How Betway Became One Of The Most Popular Sports Betting Platforms In South Africa

Play roulette, blackjack or baccarat against live dealers and enjoy a thrilling betting experience. Some punters might be very familiar with the do’s and don’ts of betting online. To get you started we offer a variety of articles in our betting strategy and tips section.

In June 2021, the group paid $281.5m to increase its stake in BetKing, a digital and sports entertainment platform that focuses on Africa, to 49%. Blue Lake Ventures, which traded as BetKing, subsequently changed its name to KingMakers. Of the total, betting generated 60.5% of industry GGR at R35.9bn, with casinos leading the charge, at R17.4bn, about 29% of the pie. There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet.

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The growth of this sector has been beneficial, although it is essential to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling practices. The National Gambling Act of 1996 and subsequent amendments play a crucial role in this regard. These laws ensure that betting operations are conducted in a controlled manner, with a focus on preventing underage betting and minimizing problem gambling. Licensed operators are required to adhere to these regulations to offer betting services. Bet & Win’s main objective is to bring you a detailed overview of the variety of the best online betting sites in South Africa to the table. You can find all the information you need about the most reliable online bookmakers by clicking on the bookie’s logo or ‘Read Review’.

• The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable .
• However, stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities and uphold ethical standards to facilitate sustainable growth within the industry.
• In the last year alone, the continent’s fan base, who regularly follow sports broadcasts, has reached 300 million.
• Hollywood Bets started with its Spina Zonke games, Supabets followed by adding Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil slots and moreover quite recently NetEnt and Red Tiger.

In the realm of cricket, Betway became the title sponsor of the SA20 cricket competition in January 2023. This strategic partnership aims to elevate cricket as South Africa’s premier sport and entertainment brand, reflecting Betway’s commitment to fostering the growth of cricket in the country. Additionally, Betway serves as the Official Betting Partner of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team.

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In-play betting, in particular, allows bettors to wager on outcomes during a live sporting event, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. In recent years, the betting industry in South Africa has evolved greatly, with the introduction of online betting and gaming. This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino. Online betting and gaming have become increasingly popular in South Africa, as it provides a convenient and accessible way to participate in the betting industry. These days the best online betting sites do not only offer you sports and lotteries to bet on.

Online gambling

A respectable betting website must have a fresh license from a credible body such as provincial gaming boards or the National gaming Board (NGB). This guarantees that the site runs under tight policies, therefore offering bettors a safe and secure environment. In South Africa, the legal gambling age is eighteen, hence all licensed operators have to confirm the age of their clients in order to stop young gaming.

• The Company has developed to become one of the most trustworthy and fast-moving bookmaking groups in South Africa.
• Over the years there have been many laws and acts passed to stop online gambling.
• Parimatch also contributes to the development of betting in Africa – on the bookmaker’s website you can easily find information on how to bet and win every day.
• Marshalls World of Sport gives the opportunities of placing bets on Horse Racing and international sporting events using different ways such as internet, mobile phone and even several cash outlets.
• Similar to the rest of African countries, the sports betting sector makes for the vast majority of the GGR.
• In this regard, the gambling industry is currently much like the retail industry of South Africa, which is also showing promising signs of growth despite the economic slowdown that the whole country is experiencing.

Gambling

Sub Saharan Africa lead in the number of mobile money deployments at 132 compared to global of 252. Out of the 866 million registered accounts, 395 million are in Sub Saharan Africa. 145 million active accounts versus 298 million globally, USD 1.7 billion in transactions volume versus 2.4 billion globally and 26.8 billion in transaction value versus 40.8 billion globally (4).

How online betting works

The Live Games content is very varied, ranging from Game Show games such as Crazy Time, Megaball to Dream Catcher and the thrilling Lightning games range. For South African gamblers, an extensive range of payment options is absolutely necessary. Local payment options available on the finest betting sites include popular mobile payments like PayPal and cryptocurrencies as well as bank cards and e-wallets. Particularly if you want to cash out your gains, quick withdrawals and deposits are also absolutely vital. Fast withdrawal sites—especially those using e-wallets and cryptocurrencies—make the betting experience far more fulfilling.

• So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally.
• They are a quality business with a demonstrable track record of success, and we believe they will add immense value to our business and long-term value creation.
• This activity is legal if it is practiced through betting companies who are appropriately licensed in South Africa for online betting.
• In South Africa, the legal gambling age is eighteen, hence all licensed operators have to confirm the age of their clients in order to stop young gaming.
• On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers.

Best Online Betting Sites in South Africa 2025

You can find more details on betting law and related topics on our Betting Law page. We have also created a few useful and strategic tips to ensure your online betting safety. The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has also witnessed the expansion of betting markets and the introduction of new wagering options. 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.

Currently, the gambling market in Kenya continues to be dominated by sports betting, with an estimated number of over 7-million citizens actively placing bets on online gambling services. The future of iGaming and betting in Africa is bright, with significant opportunities for growth and expansion. However, the industry also faces significant challenges that must be overcome if it is to reach its full potential. The development of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks, innovative payment solutions, and increased internet access will be key to unlocking the full potential of the iGaming and betting industry in Africa.

Can I get free bets from South African bookmakers?

Check out the table on this page and follow the links to the bookmaker you wish to join. Complete the registration process and once you’ve fulfilled the requirements you’ll have free bets in your account. Online betting in South Africa has never been more dynamic and rewarding with our betting platforms. If you’ve already submitted your documents you can email to check the status of your account. The Association is governed by a board of up to 9 elected directors who meet at least once every two months to formulate and approve policy for implementation.

Regulatory framework and legalisation

Currently, South Africa is by far the most developed online betting market on the continent, with several financial experts expecting its gross revenue to surpass $2.3-billion by the end of 2022. While mobile penetration is high, internet access is still limited in many parts of Africa. This can be a barrier to entry for iGaming and betting operators who rely on the internet to deliver their services. Many African countries are currently revising their regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting, with the aim of creating a more conducive environment for the industry. This presents an opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to enter new markets and expand their operations in the region. Gamification, or the incorporation of game-like elements, such as competition, points, rewards, and interactive features, into non-game contexts, can help reverse that.

Top Sports in South Africa

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. While Betway provides competitive odds, especially on major UFC events, one area for improvement could be the expansion of their live streaming services. Policymakers on the African continent are also expected to start contemplating the same issue as more people take up betting, driven by the internet on the continent. 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.

Aviator is the most popular casino game by a unique player count by quite some distance. Another great advantage is live broadcasting of sporting events, particularly for well-liked sports like rugby, football, and cricket. Although it might not be accessible for every game, the availability of live streaming for important events lets bettors view games and make informed decisions when live betting.

• Major streaming service providers are changing the game a little bit and the newer revenue is available the better for all involved.In terms of channels, DStv is still dominant in South Africa.
• More than two-thirds of African people have access to high-speed mobile Internet today.
• Small wonder then that 60.5% of households access the internet primarily through cellphones.
• The convenience ease with which we are able to place bets is incredible and anyone can now get involved!
• Many African countries are currently revising their regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting, with the aim of creating a more conducive environment for the industry.

These bonuses benefit the bettors more than merely improve the betting experience. In the sports betting scene, live betting has grown to be a common element; many South African gamblers like making bets during events. Betting services with in-play betting let users stake wagers on events as they are happening, therefore adding thrill and involvement to the process. For punters, live betting is a must have real-time updates, odds adjustments, and thorough match statistics. After all, we can make a prediction that it has come from the times of gladiator games or even earlier.

Illegal betting on Horse racing

By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Currently, Africa is considered to be one of the most promising lucrative markets in the world where the iGaming companies could expand to. When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being.

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At this point, additional documents may be needed to be submitted by the patron before payment is made, including proof of residence and proof of bank account details. In instances where non – South African punters are prohibited by Bookmakers from betting, these processes make it more difficult for these players to withdraw money from the platform without being detected. 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.

The advent of the internet revolutionised the sports betting industry worldwide, and South Africa was no exception. Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.

• The full list of free bets and welcome bonus offers are listed on this page above.
• There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites.
• This sport has grown by 75% since 2022 and is popular amongst people who are willing and able to risk larger amounts per bet, around R700 per bet.
• Betting on sport is now legal in 38 states, with Missouri set to become the 39th state in 2025, as well as the District of Columbia.
• Particularly if you want to cash out your gains, quick withdrawals and deposits are also absolutely vital.
• In Kenya 54% of active mobile money users have an outstanding mobile money loan while the figure is 60% in Tanzania.

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The legalization of sports betting in the 1990s marked a significant turn, leading to the establishment of licensed betting shops and later, online betting services. The range of betting options on a betting website is among the most crucial aspects one ought to look for. From the country favorites like rugby and cricket to worldwide sports like football and specialized events, South African bettors have a broad spectrum of sports to choose from. The finest betting sites provide several betting markets, such as match winners, player props, or even live event betting, so as to accommodate these tastes. A reputable sportsbook would have a large selection of markets for both pre-match betting and live betting, thereby allowing bettors lots of options to stake wagers on ongoing events. The exceptions to this rule are province licensed horse racing and online sports betting.

In 1965, the Gambling Act prohibited diverse types of sports betting except for horse racing. Horse racing was considered more like a sporting activity than a betting one. The country has come through a couple of steps in betting legalization 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. In Mark Tipping’s experience, most online betting frauds can only be realised once payment is made to the fraudster.

• Online betting is undoubtedly a popular entertainment form for young people in Africa.
• Their platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface and a mobile app that ensures you can bet on the go.
• In South Africa in particular, fans with access to the internet can choose from a wide variety of video streaming services for sports-related content.
• Make sure you sign up with a betting site that offers the best welcome bonuses!
• Most online bookmakers have expanded their games portfolio into BetGames, Slots, Scratchcards and Live Games for an even more exciting experience.
• Moreover, technological disruptions, such as the emergence of blockchain and cryptocurrency-based betting platforms, present both challenges and opportunities for traditional operators.
• Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling.
• Of the total, betting generated 60.5% of industry GGR at R35.9bn, with casinos leading the charge, at R17.4bn, about 29% of the pie.

As of the current date, South Africa has over 30 online sports betting sites that have been licensed and approved by their relevant betting sites in zambia provinces. Technological innovations have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of sports betting in South Africa. 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.