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Online Betting and Gamble for Real Money in South Africa

Many people enjoy betting online, and they find it quick and easy. With so many sites to choose from, you're sure to find something to fit your needs. There are even ways of wagering with free bets online, where you can get a bonus just for signing up to a site.


Placing real money or a free bet on your favourite sport can add to the thrill of watching the game. However, there are some things to be aware of in the world of online bets in South Africa. This article takes a careful look at all the aspects of placing a bet online. Read on to learn more.

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🥇 Full List of Legal Online Betting Sites in South Africa

Our expert team has done the legwork for you and compiled a list of not only legal sites, but also the best online gambling sites in SA. Check them out below!

How We Choose the Best Online Betting Sites

Bets Online

You might be wondering how we chose top betting sites in South Africa. Well, our team of experts has a strict set of criteria to guide them. Read on to find out what we looked at to compile our list.

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Betting Features

When betting online, it pays to know the available features. Instant withdrawals are a major bonus of the best sites for online betting. So too, is the ability to edit your bet before you submit it. The offer of live betting is also a great feature. Live betting online is where the sportsbook takes bets on games that have already started. It can be very exciting, but it's also easy to get caught up in the game.

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Betting Markets

There are many markets for bets online. Betting markets are the types of bets that can be placed. The sportsbooks define the markets. When choosing a site, pay attention to available markets. The sportsbook will look at each game and decide on a certain range of bets it will take. For example, in a football match, it might offer prop bets on how many goals a certain player will score, or if the game will go into extra time. When looking at a sportsbook, we take into account the variety of betting markets they offer.

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Betting Odds

When placing bets online, shop around first. Betting is exhilarating. It's easy to get carried away. However, don't jump into the first site. Weigh up the odds offered. This varies across sports, and across sites. We checked a wide range of sites to see which ones tend to offer the best odds. It is important to check a variety of sites, as the change in odds can make a big difference to your winnings.

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Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

It is important to make sure that the site offers payment methods that are well recognised and trusted. We looked for the most universally employed methods like Visa, debit cards, credit cards, EFT, and e-wallets. Bettors should check that any site they sign up to gives them the payment methods that they can use.

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Trustworthiness

In online gambling, trustworthiness is crucial and the best online gambling sites offer just this. We know this because respected authorities licence them. There are nine licensing authorities in South Africa. The licensing process ensures that personal data is secure, and transactions encrypted. Reputable sites should use SSL payment security and OTP safety measures. 

In addition, trustworthy sites also have games from licensed providers who have their games tested for fairness. With these safeguards in place, you'll make safe bets online.

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User-Experience

Never underestimate the overall user experience. How's the user interface? Clunky layouts, sluggish navigation, and broken links spoil your betting experience. Site design and theme are important. In fact, the best online gambling sites offer sleek, minimal design, or tasteful, vibrant colours, boost the user experience.

Placing Online Bets in South Africa: a Step by Step Guide

So, how do you get started placing real money bets online? Our brief guide below can help. Read on to learn everything you need to start online betting.

Choose an Online Betting Platform

  • When choosing a site, the first thing to check is if it holds a licence from one of the 9 authorities in South Africa. 
  • Another consideration is if there is a good variety of payment methods, including Visa/Mastercard, and EFT. 
  • Betting features, such as easy cashout and live betting, can improve your overall betting experience. 
  • Check odds. 

Sign Up With Your Online Betting Site

This is generally a straightforward process. However, to play online in South Africa you must be over 18. You must also provide some personal information:

  • Name & Surname
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Date of Birth
  • ID Number
  • Income source

How to Deposit 

Before you can place a bet and get started, you need to deposit funds into your account. The best online gambling sites offer at least 3-4 payment methods, including:

  • Visa/Mastercard
  • EFT
  • Ozow
  • SiD
  • Vouchers

Once you've signed up, you can deposit money by following the links in the site menu. Here you have a choice of payment options. Simply choose your preference and credit your account.

How to Place a Bet 

Once you've deposited money into your account, you're ready to start placing bets online. As we now know, some sites offer online bets with a signup bonus. In fact, as soon as you've set up your account, you should receive this welcome bonus.

Live Bets Online

Placing live bets is a great way to enhance your favourite games. By following in real-time, you can boost the excitement by betting on the outcome, as well as other markets. With some sites, you can even live-stream the game simultaneously. Though you can enjoy the best live betting online at home or on the go, there can be disadvantages. 

Without foresight, novice gamblers can get carried away and over-bet. This can also be the result of inexperience. Therefore, try to gain some know-how first. Set sensible limits when live betting online and do not exceed them.

Mobile Bets Online

In recent years, mobile betting has ballooned in popularity and the number of handheld devices in operation has increased. However, not all sites are mobile compatible. A good platform should offer either a mobile-optimized site or an app granting access to live betting online. Mobile betting differs from betting online through your desktop in one key aspect - it allows you to play while on the move. Wherever you are, as long as you have internet access, mobile betting allows you to play.

Betting With Mobile Apps

Using a mobile-optimized site isn't too different from gambling via desktop. In this scenario, the operator simply adjusts the site to fit mobile devices, maintaining all essential features. However, some sites offer poor mobile optimization. Bad device integration, malfunctioning links, and clunky screen layout are all symptoms of poor mobile sites. When a site has the proper optimization, the result should be seamless.

Another alternative is an app, which differs significantly from desktop experiences. You can find these in the relevant app store for your operating software, or at the gambling site itself. They often give a smoother experience when placing bets online. However, with both forms of mobile access, you need an internet connection when betting online.

Best Online Games to Bet On

When it comes to betting online for real money, there is no end of games to choose from. Read on for our short list of betting options.

  • It's possible to bet on the lotto, by predicting some or all of the winning lottery numbers.
  • Millions of fans bet on sports each year, whether on the total outcome or on a certain handicap.
  • It is even possible to bet on live sports while watching the game in real-time.
  • You can also bet on virtual sports, simulating the way in which you bet on sports.
  • Even if you're not a gamer, you can still bet on esports, following some of the most exciting video games.
  • If you want to bet on fantasy sports, you can do that too, just as you would bet on live sports.

The Legality and Safety of Online Betting

It's always important to play safely and legally online. The best way to do this is to ensure the site you use has full licensing and complies with regulations. You should be able to check this easily and the best online gambling sites will display their licensing statutes. All betting sites must be licensed in accordance with one of the nine regulatory boards for online bets South Africa. The board will vary relative to the jurisdiction and region of the site.

Betting online with an unregulated gambling site isn't only illegal, it's also inadvisable. Unregulated and unlicensed sites are far less likely to provide the proper encryption for your payments and financial information. This leaves you substantially more vulnerable to internet fraud. Furthermore, the lack of protection extends to your personal data. If you choose to play with an unregulated site, you may encounter this. Play with a licensed operator to prevent data breaches at all times.

How to Get Free Bets in South Africa

Sports Betting Bonuses

You may be familiar with the idea of free betting online. This is actually very common. Mostly, this comes in the form of online bets with a signup bonus. This is a bonus in the form of several free bets, just for signing up. However, it is advisable to compare bonuses on different sites as there can be fierce competition between sites to offer a good welcome bonus. Therefore, browse to find the best betting online offers.

Things to Know Before Placing Bets Online

If you are ready to start placing bets online, then you're almost there! Here are some features to know before betting online. 

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Betting Bonuses and Promotions

Many sites offer online bets with sign up bonus. As already mentioned, this grants a number of free bets as a welcome bonus, just for signing up. This means you can get started betting for free online. What's more, other sites may offer match deposits as a welcome bonus, granting additional funds on your first deposit. Browse online and find the best welcome bonuses and promotions on offer.

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Deposit Methods

There are multiple payment methods available when betting online. However, each method has different benefits and drawbacks. For example, while Visa/Mastercard gives highly secure transactions, vouchers are more convenient. Other common choices are EFT, Ozow and SiD. Top sites should accept 3-4 of these options.

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Betting Odds

When placing bets online, always consider the odds on offer. There are many choices when you want to bet on sports and many sites to choose from. Therefore, it pays to compare the different odds that sites may offer. Some may be higher or lower than others.

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Online Betting Markets

Before placing a bet, decide your market. This is the outcome you bet on. Each market has its own odds. They include overall outcome, over/under, and handicap. Choose the market carefully according to its odds.

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Licensed Betting Operators

Everyone wants to play safe when betting online. Doing this is simple. Always ensure you play with a site licensed by one of the nine regulatory boards for online bets in South Africa. There are many licensed betting operators to choose from, so don't worry, you will be spoilt for choice.

FAQs About Placing Bets Online

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Can I legally bet online in South Africa?

Yes. However, always ensure you bet with an operator compliant with one of the nine regulatory boards for online bets South Africa.

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How safe are online betting services?

Very safe. The best online gambling sites should offer payment encryption and safeguards for your data.

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What sports can you bet on?

If you want to bet on sports, there are so many to choose from! You can bet on live sports, or even bet on esports, with a huge range of games on offer.

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Is online sports betting safe?

Betting on sports online is safe. However, always ensure the site offers proper security measures and complies with the regulatory boards for online bets South Africa.

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Which site is best for betting?

It can seem hard to find the best online gambling sites, with so many on offer. The best betting site fulfils all the criteria listed in this guide.