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Sports Betting in South Africa Is it Legal?

  • By: spk-secure
  • Published: July 7, 2025

betting in africa

Now being able to place wagers on mobile phones there has been an explosion of the popularity of sports betting. The industry has grown impressively with the number of regular users rising (2). The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has broader social and cultural implications, reflecting changing attitudes towards gambling. While sports betting has become increasingly normalised, concerns persist regarding its potential negative consequences, such as problem gambling and addiction.

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.

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.

Is online sports betting legal in South Africa?

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.

How to Choose the Best Sportsbook: How We Rate

Unlike boxing, which focuses solely on punches, MMA incorporates striking, grappling, and ground fighting, influencing how odds are set and bets are made. The popularity of tennis is also significant and is growing at steady rates of about 20% per year. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. 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. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

Of particular importance for South Africa has been the rise of mobile sports betting apps. Some 92% of South Africans own a cellphone with around a third (26.3 million) owning a smartphone. Betway is considered the biggest bookmaker in South Africa and along with Sportingbet and Hollywoodbets. Our team of betting experts assess every aspect of each bookmaker from the free bets to markets and odds and even their customer service.

Parimatch also contributes to the development of betting in Africa – on the bookmaker’s website you can easily find information on how to bet and win every day. Sports betting has become popular in Africa relatively recently, but it is gaining momentum every year. If at first, the African betting market had certain drawbacks due to the specifics of the continent and legislation, today the betting system is as close as possible to the European one in terms of transparency. The future of the online casino industry is still unclear, but it will certainly be conditioned by future legal decisions that can either tempt or discourage investors to take a chance on the Kenyan market. Hence, the evolution of the online gambling market has been indefintely stalled for the moment, with only a few companies willing to still take a chance on the Kenyan market.

betting in africa

GAMBLING EQUIPMENT SEIZED

betting in africa

Before accepting any welcome bonus, make sure that the terms are fair and achievable, ensuring they’re aligned with what you’re comfortable with. In South Africa, sports betting is legal, but only through licensed operators regulated by provincial gambling boards. Unlike some countries, betting on college sports is permitted, as long as the event is listed on a licensed sportsbook. However, all bettors must be 18 years or older, and sportsbooks must comply with responsible gambling laws to prevent underage betting. Odds qualityLikewise, aside from having a range of sports betting markets, the betting platform should offer competitive odds and a variety of wagering options.

The constitutional government won office in 1994 and regularized various kinds of gambling. The National Gambling Act rolled out standard procedures for monitoring betting activities in 1996. The National Gambling Act of 2004 made the switch to the 1996 Act and limited interactive gambling activities involved with poker, casino, and bingo. However, online horse racing and sports betting are 100 % legal in South Africa in the case that the website or bookmaker holds a license to run such activities. As of the current date, South Africa has over 30 online sports betting sites that have been licensed and approved by their relevant provinces.

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This was a turning point for the betting industry in South Africa, as the legalisation of horse racing led to the establishment of many racetracks and the creation of a regulated betting industry. This not only provided a safe and controlled environment for people to bet on horse racing, but it also generated significant tax revenue for the government. Technological innovations have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of sports betting in South Africa. The development of sophisticated betting platforms and mobile betting apps in league with the Betway app has revolutionised how bettors engage with sports events. These apps offer a seamless betting experience, providing real-time odds, live streaming of events and instant transaction processing. Furthermore, integration with digital payment systems has facilitated secure and convenient transactions for bettors.

  • Currently, South Africa is by far the most developed online betting market on the continent, with several financial experts expecting its gross revenue to surpass $2.3-billion by the end of 2022.
  • And, according to yearly statistics, over 30% of the entire population places bets on sports every single day.
  • We South Africans love being out and about but don’t want to miss out on watching a certain rugby or soccer match.
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through UFC events, offers a distinct betting landscape compared to boxing.
  • It is now the most popular casino game by revenue and players typically bet much larger amounts than other types of casino games, around R250 per bet.
  • Given numerous options, bettors should be aware of the vital features that any website should provide.
  • My insightIf you’re looking for a social sportsbook, there’s a few aspects you’ll need to keep an eye on to ensure that the sportsbook balances fun, competition, and rewards.

From tradition to technology: The evolution of sports betting in South Africa

This means there’s no need to leave your home, and you can bet from the comfort of it. In other words, you need to look beyond the title of the bonus and consider factors such as wagering requirements and restrictions on eligible bets. Another key point is ensuring that the terms surrounding the bonus are fair and reasonable. Explore statistics, trends, and expert predictions ahead of laying your bets. Consistency in your approach builds discipline, which often separates winners from amateurs.

Afrirent acquires a majority stake in High Street Auction

Betting on the go, whenever and wherever we are, is getting increasingly popular. Therefore, a mobile-friendly fast loading site is mandatory for accessibility and a great betting experience. More and more sportsbook operators now offer betting apps to really cater for their customers.

In Kenya 54% of active mobile money users have an outstanding mobile money loan while the figure is 60% in Tanzania. Borrowers tend to be young urban males with 54% in Kenya and 64% in Tanzania. The most common reasons for the digital credit borrowing given by the participants is household needs and business purposes put at 35% and 37% respectively in Kenya and 37% and 31% respectively in Tanzania. Three African countries make up the largest chunk of legal gambling activity in Africa. Sub Saharan Africa lead in the number of mobile money deployments at 132 compared to global of 252.

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.

It not only generates revenue through taxes but also creates employment opportunities. The growth of this sector has been beneficial, although it is essential to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling practices. Keen to know how best to pull off a betting slam dunk in the NBA playoffs? Whether you’re just cutting your teeth in sports betting, or consider yourself the grandmaster of online betting, as a SunBet patron, you’re never alone. Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach.

Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa

By using the 1Win bonus code South Africa, you can amplify your initial deposit, giving you a trusted base to explore what the platform has to offer. Keep your goal in sight and never lose track of it throughout your betting journey. If you practice bankroll management, you will be a totally different player.

The Online Betting Industry in Africa is Experiencing a Significant Upsurge

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.

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

  • Whether you support one of Europe’s giants or are hoping for an underdog story, this year’s UEFA Champions League games have kept everyone guessing.
  • You can find more details on betting law and related topics on our Betting Law page.
  • 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.
  • Figures from 1995 such there were as many as 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country.
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and its premier league, the UFC, have captured the imagination of sports fans around the world, including in South Africa.
  • Keen to know how best to pull off a betting slam dunk in the NBA playoffs?

One of the biggest factors in the growth of sports betting is simply increased awareness and visibility. While it’s true that advertising and sponsorships can only take you so far, they do make a significant difference. Now, the company is leveraging its expertise in gaming and entertainment to introduce new and exciting offerings to consumers in West Africa, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the market. For those who feel their gambling habits might be affecting their financial well-being, Manyike advises seeking support. “The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers free and confidential counselling services,” he added.

  • Over the years there have been many laws and acts passed to stop online gambling.
  • You can find all the information you need about the most reliable online bookmakers by clicking on the bookie’s logo or ‘Read Review’.
  • 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.
  • Their platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface and a mobile app that ensures you can bet on the go.
  • From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673.
  • 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.
  • Furthermore fair should be the minimal deposit and withdrawal quantities, so enabling bettors to engage irrespective of their means.

The NGB’s strategic intent is to sustain and grow its regulatory capability to position South Africa as the pre-eminent jurisdiction with an exemplary and effectively regulated gambling industry. Online betting in South Africa has never been more dynamic and rewarding with our betting platforms. We’ll be with you on every step of your betting journey, rooting for you and keeping you updated through our informative and entertaining blog posts. Stay tuned for the latest odds, betting tips, previews, and reviews of all the major sporting events taking place. The Saturday Star is a popular weekend read which offers a comprehensive and engaging read for its diverse audience.

Playing casino tables and slot machines have the lowest incidence of 7 and 5 times per month respectively. If you’ve already submitted your documents you can email to check the status of your account. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A 2016 study by the University of Cape Town’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health noted a significant association between suicidality and pathological gambling.

South Africa gambling industry to grow $2.5 billion in 2021

My insightIf you’re looking for a social sportsbook, there’s a few aspects you’ll need to keep an eye on to ensure that the sportsbook balances fun, competition, and rewards. Make sure you have access to free-to-play contests, leaderboards, and community engagement activities, as these all make a difference to the overall social sports betting experience. betting 10bet10bet launched its online sports betting and gaming services in South Africa on the 7th of November 2022. The sportsbook is currently licensed and regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.

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.

A site that consistently offers competitive odds gives you the potential for higher returns on successful bets. Bonuses and promotions are offered by sports betting sites in SA  to attract new players and keep existing bettors engaged. There are different types of sports betting promotions, including welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free bets, reload bonuses, and much more. Includes betting on sports events and horse racing where punters are essentially betting on the outcome of the particular event.

Live Games

For simpler transactions, the betting site should preferably handle ZAR (South African Rand) or another preferred currency in South Africa. Furthermore fair should be the minimal deposit and withdrawal quantities, so enabling bettors to engage irrespective of their means. Convenience and AccessibilityOnline betting allows you to place your bets from anywhere at any time using your PC, phone, or tablet.

  • For many, particularly those with limited financial resources, the appeal of a big win can be incredibly tempting.
  • The main goal of the game is to create a hand nearer to 21 than the dealer’s hand.
  • It started off as entertainment, for months it was fun until I slowly started sinking in debt’s.
  • Sports betting in South Africa is legal and currently regulated by the National Gambling Board.
  • 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.

There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years. There was sizeable growth in the average bet size during 2023, a sign that South Africans had no doubts about the prospects of the Springboks. “For economically constrained consumers however, gambling presents a particularly risky pastime fraught with potential pitfalls. With limited disposable income, individuals may view gambling as a quick-fix solution to their financial woes, often chasing elusive wins in the hope of improving their circumstances,” says Claire Heckrath, MD, infoQuest. The South African gambling landscape is multifaceted with a blend of traditional and more innovative gambling platforms being used by those wanting to take a chance at obtaining a financial windfall.

The integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality within the Betway app and others holds the potential to further enhance the betting experience and expand market opportunities. However, stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities and uphold ethical standards to facilitate sustainable growth within the industry. In conclusion, sports betting in South Africa is a vibrant and evolving industry. While it offers entertainment and economic benefits, responsible practices and adherence to legal frameworks are essential for its sustainable growth. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of sports betting in the region.

betting in africa

Marshalls World of Sport is a National Group, suggesting people’s betting on Horse Racing, local or international sport and Lucky Numbers. On the assumption of pretty recent research 60 million locals of SA in the age group of 18 – 40 are active sports gamblers. South African government statistics reveal that more than 50 percent of South African adults place sports bets on an ongoing basis. Therefore , following the tips in this article will get you closer to maximizing your experience. Keep in mind that betting is all about fun and strategy, so bring the two together and access your full potential. Bonuses are central to the appeal of 1Win, they are the bread and butter for South Africans to boost their opportunities.

Mark B. Morse, Esq.

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