| Updated: September 26, 2025In 2021, Forbes reported that Africa is the fastest-growing continent. Countries such as Kenya and South Africa – with major cities like Nairobi and Cape Town – are among the most developed in the region. South Africa is the third-largest country in Africa and one of the most technologically advanced, which is why investors in the iGaming industry consider it a lucrative market.
One popular form of gambling among South African residents is the lottery. However, many people also enjoy placing bets on sports. At the time of writing, both online and land-based sports betting are legal in South Africa. It is important to note that only licensed bookmakers are allowed to accept bets from South Africans.
Operators and punters who violate the law will be prosecuted and may face harsh penalties. If you want to learn more about the legal status of sports betting in South Africa, we recommend reading this article.
Best Sports Betting Sites in South Africa
Placing a wager on your favorite sport is legal in South Africa as long as you use a licensed online sportsbook. The National Gambling Board (NGB) is the authority responsible for regulating gambling. South Africa has nine provinces, including Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape. Each province has its own regulator that issues licenses to operators.
However, the NGB determines how many licenses each province may issue. South Africans can choose from a healthy range of licensed sports betting sites that cater to every punter’s preferences. Here you can find a list of the best South African online sportsbooks.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in South Africa
In light of the fierce competition among bookmakers, it is not unusual for online sportsbooks to offer enticing promotions. Of course, some bookmakers are more generous than others, but remember that overly generous promotions are often tied to steep wagering requirements. You will not be able to cash out your profits unless you meet the wagering requirements and comply with other conditions such as minimum odds, qualifying bets, and the expiration date.
Match Deposit Bonus Free Bet Enhanced Odds CashbackMatch Deposit Bonus
Many online sportsbooks offer lucrative promotions to new registrants. To qualify for a match deposit bonus, you must make a qualifying deposit. Note that an opt-in or promo code may be required to claim the promotion. If you claim such a bonus, your first deposit will be matched by a specific percentage. Keep in mind that match deposit bonuses have a cap, meaning your deposit will be matched only up to a predetermined amount.
Free Bet
Many online sportsbooks spoil newcomers with a free bet bonus. Some bookies award free bets to new customers who have verified their accounts, while others require a deposit or a qualifying wager before the bonus is unlocked. If you receive a free bet, you will get a small amount that you can use to wager on your favorite sport without risking your own funds. If your bet wins, you collect the profit; if it loses, you lose nothing.
Enhanced Odds
Some bookies offer enhanced odds on specific markets to attract new punters and encourage existing users to place wagers. Bookmakers deliberately increase the usual odds for a selection, giving sports fans the chance to win more money for the same amount of risk. Punters can benefit from enhanced odds on designated betting markets as determined by the operator.
Cashback
Many reputable sportsbooks targeting the South African market feature cashback promotions. These bonuses give punters peace of mind because even if they lose, they can recoup a percentage of their losses. Typically, the cashback is credited as free bets, which must be used to place further wagers.
Betting Regulation in South Africa
The primary piece of legislation governing South Africa’s gambling industry is the National Gambling Act of 2004. Under its provisions, online sports betting is legal as long as punters use locally licensed bookmakers. Sports fans who choose a foreign-licensed sportsbook risk facing a hefty fine of up to R10 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years. Operators that violate the law are also prosecuted.
Back in the day, things were not as straightforward as they are now. For decades, all forms of gambling except horse racing were outlawed. In 1994, a new democratic government was elected, and only two years later the country enacted the National Gambling Act, which legalized land-based and online gambling as well as sports betting. The legalization of these forms of gambling was prompted by the desire to open up a new revenue stream.
Amendments to the National Gambling Act have been introduced several times. In 2004, lawmakers decided to ban all forms of online gambling except sports betting and horse racing. In 2008, some lawmakers tried to legalize online gambling and regulate the market, but their efforts failed. In 2010, further changes were adopted to effectively prohibit foreign operators from accepting punters and casino enthusiasts from South Africa. Financial transactions to sportsbooks operating overseas were also blocked.
South Africa’s gambling law explicitly prohibits the use of unregulated online sportsbooks. The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board is the main licensing authority. Bookmakers seeking a license can submit their applications at the provincial gambling offices or online. License costs vary among provinces, and the entire process may take up to 3 months. On average, operators must pay an initial fee of R120,000 and a renewal fee of R80,000.
Nascent Changes to South African Gambling Law Important Sports Betting RestrictionsNascent Changes to South African Gambling Law
In 2022, the Democratic Alliance introduced a bill aimed at regulating online gambling in South Africa. At the time of writing, the bill has not been signed into law, which means online gambling remains unregulated in the country.
The Remote Gambling Bill focuses on five key areas: protecting minors and vulnerable people, ensuring compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), regulating online gambling advertisements, governing license issuance, and establishing procedures for objections to license applications.
Important Sports Betting Restrictions
South Africans who want to bet on their favorite sports may do so only if they are 18 years of age or older. Individuals below the legal betting age are not allowed to participate in sports wagering. At-risk punters who cannot control their gambling urges can seek help from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), which offers free and confidential treatment.
South African punters should know that they do not pay taxes on their winnings; however, if you wager on horse races, you must pay a 6% fee on your returns.
Popular sports for wagering include football, rugby, cricket, and athletics. Horse racing is also a common form of entertainment among South African punters. It is important to note that betting on blood sports is illegal in South Africa, although, unfortunately, some people still bet on dog fights.