Safest South African Betting Sites - Most Trusted Bookies 2024
After reviewing several gambling platforms, we found that the safest South African betting sites include HollywoodBets, Betway, and 10Bet. All are secure, licensed, and trusted for a secure betting experience.
Safest South African Betting Sites We Reviewed
Sanibonani! We understand how challenging it may be to find a betting site in Mzanzi that gives you that safe and secure feeling while placing your bets. After all, you’ll be putting your hard-earned cash on the line and sharing personal details when you sign up.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most trusted betting sites in South Africa, ensuring you can bet with peace of mind. We’ve done the spadework, so you don’t have to! Here are our top recommendations:
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: South Africa, UK
With licenses from Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal, it’s easy to see why Hollywoodbets has landed the top spot on our South African list. They are Mzanzi’s most licensed bookmaker.
They take various measures to ensure a safe betting environment and offer a wide range of trusted payment options with fair payment terms. Plus, their welcome bonus is a major win for new punters.
This leading bookmaker, which began operations in 2000, also offers a referral bonus. You’ll be rewarded a R50 bonus for every friend you refer who completes the Hollywoodbets registration process.
In addition to that, they have a Soccer Bonus Bonanza where you get a percentage bonus on your winning multiples. The bonus will, of course, depend on your number of selections, and the maximum you can get is a 30% boost of up to R600,000 of one bet of 25 or more legs. Hollywoodbets also has over 1000 different Spina Zonke games you can choose from with spins available from as little as 15 cents!
Is Hollywoodbets legit? Yebo yes. To further convince you, they’ve signed up some high-profile personalities as brand ambassadors. Double Rugby World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth, along with Cricket legend Vernon Philander and award-winning presenters Robert Marawa and Carol Tshabalala are a part of the Purple Team, showing just how trusted they are as a bookmaker. In addition, Hollywoodbets provides excellent customer service.
DID YOU KNOW? Hollywoodbets have been the shirt sponsor of Premier League Club Brentford since they earned promotion to the English topflight in 2021. They are the first South African-founded company to become shirt sponsors of a Premier League team.
Pros
Cons
No deposit required, open an account and receive an R25 sign-up bonus and 50 Free Spins, within 24 hours of registration wager bonus amount once on sports bets with odds of 5/10 (0.5) or higher, Before withdrawal wager any winnings from Free Spins 5x on the same slots.
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, France, Argentina, USA
Licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, Betway is guaranteed to offer a safe and trustworthy betting platform for all users. Their payment options are vast, but every single one of them is a trusted provider, ensuring quick and secure services.
In addition to that, Betway offers a wide range of sports betting markets, competitive odds, and excellent promotions, making it the go-to choice for seasoned punters and newcomers alike. This trusted sportsbook, which was founded in 2006, performs well in just about every category, and their 100% first deposit match up to R1000 is exceptional.
If you’re searching for a legal and trusted betting platform in South Africa, this bookie is an excellent choice. And their credibility is further strengthened when you look at who their official partners are. Betway proudly sponsors the Springboks and football teams Arsenal, West Ham, Brighton and Atletico Madrid. In addition to that is their impressive lineup of brand ambassadors, led by Springbok legend Victor Matfield and Bafana Bafana icon Siphiwe Tshabalala.
Betway offers dedicated customer service from 9am to 1am Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 1pm on weekends. You can reach out to their support team via live chat, email [email protected] and telephone (0861 787 250). Additionally, you can find them on Twitter: @Betway_za and Facebook: /BetwaySouthAfrica.
DID YOU KNOW? In July 2024, Betway was announced as the new headline sponsor of the Premier Soccer League’s top flight, taking over from MultiChoice’s DStv.
Pros
Cons
Ad• 18+• New customers• Max free bet €100• Free bet available on losing settlement of qualifying bet• 50 bonus spins creditted on placement of qualifying bet• Offer valid for 7 days from account creation• Full terms and conditions apply
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: IOM
10Bet takes the next spot on our list of safe and trustworthy bookmakers, regulated and licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. They offer more than 10 payment options which are all safe and secure. And you’ll get a 100% first deposit bonus up to R3000 when you sign up, plus 50 free spins!
What’s great about 10Bet is that they don’t just care for their new customers but have ongoing promotions for their existing users as well. Operating in Mzanzi for over twenty years, 10Bet is an excellent choice for punters, offering a wide selection of sports betting, live dealer games, and casino games to enjoy.
Adding to 10Bet’s credibility, they are the official betting partner of the South African men’s football team Bafana Bafana, and their brand ambassador is none other than the legendary Doctor Khumalo. Another big plus for 10Bet is their excellent customer support. Not only that, but they recognize that betting takes place at all hours and are available 24/7 on their live chat.
DID YOU KNOW? 10Bet offers up to R100,000 in free bets when you play Aviator, as well as regular promotions exclusively for members playing the game.
Pros
Cons
#ad · 18+ · New customers only · Min $10 deposit · Code: STAR · 100% bonus up to $1,000 · Use on Sports, Casino, Live Casino · 15 days to meet rollover · 10x rollover on sports · 40x rollover on casino · Max winnings 10x bonus · Excluded games apply · Single bet counts for wagering · Only settled bets count · Void/Cash-out bets excluded
A Closer Look At The Safest Sportsbooks With Apps
Now, most betting sites work well on mobile browsers, but having an app definitely makes things a lot smoother. With a lekker, easy-to-use app, punters can enjoy seamless navigation and place their bets on the go.
All of our chosen sportsbooks offer apps for iOS and Android devices. Most are available via Google Play and the App Store, so you can quickly install them on your device.
How we Review and Rank Safe Betting Sportsbooks?
Here's what we look at when comparing South African sportsbooks:
Payment methods: We look at how many payment options are offered and evaluate the security of each method, including Mastercard credit/debit card, Instant EFT, e-Wallet, Ozow i-pay and Flash 1 Voucher.
Customer support quality: We look for sportsbooks that have various customer service options like telephone, email, live chat and social media because they offer clients flexibility and convenience. Different people like different methods of communication, so having multiple options ensures that everyone can get help in the way they find most comfortable.
Bonuses and promotions: We like to see regular bonuses because it shows that the sportsbook values their customers and are invested in keeping them happy. After all, we want to guide punters towards getting more cash in their pockets.
Security system: We make sure to check the site’s security setup to ensure it can protect every user’s personal information and financial info. Good sportsbooks use Secret Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Responsible Gambling: We prefer to choose a site that supports responsible gambling and as such provides multiple tools to help punters gamble responsibly. Being part of a sportsbook that prioritizes player safety and well-being ensures a more secure and enjoyable betting experience.
How To Choose A Safe Betting Site in SA?
Although we’re here to help you find safe betting sites, you might also want to know how to check a sportsbook's reliability on your own. Here are some important things for you to consider when assessing if a betting site is legit.
Operating License
When joining a bookmaker, it’s crucial to make sure they have a license from the National Gambling Board (NGB) or one of the provincial gambling boards, so that they can legally operate in South Africa.
The major provincial boards are:
- Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB)
- Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB)
- KwaZulu-Natal Gaming & Betting Board (KZNGBB)
- Mpumalanga Gambling Board (MGB)
- Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB)
- Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLA)
- Northern Cape Gambling Board (NCGB)
- Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGB)
A legitimate sportsbook ensures you can see its operating license on its website. The information is usually in fine print at the bottom of the sportsbook's homepage.
If you can’t find it, try reading the terms and conditions. Every reputable sportsbook should also put their license information there.
Check the Offers
One of the ways a sportsbook gets new punters hooked is through bonuses. But when a bonus seems too good to be true, it’s best to take a step back and think carefully about the offer. For example, a site may offer a big deposit match bonus but only give you a few days to meet rollover requirements, like betting 10 times your bonus on multiples with minimum odds of 3/10.
Responsive Customer Support
A reputable sportsbook will ensure that every punter can address their concerns smoothly. Customer support must be responsive and able to problem solve. Check for non-stop live chat, thorough FAQs and, ideally, multiple ways to get hold of support.
Good Reviews and Reputation
You won’t find better proof than what other punters have to say. Besides checking out our expert reviews, we recommend seeing what other punters are saying about a site. If a sportsbook has social media, how active are they on there? And do they respond to comments? If so, they’re probably worth a look.
How to Avoid Unsafe Sportsbooks in SA?
Read the fine print: Check out the betting site’s homepage and gather all the information you can. Then, read the terms and conditions and privacy policy to understand the sportsbook better.
See what other punters say: Check review sites and find genuine reviews of the sportsbook. If you find several unresolved complaints, especially if many people are complaining about the same thing, it’s probably best not to sign up with the site.
Compare your options: When you compare several sportsbooks, you’ll find irregularities that might appear to be a red flag. For instance, you could come across offers that seem too good to be true or betting requirements that just don’t add up.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed?
Collect evidence: Make sure you take screenshots, bank statements, and other relevant information to support your claim.
Contact the sportsbook: Directly confront the betting site regarding the situation and ask for a refund.
Reach out to regulatory bodies: If your case still isn’t sorted, try contacting the sportsbook's regulatory body/bodies with your evidence. You can go on the ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) website or complete a complaints form and email it to [email protected] or fax it to 012 568 3444.
Legal action: You can take the matter into legal action if your sportsbook still can’t resolve the problem.
Publicity: To apply more pressure on your bookmaker, you can share your story online. Still, you must be sure it is a scam and not an honest mistake (for example, if the site is known to take a while to process withdrawals).
What Is the Safest Betting Strategy?
To ensure your betting remains safe, it's vital to practice responsible gambling at all times. An effective betting strategy would be to start evaluating your own betting habits and take the necessary steps to stay accountable for your choices. Establishing personal limits; like setting strict budgets or time constraints; can provide a valuable safety net.
Additionally, keep your expectations realistic, even when you're betting based on your knowledge or expertise. Remember that chance plays a significant role in gambling, making it impossible to predict outcomes with complete certainty. Avoid overconfidence; thinking you'll always win can lead to poor decision-making and unnecessary risks.
Responsible Betting
Gambling is not a reliable way to replace your monthly income. It's essential to approach gambling as a form of recreational entertainment rather than a source of earnings.
There's a risk of addiction with betting; without ongoing self-awareness and responsibility, it's easy to lose control. To prevent this, set clear boundaries; such as a strict spending limit; to ensure you don't exceed what you can afford and to keep the experience enjoyable.
FAQs
There are many reliable betting sites, but our top picks in Mzanzi are Hollywoodbets, Betway and 10Bet.