Exploring high stakes: Gambling trends in South Africa

Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on in South Africa, and the UEFA Champions League is always a major highlight for local punters. From pre-match odds to in-play betting, South African sportsbooks offer a wide range of markets for both seasoned bettors and newcomers. Whether you’re predicting match winners, first goal scorers, or total goals, the Champions League provides endless opportunities to test your football knowledge and enjoy the thrill of the game. These days the best online betting sites do not only offer you sports and lotteries to bet on. Most online bookmakers have expanded their games portfolio into BetGames, Slots, Scratchcards and Live Games for an even more exciting experience.

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This Act legalized other forms of gambling in the Province and provided for the establishment of the Gauteng Gambling Board. In Mark Tipping’s experience, most online betting frauds can only be realised once payment is made to the fraudster. At this point, additional documents may be needed to be submitted by the patron before payment is made, including proof of residence and proof of bank account details. In instances where non – South African punters are prohibited by Bookmakers from betting, these processes make it more difficult for these players to withdraw money from the platform without being detected.

• 145 million active accounts versus 298 million globally, USD 1.7 billion in transactions volume versus 2.4 billion globally and 26.8 billion in transaction value versus 40.8 billion globally (4).
• More betting establishments are continuing to appear on the horizon, meaning the industry will keep broadening, according to its high demand.
• All this greatly expands the possibilities of participating in international online sports betting, as well as allows you to place bets on your favourite African teams.
• Playing casino tables and slot machines have the lowest incidence of 7 and 5 times per month respectively.
• The higher the odds, the bigger the payout, but the lower the chances of winning.
• US sports such as the National Basketball Association (NBA)  and National Football League (NFL) have also attracted a new betting audience in South Africa.
• If you’ve already submitted your documents you can email to check the status of your account.

How online betting works

The Gambling Act of 1965 officially banned all forms of gambling except betting on horse racing. Towards the end of the 1970s casinos started operating in the independent areas called homelands. Only native South Africans lived in these areas and most weren’t able to access such establishments. Figures from 1995 such there were as many as 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country. From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673. In 1965, the Gambling Act prohibited diverse types of sports betting except for horse racing.

What Is Responsible Gaming?

Horse racing was considered more like a sporting activity than a betting one. The country has come through a couple of steps in betting legalization in the country. Plus, live betting provides real excitement as players can place their bets in real-time while a game is being played.

• You can grab a free bet by keeping tabs on the promotions section of Bets.co.za.
• Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on for South Africans, although there has been little growth in popularity in recent years.
• Marshalls World of Sport is a National Group, suggesting people’s betting on Horse Racing, local or international sport and Lucky Numbers.
• Our team of betting experts assess every aspect of each bookmaker from the free bets to markets and odds and even their customer service.
• Initially, it was restricted primarily to horse racing, which has been a popular pastime since the 18th century.
• Fortunately, for players, the government has established laws and regulations to ensure only docile casinos and betting sites can offer their services in South Africa.

Availability Of course, another key factor is ensuring that the sports betting platform is available in your jurisdiction. That said, it needs to be licensed, regulated, and accept players based in your location. Customer support and user experienceResponsive customer support is another non-negotiable factor when looking to play at the best online sportsbooks. Keep an eye out for live chat, email, or phone support options, and test them to ensure that the customer support team is knowledgeable and responsive, addressing your questions in a reasonable amount of time. Over the years there have been many laws and acts passed to stop online gambling.

And since increasingly more Africans are being facilitated access to a stable internet connection, the number of 3G and 4G networks available on the continent have doubled over the last five years. The progressive growth of economic prosperity in numerous African countries has become undeniably visible over the last quarter-century. In addition, using special deals for South Africans can increase the value of your bets. Betting on fighters like Kamaru Usman, Valentina Shevchenko, and Israel Adesanya, each with unique styles, can make your bets more thrilling. By contrast, just 27% of South Africans have access to a desktop in the house.

• For some people gambling can change from being an entertaining and pleasurable activity and become a problem.
• This presents an opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to enter new markets and expand their operations in the region.
• Besides, with competitive odds and detailed statistics, 1Win equips players with the tools needed to make informed decisions, enhancing their chances of success.
• However, stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities and uphold ethical standards to facilitate sustainable growth within the industry.
• Parimatch can rightfully be considered the best online betting app – the creators have made sure that they have access to sports events no worse than in Europe.
• Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports.
• Local payment options available on the finest betting sites include popular mobile payments like PayPal and cryptocurrencies as well as bank cards and e-wallets.
• Both BetGames and Evolution Live Dealer Games are fully licensed in South Africa and hence playing these games is safe and legal.

Small wonder then that 60.5% of households access the internet primarily through cellphones. 36% of gamblers use their winnings to gamble again, while 37% claim that they are gambling with excess funds that they have. The possibility of winning much needed funds is the main reason for gambling. There is also a recreational element with some saying that it is fun and a good way to socialise.

New South African Betting Sites

Some punters might be very familiar with the do’s and don’ts of betting online. To get you started we offer a variety of articles in our betting strategy and tips section. Our reviews will also support you to decide where and on what you want to bet. With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa. “Gambling is not a reliable source of income, and without careful management, it can lead to serious financial setbacks. By increasing financial awareness and promoting responsible gambling, we can help people make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial risks,” Manyike concluded.

Online Gambling and Betting Fraud in South Africa

With statistics indicating that the average gambler participates in three types of gambling activities multiple times a month, it’s evident that gambling holds a significant place in the lives of many South Africans. Moreover, the advent of online gambling has revolutionised the industry, providing players with unprecedented access to diverse platforms and betting opportunities. Yep, betting totally legal — as long as you’re betting with licensed sportsbooks in south africa regulated by the Gambling Board.

The Company has developed to become one of the most trustworthy and fast-moving bookmaking groups in South Africa. Marshalls World of Sport gives the opportunities of placing bets on Horse Racing and international sporting events using different ways such as internet, mobile phone and even several cash outlets. With so many different games and sports to bet on, it is easy to find your preferred niche. 1Win offers everything from virtual games to live sports, blending innovation with accessibility to accommodate every betting style.

Afrirent acquires a majority stake in High Street Auction

The truth is that the house edge ensures that bookmakers maintain a profit over time. For instance, when odds are at -110 on both sides of a bet, a bettor must risk R110 to win R100, meaning even skilled bettors face a statistical disadvantage in the long run. Despite rising costs of living and economic pressures, gambling has gained popularity, particularly due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet access.

Participation in types of gambling activities

It’s also worth remembering that we live in an increasingly globalised world and that there are millions of South Africans living abroad. Those South Africans will have shared their sports betting experiences with family and friends back home, further nudging them towards it as a worthwhile activity. Challenges such as ensuring responsible gambling, combating illegal betting, and maintaining the integrity of sports remain. Nonetheless, the future of sports betting in South Africa seems promising, especially with technological advancements and an increasing number of participants.

Get to know your gambling laws

From the early days of horse racing, it has evolved into a multi-billion-rand industry, encompassing a wide range of betting and gaming options, both online and offline. In recent years, the betting industry in South Africa has evolved greatly, with the introduction of online betting and gaming. This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino. Online betting and gaming have become increasingly popular in South Africa, as it provides a convenient and accessible way to participate in the betting industry. Despite the advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks, the sports betting industry in South Africa faces various challenges and opportunities.

Although it might not be accessible for every game, the availability of live streaming for important events lets bettors view games and make informed decisions when live betting. The rise of mobile apps and the ability to bet from smartphones have revolutionized the industry. Whether on the go or from the comfort of their home, many South African gamblers nowadays would rather use their cell phones to make bets.

Responsible Gambling Training Request

When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being. All this has afforded me a supportive recovery from an otherwise deadly compulsion. But we need to make sure that we aren’t just taking what has worked in Europe and simply transplant it into the South African marketplace.

Denise Mathey is a seasoned content writer with a strong focus on online casinos, gambling guides, and sweepstakes gaming strategies. Passionate about helping players make informed decisions, Denise delivers well-researched, unbiased insights. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new gaming trends. The exceptions to this rule are province licensed horse racing and online sports betting. Individuals, internet service providers, casino sites and banks processing payments for online gambling are risking a R 10 million fine or 10 years of imprisonment. Even media and TV channels advertising online gambling services can be held liable.

No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. However, not every well-known bookmaker offers its services on the continent. Parimatch can rightfully be considered the best online betting app – the creators have made sure that they have access to sports events no worse than in Europe. Therefore, Parimatch offers a wide selection of football leagues and international championships, where you can get and easily withdraw a solid cash prize. The iGaming and betting industry is growing at an unprecedented rate worldwide, and Africa is no exception. With an increasing number of players embracing digital technology and mobile devices, online gambling and betting is expected to be the future of the gaming industry in Africa.

As the weekend edition of The Star, it provides a relaxed yet in-depth exploration of news, lifestyle, and leisure, distinguishing itself with a broader array of features and analysis. For persons suffering with gambling addiction, these steps might involve self-exclusion options, expenses restrictions, or support service access. Prior to using crypto, check whether the sportsbook supports your preferred crypto coin. You should also be aware of market fluctuations that can affect your balance. As we said, a lot of information concerning first SA bookies is unrevealed. Nevertheless, there are a few references that give us a satisfying backstory.

• As we said, a lot of information concerning first SA bookies is unrevealed.
• From cricket and rugby to soccer and basketball, the platform provides extensive coverage of global and local sports.
• As you’re part of the family, we treat your details as if they were our own.
• The industry has grown impressively with the number of regular users rising (2).
• One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours.
• Sportingbet accepts more than one million unique bets per day, and on some days even more than two million.

While the latter might offer you more games content including online slots gameplay on those is currently not legal. BetGames are live lucky draw games that combine traditional fixed odds betting with lottery and live dealers. These innovative games, including Lucky 6, Lucky 7 and Wheel of Fortune play every three to five minutes and offer easy, instant winning opportunities from as little as R1. They are available across most of the best betting sites these days and guarantee a quick, enjoyable betting entertainment.

Gambling in South Africa

For this, punters can analyse various factors that could increase the odds of their bet being successful. This activity is legal if it is practiced through betting companies who are appropriately licensed in South Africa for online betting. These licenced companies also offer various products that look like online gambling, however, the betting is structured in a way that it falls under sports/fixed odds betting regulations and licensing.

Best Online Betting Sites in South Africa 2025

Fraudsters use stolen credit card details to top up their account, which means using illegitimate money to pocket real wins. In South Africa, banking institutions have uniform online payment systems and have implemented 3D security which requires the entering of a one-time password (“OTP”). This OTP is usually sent to the account holder’s mobile number, thus making it difficult for fraudsters to transact with stolen credit cards. Among the wide selection of events for betting, it is sports that are in trend. In the last year alone, the continent’s fan base, who regularly follow sports broadcasts, has reached 300 million. And about half of them actively use bookmakers to turn their hobby into a way to earn extra money.

GAMBLING EQUIPMENT SEIZED

Safety, trust, licensingEnsure that the sportsbook you’re signing up for is licensed. Most South African sportsbooks do this, as they fall under the regulation and oversight of a reputable gaming authority. The UEFA Champions League 2025 season has been packed with drama, big goals, and surprise results. As the competition heads toward the final, football fans across South Africa are following every twist and turn.

There has been rapid growth of women punters regularly betting in recent years, growing from 20% of new acquisitions in 2021 to 40% in 2023. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right online betting site. Each site has its pros and cons and it all comes back to your individual preferences. Our team has put together extensive reviews to support your research so that you can make the right choice. Go through our list of Best Betting Sites, compare and then pick the one that feels right.

It found that pathological gamblers were five to ten times more likely to have a history of suicide attempts than non-gamblers. You can use credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies on some sites. If you don’t want to download an app, you can use a mobile browser instead.

A substantial segment of the African public has easy access to online betting because of internet accessibility. Online betting is undoubtedly a popular entertainment form for young people in Africa. A few African countries that have emerged as major participants in the online betting industry and attracted both local and international betting companies are Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.

Market Movers

The lack of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks for iGaming and betting in many African countries presents a significant challenge for the industry. This has resulted in a fragmented market with varying levels of legal and regulatory oversight. In July 2024, the group launched the Aviator casino game in SA through its KingMakers unit.

Resolving any problems bettors could run across on the site depends on good customer service. Depending on live chat, email, or phone, reliable help enables quick resolution of any questions or issues. For users who place bets across live events in various time zones, 24-hour customer assistance is very helpful. Traditional Payment OptionsMost betting sites accept bank cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.