Best sports betting sites in South Africa for May 2024

South Africa is a country with a rich and diverse sporting culture. From rugby to cricket, from soccer to golf, South Africans love to watch and bet on their favorite teams and players. But where can they find the best bookmakers in South Africa to place their bets?

In this article, we will give you an overview of the online betting scene in South Africa, and introduce you to some of the best bookmakers in South Africa that offer a wide range of markets, high odds, live streaming, bonuses, and more. Whether you are a fan of local competitions or international events, you will find something to suit your betting preferences.

Popular Sports and Leagues for Betting in South Africa

According to a report by PwC, the sports betting market in South Africa was worth R30.9 billion in 2019, and is expected to grow to R42.2 billion by 2024. This makes it the largest segment of the gambling industry in the country, accounting for 54% of the total gross gambling revenue.

But what are the most popular sports and leagues for betting in South Africa? Here are some of the top choices among South African punters:

• Rugby: Rugby is arguably the most popular sport in South Africa, especially after the national team, the Springboks, won the Rugby World Cup in 2019. The domestic league, Super Rugby, features teams from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Japan. The international tournaments, such as the Rugby Championship and the Six Nations, also attract a lot of attention and bets.
• Cricket: Cricket is another sport that enjoys a huge fan base in South Africa. The national team, the Proteas, competes in various formats of the game, such as Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The domestic league, the Mzansi Super League (MSL), features six franchises from different cities. The Indian Premier League (IPL), the Big Bash League (BBL), and the Cricket World Cup are some of the other popular events for cricket betting.
• Soccer: Soccer is the most widely played sport in South Africa, especially among the youth. The national team, Bafana Bafana, has qualified for three FIFA World Cups and won the African Cup of Nations in 1996. The domestic league, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), consists of 16 teams from across the country. The UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League (EPL), and the Spanish La Liga are some of the other popular leagues for soccer betting.
• Golf: Golf is a sport that has produced some of the world's best players from South Africa, such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen. The Sunshine Tour is the main professional golf tour in South Africa, featuring events throughout the year. The PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the majors, such as the Masters, the US Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, are some of the other popular events for golf betting.

Popular Types of Welcome Bonuses and Other Bonuses in South Africa

One of the main attractions of online betting is the opportunity to claim various bonuses and promotions from bookmakers. These can boost your bankroll, enhance your odds, or give you free bets or spins. Here are some of the most popular types of bonuses that you can find in South Africa:

• Matched deposit bonus: This is when the bookmaker matches your first deposit with a certain percentage, up to a maximum amount.
• Free bet bonus: This is when the bookmaker gives you a free bet or bets after you make a qualifying deposit or bet.
• Cashback bonus: This is when the bookmaker refunds you a percentage of your losses or stakes over a certain period of time.
• Odds boost bonus: This is when the bookmaker increases the odds of certain events or markets for a limited time. 
• Loyalty bonus: This is when the bookmaker rewards you for your regular activity and loyalty with points, free bets, cash prizes, or other benefits.

The Most Common Odds in South Africa

Odds are the numbers that indicate how likely an event is to happen and how much you can win if you bet on it. Different bookmakers may offer different odds for the same event, depending on their margins, market movements, and customer preferences. Therefore, it is important to compare odds before placing your bets to find the best value.

There are three main types of odds formats that you can encounter in South Africa: decimal, fractional, and American. Here is how they work:

1. Decimal odds: This is the most common and simple format, where the odds are expressed as a decimal number. To calculate your potential payout, you just need to multiply your stake by the odds. For example, if you bet R100 on an event with 2.50 odds, your potential payout is R100 x 2.50 = R250.
2. Fractional odds: This is a traditional format, where the odds are expressed as a fraction. To calculate your potential payout, you need to divide the numerator by the denominator and multiply by your stake. For example, if you bet R100 on an event with 3/2 odds, your potential payout is (3 / 2) x R100 = R150.
3. American odds: This is a format that is popular in North America, where the odds are expressed as a positive or negative number. To calculate your potential payout, you need to follow different rules depending on the sign. If the odds are positive, you need to divide them by 100 and multiply by your stake. For example, if you bet R100 on an event with +200 odds, your potential payout is (200 / 100) x R100 = R200. If the odds are negative, you need to divide 100 by them and multiply by your stake. For example, if you bet R100 on an event with -150 odds, your potential payout is (100 / 150) x R100 = R66.67.

Most bookmakers in South Africa allow you to choose your preferred odds format from their settings or menu. You can also use online tools or calculators to convert between different formats.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods Available in South Africa

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bookmaker is how easy and convenient it is to deposit and withdraw money from your account. Fortunately, South African bettors have a variety of options to choose from, depending on their preferences and needs.

Some of the most common deposit and withdrawal methods available in South Africa are:

• Credit and debit cards: These are widely accepted by most bookmakers, and offer a fast and secure way to fund your account and cash out your winnings. However, some banks may charge fees or block transactions related to gambling, so it is advisable to check with your bank before using this method.
• E-wallets: These are online payment services that allow you to store and transfer money electronically, without revealing your bank details. Some of the most popular e-wallets among South African bettors are Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and EcoPayz. E-wallets offer a high level of convenience, security, and anonymity, as well as low fees and fast processing times. However, not all bookmakers accept e-wallets, and some may exclude them from their welcome offers or promotions.
• Bank transfers: These are direct transfers of money from your bank account to your bookmaker account, or vice versa. Bank transfers are reliable and safe, but they may take longer than other methods, and they may incur fees from both your bank and your bookmaker.
• Prepaid cards and vouchers: These are cards or vouchers that you can buy at retail outlets or online, and use them to deposit money into your bookmaker account. Some of the most common prepaid cards and vouchers in South Africa are 1Voucher, OTT Voucher, EasyLoad, SID Instant EFT, and PaySafeCard. Prepaid cards and vouchers offer a high level of privacy and security, as well as instant deposits. However, they are usually not available for withdrawals, and they may have limited amounts or expiry dates.

Legal and Tax Issues Related to Betting in South Africa

Another factor to consider when choosing a bookmaker is the legal and tax status of betting in South Africa. According to the National Gambling Act of 2004, online gambling is illegal in South Africa, except for online sports betting, which is regulated by the National Gambling Board (NGB) and the provincial gambling boards. This means that only bookmakers that have a valid license from the NGB or one of the provincial gambling boards can legally operate in South Africa.

However, there are also many international bookmakers that accept South African players, even though they do not have a local license. These bookmakers may offer better odds, markets, features, or bonuses than the licensed ones, but they also pose some risks for the players. For example, they may not comply with the local laws or regulations, they may not protect the players' personal or financial information adequately, they may not pay out the winnings promptly or fairly, or they may be blocked or banned by the authorities at any time.

Therefore, it is advisable for South African bettors to do some research before signing up with an international bookmaker, and to check their reputation, reviews, terms and conditions, customer service, and payment options. Alternatively, they can stick to the licensed bookmakers that operate in South Africa legally and safely.

As for the tax issues related to betting in South Africa, the general rule is that winnings from betting are not subject to income tax, unless they are derived from a trade or profession. This means that casual or recreational bettors do not have to pay tax on their winnings from betting. However, professional or frequent bettors may have to declare their winnings as income and pay tax accordingly.

Additionally, some bookmakers may deduct a withholding tax from the winnings of their customers before paying them out. This withholding tax is usually 15% of the winnings above R25 000 (or R50 000 for horse racing), and it is paid directly to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) by the bookmaker on behalf of the customer. The customer can then claim a refund from SARS if they have proof that they have paid tax on their winnings elsewhere.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Bookmaker in South Africa

If you are a sports betting enthusiast in South Africa, you might be wondering how to choose the best sportsbook for your needs. There are many factors to consider, such as the number of markets, the odds, the bonuses, the features, the games and the reputation of the bookie. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Compare the number of markets and events offered by different bookmakers. Some bookies may have a wider variety of sports and competitions to bet on, while others may focus on specific niches or regions. 
2. Check the odds offered by different bookmakers. Higher odds mean higher potential winnings, so you want to find a bookie that offers competitive prices on the events you are interested in. You can use odds comparison sites or tools to see which bookies have the best odds on average or on specific markets.
3. Look for welcome offers and bonuses that suit your preferences. Most bookmakers offer some kind of incentive for new customers, such as free bets, deposit matches or cashbacks. You should read the terms and conditions carefully to see what the wagering requirements, minimum deposits and expiry dates are. 
4. Explore the features and games offered by different bookmakers. Some bookies may have more advanced or innovative features than others, such as live streaming, cash out, bet builder or virtual sports. You should also check if the bookie has any further games that you enjoy, such as lotto, casino or fantasy sports. 
5. Research the reputation and reliability of different bookmakers. You want to choose a bookie that is licensed and regulated by an official South African gaming authority, such as the National Gambling Board or one of the nine provincial boards. This ensures that the bookie meets minimum security standards, has been independently fairness tested and will pay out your winnings. You should also look for customer reviews, ratings and feedback to see what other users think of the bookie's service, support and payouts.

By following these tips, you should be able to find a bookmaker that meets your expectations and provides you with a satisfying betting experience.

FAQs

Q: Is online sports betting legal in South Africa?

A: Yes, online sports betting is legal in South Africa, as long as you use a licensed and regulated bookmaker. The 2004 National Gambling Act has deemed all online gambling activities to be illegal in the country, except for sports betting. However, some international bookmakers also manage to operate in South Africa by obtaining licenses from other jurisdictions or using alternative domains.

Q: How can I deposit and withdraw money from online bookmakers in South Africa?

A: There are various payment methods that you can use to deposit and withdraw money from online bookmakers in South Africa. Some of the most common ones are credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards. However, not all bookies accept all payment methods, so you should check their banking options before signing up. You should also be aware of any fees, limits or processing times that may apply.

Q: What are the best sports to bet on in South Africa?

A: The best sports to bet on in South Africa depend on your personal preferences and knowledge. However, some of the most popular sports among South African bettors are soccer, rugby, cricket, horse racing and golf. These sports have a large fan base and offer many betting opportunities on local and international events. You can find many markets and odds on these sports at most online bookmakers in South Africa.

Q: How can I claim a welcome bonus from an online bookmaker in South Africa?

A: To claim a welcome bonus from an online bookmaker in South Africa, you usually need to register an account with the bookie and make your first deposit or place your first bet. Some bookies may require you to enter a promo code or opt-in to receive the bonus. You should read the terms and conditions of the bonus carefully to see what the eligibility criteria, wagering requirements and expiry dates are.

Q: How can I contact an online bookmaker in South Africa if I have a problem or a question?

A: Most online bookmakers in South Africa have a customer support team that you can contact if you have a problem or a question. You can usually reach them via phone, email, live chat or social media. Some bookies may also have a FAQ section or a help center where you can find answers to common queries. You should check the availability and response time of the support team before choosing a bookie.