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.

• Betting on horse racing, rugby and football, for example, was allowed and was very popular because it was the only form of gambling that was allowed.
• It was not a main stream activity but mainly confined to casinos with expatriates and elites making up the bulk of their customers (1).
• Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
• Horse racing was considered more like a sporting activity than a betting one.
• There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal.

There needs to be a consideration for the local audience, what they want to bet on and how they will make use of our platform” concludes Chelin. Policymakers on the African continent are also expected to start contemplating the same issue as more people take up betting, driven by the internet on the continent. In the US, the industry has seen a major boost as the market has become more liberalised. Betting on sport is now legal in 38 states, with Missouri set to become the 39th state in 2025, as well as the District of Columbia. While having a big focus on the sports part of the market, MultiChoice has offerings beyond this. Each site has its strengths, like betting betting live during the fight or options to cash out.

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, totally legal — as long as you’re betting with licensed sportsbooks in south africa regulated by the Gambling Board.

What’s On: Local Events

An increasing number of people now enjoy sports betting online so it looks set to be an industry that will grow from strength to strength. Prior to August 1996 betting on horse racing and other sporting events was the only form of legal gambling in Gauteng. In August 1996 the Gauteng Gambling Act 1995 (Act No 4 of 1995), was promulgated.

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This ideally can be led by the regulatory authorities from the East African countries and hopefully this will encourage good credit lending practices and better consumer education. Currently, the gambling market in Kenya continues to be dominated by sports betting, with an estimated number of over 7-million citizens actively placing bets on online gambling services. Sports betting in South Africa has deep historical roots, dating back to the early 19th century, when informal wagering on horse racing was prevalent. The future of iGaming and betting in Africa is bright, with significant opportunities for growth and expansion. However, the industry also faces significant challenges that must be overcome if it is to reach its full potential. The development of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks, innovative payment solutions, and increased internet access will be key to unlocking the full potential of the iGaming and betting industry in Africa.

Betting consists of fixed-odds bookmaking on sporting events, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and taking bets on the outcome of lotteries. Betting GGR rose by 14.3% in 2016, raising its share of total GGR to 19% from 17% in 2015. “Given its focus on online betting, which has stronger economics than its agency business, BetKing Nigeria has moved to number two in the online betting market. A focus on the quality of its agency network over quantity has also resulted in improved profitability through higher average wagers and revenues per agent,” said the group. Leading to a wider range of betting markets like the method of victory, round betting, and whether or not the fight will go the distance. Hollywoodbets stands out as a reliable choice for UFC betting in South Africa, offering a range of betting options from the standard bout winner to more nuanced bets like over/under total rounds.

Dissecting the LSM 7-10 market

The region’s growing middle class and increased access to mobile devices and the internet are expected to further fuel growth. Software developers are developing sports betting features that focus on personalisation where your previous betting performance will be taken into account using recommendation engines. This helps punters make better informed decisions based on their betting and improves the whole sports betting experience.

Find your best online betting site today!

In the upcoming years, the African online betting industry is projected to experience rapid revenue development. Experts in the field predict that the market will see a major increase, and revenue predictions for 2024 are expected to reach previously unheard-of heights. Growth in the use of online betting platforms, a growing middle class with discretionary means, and the acceptance of online gambling as a regular source of entertainment are all contributing to this trend. African countries must address regulatory challenges, establish robust frameworks, and promote responsible gambling practices to fully harness the industry’s potential. By doing so, they can create an environment that fosters sustainable growth, maximizes economic benefits, and safeguards the well-being of consumers in the evolving world of online betting.

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We’ve done the legwork for you, and these are our choices for placing the best sports betting in SA. If you’re looking to bet on your favorite South African sports, like rugby, soccer, and cricket; you’ve come to the right place. Online sports betting is live and legal in South Africa (SA), and this guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started to find new betting sites South Africa 2025. There have been numerous attempts over the years to make online casinos legal. A 2011 report found that online gambling should be made legal, but this has still not happened.

Regulatory compliance, including addressing illegal and unlicensed operators, remains a significant concern for stakeholders. Moreover, technological disruptions, such as the emergence of blockchain and cryptocurrency-based betting platforms, present both challenges and opportunities for traditional operators. The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has also witnessed the expansion of betting markets and the introduction of new wagering options. Traditional forms of betting, such as fixed-odds betting on outcomes, have been complemented by innovative offerings such as in-play betting and exotic bets. In-play betting, in particular, allows bettors to wager on outcomes during a live sporting event, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. Usually providing a range of bonuses and promotions, betting sites in South Africa draw in new players and keep devoted users.

Betslip

Senzo Tsabedze’s vision and leadership are guiding Afrirent Holdings towards a future of success, innovation, and positive impact in the West African market. With so many bettors preferring to gamble online, South Africa’s online sports betting market has expanded remarkably in recent years. Better Odds and ComparisonsOnline sportsbooks offer higher odds and lower margins. The best thing about betting online is that you can compare odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing your wager, ensuring you get the best possible odds when you need them.

• This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.
• We can also note that a poor saving culture is among some of the attributes leading to indulgence in sport betting (14).
• So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally.
• You first need to decide exactly how much you have to spend, and once you do, ensure that you don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
• None of those advances would have made a difference, however, if people didn’t feel safe participating in sports betting.
• And about half of them actively use bookmakers to turn their hobby into a way to earn extra money.
• Leading to a wider range of betting markets like the method of victory, round betting, and whether or not the fight will go the distance.
• Each sport has its uniqueness, affecting how bets are structured and odds are calculated.

How to Choose the Best Sportsbook: How We Rate

In this blog post, we’ll explore the future of iGaming and betting in Africa, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Traditional casinos are increasingly building online gambling platforms to take advantage of the demand in online betting and gambling. Aviator is the most popular casino game by a unique player count by quite some distance.

If you love to bet on the go, then look for a sportsbook that offers a mobile-compatible site or a dedicated app. If you’re always on the hunt for bonuses, then choose a site offering multiple bonuses and promotions, including tournaments and loyalty rewards. Not only will you see a great welcome bonus upon signing up, but you’ll also have access to deposit match bonuses, free bets, multi-bet bonus boosts, and cashback offers. What’s more, 10bet promises to give you the best odds on your favorites, like Premier League games. Betting on horse racing, rugby and football, for example, was allowed and was very popular because it was the only form of gambling that was allowed.

Besides, with competitive odds and detailed statistics, 1Win equips players with the tools needed to make informed decisions, enhancing their chances of success. South African players can now put money on their favorite teams and events thanks to 1Win sports betting, a feature that brings them closer to the action than ever before. From cricket and rugby to soccer and basketball, the platform provides extensive coverage of global and local sports. As a regulatory authority, we play a pivotal role in fostering responsible gambling practices, protecting vulnerable individuals, and promoting a fair and transparent gaming environment. Nevertheless, the winnings are not always available due to a coincidence of circumstances – you need to understand the nuances of the bookmaker’s office, understand the bets, and have a winning strategy.

GAMBLING ADDICTION AND SUICIDE: A SILENT SCOURGE

This has further been aided by the greater prominence of casino products in recent times, especially slot games. Basketball is also popular with South African punters and is appealing to bettors who have the appetite to risk more per bet. Check out the table on this page and follow the links to the bookmaker you wish to join. Complete the registration process and once you’ve fulfilled the requirements you’ll have free bets in your account. Sports betting is the most frequent type of betting with an average incidence of 12 times per month.

Winning or losing?

The activity has been banned in Uganda by the Ugandan president (6) and religious leaders in Tanzania have called for it to be curbed (7). East African Governments have also increased exponentially the taxes they levy on sport betting companies with most ranging at 15% and above (10). This act established various provincial gambling boards responsible for licensing and regulating betting operators. While mobile penetration is high, internet access is still limited in many parts of Africa. This can be a barrier to entry for iGaming and betting operators who rely on the internet to deliver their services.

South Africa gambling industry to grow $2.5 billion in 2021

Then, when we became more mature and grown-up, this desire for risk just continued increasing. At the same time, our language and mind just make us say some phrases that are connected with risk and desire for victory such as “I will bet you anything” and many others. Therefore, as this is apriori in our blood, I suggest our relaxing and enjoying this article.

• It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
• In South Africa, sports betting is legal, but only through licensed operators regulated by provincial gambling boards.
• Each site has its strengths, like betting live during the fight or options to cash out.
• The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) provides Free and Confidential Treatment and Counselling to those affected by Problem Gambling and their immediate family members.
• Additionally, take the time to learn about odds and probabilities to help you make more informed betting decisions instead of relying purely on luck.

Gambling in South Africa

While traditional sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket will likely be mainstays of the sports betting sector for some time to come in South Africa, a growing number of niche sports are attracting bettors too. Whether it’s table tennis, darts, mixed martial arts, or the rise of celebrity boxing bouts, all have attracted growing interest from punters. US sports such as the National Basketball Association (NBA)  and National Football League (NFL) have also attracted a new betting audience in South Africa. The major online bookmakers in South Africa offer sign up bonuses for new customers and provide you with free bets to use when you start betting online.

Afrirent Holdings sets its sights on West African gaming, lottery and betting market expansion

This sport has grown by 75% since 2022 and is popular amongst people who are willing and able to risk larger amounts per bet, around R700 per bet. 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. South African bookmakers regularly offer no deposit free bets to new customers and existing ones too. You can grab a free bet by keeping tabs on the promotions section of Bets.co.za. The Media Online is the definitive online point of reference for South Africa’s media industry offering relevant, focused and topical news on the media sector.

Responsible Gambling

• The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events.
• In the upcoming years, the African online betting industry is projected to experience rapid revenue development.
• Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
• This has further been aided by the greater prominence of casino products in recent times, especially slot games.

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.

Betting services with in-play betting let users stake wagers on events as they are happening, therefore adding thrill and involvement to the process. For punters, live betting is a must have real-time updates, odds adjustments, and thorough match statistics. For South African gamblers, an extensive range of payment options is absolutely necessary. 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. Particularly if you want to cash out your gains, quick withdrawals and deposits are also absolutely vital. Fast withdrawal sites—especially those using e-wallets and cryptocurrencies—make the betting experience far more fulfilling.

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.

NRGP Digital Referral

Variety of Betting Markets and SportOnline betting sites cover a huge range of sports and betting markets, so expect to find everything from football and basketball to esports and niche sports. If you enjoy live betting, then you should take advantage of in-play wagers, which are also available on online sportsbooks. That said, it’s perfectly fine to place bets at licensed and regulated online sportsbooks in SA.

Welcome to Bet & Win, your comparison site and review guide for the best and most popular sport betting, lucky numbers and casino games sites in South Africa. We have put online betting sites in South Africa to the test and picked only the best offers for you, so you can place your bets online in a fun and safe way. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites. The main provider is the WCGRB, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, but there are actually a licensing board located in each province. So far, there are 32 licensed online websites at which South Africans can gamble legally.

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.