that is placing wagers in real time, mobile applications are essential.
When selecting a bookmaker’s mobile app, consider four key factors:
Performance
The app should launch quickly and respond without delay.
Interface usability
You should be able to navigate every section intuitively.
Connection reliability
The app must function smoothly even on slow or unstable networks.
Device compatibility
It should support a wide range of phones and operating system versions.
All leading betting sites in South Africa offer various bonuses. We have selected the five bookmakers with the most generous welcome offers.
To claim a welcome bonus, register with your chosen bookmaker and complete the required identity checks. Then fund your account, and the bonus, typically a matched percentage of your deposit, will be credited according to the operator’s terms.
Choosing the right payment options is crucial for a seamless betting experience. Our review highlights the bookmakers that support the most popular methods, including bank cards, e-wallets and EFT transfers. Below we list all major payment systems available in South Africa, so you can easily find betting sites that support your preferred method.
Registering with an unlicensed operator puts your funds and winnings at risk. It is also vital to practice responsible gambling. Regulated bookmakers generally allow you to set deposit or staking limits and to self-exclude by suspending or closing your account. Below is a list of the main authorities overseeing South Africa’s betting market. Always confirm that your chosen bookmaker holds at least one South African licence.
We work only with regulated betting companies in South Africa. We receive a commission only from your first deposit — our goal is to provide honest, unbiased information. Our opinions are based on our experience and research. We encourage responsible gambling and support a safe betting environment.
For information about help with gambling addiction, contact the National Gambling Addiction Hotline. Gambling Helpline: 0800 006 008
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