Bookmakers in South Africa undergo thorough investigations from our impartial review team before ranking them. Some aspects of the sites we check before ranking are:
Payment Options: Checking the number of payment options on a site is one of the ways we rank betting sites. Our team critically checks whether the site offers a wide range of payment options, as well as the security of those payment methods for flexibility and security of players’ finances and information.
Sports Covered: All betting sites cover different numbers of sports. So, we check out all the sports available on a bookmaker as well as the betting options before ranking the sites we review.
Site Usability: Sites with great usability on mobile and desktop get good ratings from us. Before we rank them, we test the sites on mobile and desktop devices to check how easy it is to use them.
Bonuses and Promotions: Bonuses and promotions on betting sites also contribute to how high or low we rank a South African online betting site. Bookmakers with more bonuses, together with fair terms and conditions, are more likely to get higher ratings from us.
What to look for in South African betting sites
To ensure your safety, you should check out the following before betting with a sportsbook in South Africa:
Licensing
You wouldn’t want to lose your money to an illegal sportsbook, so it’s very important to verify if a bookmaker is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board before placing a bet. A licensed sportsbook is not only regulated but also ensures that users’ data and financial information are highly protected.
Depth of betting markets
Look for platforms that cover a vast collection of sports and events, including popular and more niche sports, local and international leagues, as well as diverse betting options across all sports. Sites with a deeper range of betting markets provide you with a better opportunity to place personalised bets.
Generous welcome bonuses and free bets
Generous welcome bonuses attract new users to betting sites and can offer you more betting opportunities for free. It will be nice to have some free perks handed over (of course, with terms) when you create an account at any South Africa betting site. So, it will help if you go for betting sites with free bonuses as well as fair bonus conditions.
Competitive betting odds
Betting sites with competitive odds offer you the chance to win more with your bets. Compare the odds from key events of interest and ensure that you settle for a site with better odds than the rest.
Live betting experience
Live betting gives you the chance to still wager on events that you missed pre-match. Settle for sites that cover more sports via live betting as they will offer better betting options to cover any live betting instincts.
Deposits and withdrawal options
Check out the various deposit and withdrawal options available before choosing a betting site. Ensure that they support your preferred payment options. Also, look out for the withdrawal speed of the various options to be sure you are signing up at one of the fastest payout sportsbooks.
Effective customer service
Effective customer service contributes positively to your overall betting experience. Look for sites with multiple and responsive communication channels (live chat, phone, and email support) with which you can reach out to customer support in case you run into any issues or have some enquiries to make.
Our Top Tips for Betting Online in South Africa
- Choose Licensed Betting Sites
First of all, you must ensure that you are signing up to betting sites that are licensed. This must be issued from a reputable gambling authority in order to be legal, fair, and safe for all of your betting activities. - Take Advantage of Bonuses (But Read the Fine Print)
Look out for any bonuses that you can claim and take advantage of. For example, compare various betting sites with welcome bonus offers and check for bonuses available beyond sign-up for returning customers. It is always important to keep in mind the terms and conditions of all offers prior to claiming. Ensure you have read and understand the fine print first. - Stick to Local Payment Methods
When performing transactions at a site, it is important to stick to local payment methods that you know and trust. Check that a method you prefer is available, as well as alternatives, should there be any issues with your desired payment method. - Stay Informed on South African Sports
Keep up to date with the latest news and events in South African sports, check team and player form, injuries, changes, news, and any other factors that could have an effect on the outcome of a game. - Set a Budget and Stick to it
Work out what you can afford to spend on your betting activities and set yourself a budget to keep your spending activity under control. You can also take advantage of the responsible gambling tool and set limits for your account to keep track of your deposits. - Explore Live Betting
In-play betting allows bettors to place wagers during a live match. A great opportunity to claim enhanced odds based on the real-time developments of the game or match you are following. - Learn About Odds
Different betting sites will offer different odds across the same matches and events. It is important to understand the odds you could be wagering on to ensure you are getting the best value. Shop around different betting sites before committing to any set odds.
