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julio 7, 2025

South Africa gambling industry to grow $2 5 billion in 2021

betting in africa

No additional tax is taken from a recreational better, because betting winnings are not seen as an income. Sports betting in South Africa has deep historical roots, dating back to the early 19th century, when informal wagering on horse racing was prevalent. After sports betting examining the surge in mobile credit and the rise of sports betting we put forth the conclusion that the digital credit has been an enabler to the growth of sports betting has in East Africa.

  • While each of these options sounds rewarding, and they definitely are, it’s important to understand how they work and what to look for so you can get the most out of each one.
  • Unlike boxing, which focuses solely on punches, MMA incorporates striking, grappling, and ground fighting, influencing how odds are set and bets are made.
  • When fans have strong persuasion in their team’s perfection, appetite to brag of their invincibility increases geometrically and placing bets on the events is impending.
  • Traditional Payment OptionsMost betting sites accept bank cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
  • Figures from 1995 such there were as many as 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country.
  • In conclusion, the betting industry in South Africa has come a long way since its legalisation in 1965.
  • These results should however be interpreted with caution given the potential sensitive nature of gambling and its outcomes.

The legal landscape underwent significant transformations, with the legalisation of online sports betting in 2004 under the National Gambling Act. This legislative change provided a regulatory framework for operators to offer online betting services, encouraging competition and innovation in the market. Subsequent amendments and regulations have further shaped the industry, confirming consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. 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.

National Gambling Board calls the Youth to Action: Gamble Responsibly

From cricket and rugby to soccer and basketball, the platform provides extensive coverage of global and local sports. Before 1965, all forms of betting and gambling were illegal in South Africa, with the government viewing the activities as a threat to public morality. Despite this, illegal betting and gambling continued to thrive, with many people finding ways to wager on horse racing and other sports. However, this changed in 1965 when the government legalised horse racing, making it the first form of legal gambling in the country. 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.

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Yes, most top-rated sportsbooks have mobile-friendly sites or even dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to bet on the go. Responsible gaming simply means enjoying your betting sessions, while staying in control of your budget. It’s all about understanding your limits and making sure that you never bet more than you’re willing to lose. Overall, it means not allowing your sports betting activities to affect your finances.

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. “The online betting space has changed dramatically over the years, but its evolution is far from over,” says Chelin. “American sports have seen a steady rise in interest in South Africa with events like the Basketball African League and the NFL Experience bringing fans closer to these sports.

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. 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.

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“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. 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.

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

We don’t just rate sportsbooks – we test them thoroughly, listen to community members, and highlight the ones that provide South Africans with true value. Every SportsBoom sportsbook review follows a thorough, multi-step evaluation process designed to give South African bettors trustworthy, unbiased, and up-to-date information. Ozow handles banking transactions for secure online betting in South Africa, with additional safety and security measures. E-Wallets like Zapper or Samsung Pay offer a digital alternative for people who don’t want to share banking details.

  • BUSINESS NEWS – South Africa’s passion for sports extends beyond cheering on the sidelines.
  • When testing, I use the live chat and ask questions like «Do you have a maximum winning limit?».
  • 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.
  • African countries must address regulatory challenges, establish robust frameworks, and promote responsible gambling practices to fully harness the industry’s potential.
  • I’ve reviewed bookmakers based on a few important factors to see which ones offer the best range of sports and events.
  • Nevertheless, there are a few references that give us a satisfying backstory.
  • Such licenses are issued by the Provincial Licensing Authorities, one per province.
  • Fraudsters use stolen credit card details to top up their account, which means using illegitimate money to pocket real wins.
  • Betting services with in-play betting let users stake wagers on events as they are happening, therefore adding thrill and involvement to the process.

Stolen credit cards:

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. If you’re after the best sports betting promotions, you’ll find a wealth of them available here at EasyBet. This includes a series of weekly cashback offers, bet matches, cash bonuses, bet insurance, and multi-bet bonuses to boost your winnings. BetsheziBetshezi launched in 2021 and is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) and operated by SMP Gaming (PTY) Ltd. The sportsbook covers over 30 sports, including popular selections like rugby, cricket, and soccer from the Premier League. When it comes to bet types, you’ll have access to pre-match, live betting, and virtual sports as well.

Illegal betting on Horse racing

Balancing potential returns with responsible practices and regulatory adherence could be key to success in this rapidly growing sector. Africa’s gambling market offers significant growth potential, driven by technology and a young, tech-savvy population. Investors can benefit from the expansion of online gambling in key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, with companies like Super Group and Goldrush Holdings leading the charge. Betting grew by 51.2%, driven by sports and horse racing, while casinos showed marginal growth (0.1%). Taxes and levies from the industry increased by 19.2% to R4.8 billion, underscoring its growing economic impact. Throughout this article, I have demonstrated that Online betting sites in South Africa offer different betting options, bonuses, and more.

Scorebet Bonus Code – Join South Africa’s top sports betting site

Responsible gambling refers to betting within your limits, setting budgets, and knowing when to stop. Many sportsbooks offer tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options to help you do exactly this. Other Types of Bets AvailableBeyond traditional sports, many sportsbooks offer alternative betting markets that attract different audiences.

The Role of Responsible Gambling

  • From football and MMA to kabaddi and eSports, BetShezi offers a huge range of sports.
  • Then, when we became more mature and grown-up, this desire for risk just continued increasing.
  • In addition you can play Live Dealer games by award-winning game supplier Evolution Gaming on most online betting sites.
  • This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.
  • Bet & Win’s main objective is to bring you a detailed overview of the variety of the best online betting sites in South Africa to the table.
  • Prior to August 1996 betting on horse racing and other sporting events was the only form of legal gambling in Gauteng.
  • As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must embrace technological advancements while prioritising responsible gambling practices to guarantee a safe and enjoyable betting experience for all.
  • One of the biggest factors in the growth of sports betting is simply increased awareness and visibility.

They also offer features like live betting and cash-out options, giving bettors more control over their wagers. 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. The best South African online sportsbooks will have live chat and email support.

The National Gambling Act requires that if you win, real money betting sites in South Africa must pay you out. We have all heard stories about South African online sports betting that led us to be sceptical of them. Over four weeks, we place multiple bets on different sports, markets, and features to get a data-driven user-focused overview. With our combined 25 years of experience, our team conducts South African betting site comparisons for each operator against strict performance criteria. It is not enough to take a South African gambling site at face value, some aspects need inspection. Instead of just looking for things like free bets or live sports betting in South Africa when you land on a site, you need to do a little bit of research to avoid any nasty surprises.

A. Prohibited and restricted activities

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. This allows you to settle your bet early and lock in some form of winnings, even if you’ve experienced losses.

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. They offer fast navigation, smooth gameplay, and instant access to betting markets. Betting markets If you see a range of sports markets offered, then it’s a telltale sign of a competitive online sportsbook.

NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD WARNS AGAINST GAMBLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET IN ‘JANUWORRY’

Crypto betting is on the rise, and it’s essential to pick a secure, reliable site. The table below highlights the top crypto betting sites and their strengths in payments, security, and bonuses. You must be at least 18 years old to legally place bets on licensed betting sports sites. Compatibility With DevicesMost sportsbooks have dedicated apps for iOS and Android.

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.

For many, particularly those with limited financial resources, the appeal of a big win can be incredibly tempting. Instead of earning easy money, those who indulge in excessive gambling frequently face financial strain, said John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual. Just pick one of the top sportsbooks in south africa, create an account, throw some money in, and start backing your favorite teams. Cryptocurrency BettingDue to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, many betting sites now accept crypto payments for both deposits and withdrawals. Getting started is easy — just sign up with a legit sports betting app south africa, make a deposit, and start picking your matches. 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.

The average payout percentages or margins can give you a good sense of how competitive the odds are for pre-match and live sports betting in South Africa. PayFast betting sites allow you to make payments for cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets and more. Just for signing up at this new South African sports betting site, I got a R50 free bet.

  • We’ve done the legwork for you, and these are our choices for placing the best sports betting in SA.
  • More than two-thirds of African people have access to high-speed mobile Internet today.
  • Bookmakers with the best odds, generous bonuses, customer service, live streaming, and quick withdrawals receive high ratings.
  • However, some regions restrict political or novelty betting, so always check local regulations before placing these bets.
  • 10 betting experts independently test the sportsbook during weeks three and four and give the site a five-star rating.
  • BetGames are live lucky draw games that combine traditional fixed odds betting with lottery and live dealers.
  • Well, first of all, as we said above, people are always glad to feel the risk and desire of victory.
  • Moreover, the advent of online gambling has revolutionised the industry, providing players with unprecedented access to diverse platforms and betting opportunities.
  • Africa’s gambling market offers significant growth potential, driven by technology and a young, tech-savvy population.

betting in africa

These apps give a better experience with faster loading times and easy navigation. Additionally, the sportsbook should be mobile-compatible, so you can place wagers on the go. If the sportsbook offers a dedicated or downloadable mobile app, then that’s even better.

Legit South African betting sites use stats and live market data to price bets fairly, and auditors make sure they are following betting regulations. During a losing streak, I discovered the importance of responsible gambling tools. South African online sportsbooks are required to refer to the National Responsible Gambling Programme and should include tools for you to set restrictions and exclusions. Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach.

The transaction pay screen will appear once the type of e-wallet is selected. Our next step is to examine some of the payment methods for South African betting offered by trusted South African bookmakers. I like 10Bet because they accept major coins like BTC, ETH, LTC, and USDT instantly with low fees, offer fast crypto withdrawals, and have competitive odds on 40+ sports events. 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.

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  • 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.
  • And although there are no actual stipulations that actually refer to online gambling, the legalisation of sportsbooks has been formally licensed by the Ugandan National Gaming Board.
  • These bonuses add up as you keep on betting and reward you with exclusive advantages that elevate your gameplay on 1Win.
  • The evolution of sports betting in South Africa has also witnessed the expansion of betting markets and the introduction of new wagering options.
  • Make sure you sign up with a betting site that offers the best welcome bonuses!

For the first nine months of 2024, profit rose 33.8% to €48.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA at €212.2 million and cash reserves climbing to €296.6 million. Monthly active customers grew 17% to 4.7 million, prompting the company to raise its FY2024 ex-US adjusted EBITDA forecast to over €345 million. Betting dominated with 60.5% of GGR (R35.9 billion), followed by casinos at 29.3% (R17.4 billion), limited-payout machines (7%, R4.1 billion), and bingo (3.2%, R1.9 billion). The Western Cape led regional contributions with 31.7% of GGR, ahead of Gauteng (22.1%) and Mpumalanga (21.9%). The truth is that reputable online sportsbooks are happy to pay out large wins. This is an example of why it is important to check that the site is licensed.

Casino income from the group’s four largest urban casinos increased by 2.2%, while smaller regional casinos faced challenges. Hospitality income from resorts and hotels grew by 12.3%, but Sun Slots income fell by 4.3% to R686 million, prompting management to implement initiatives to reverse the decline. Goldrush Holdings achieved strong growth in its online gaming division, with gross gaming revenue rising 102% from R57 million to R115 million in six months.

Casino gross gambling revenues declined for the first time since 1997 reflecting the tough economic conditions and the impact of illegal gambling. This report covers casino gambling, limited payout machines (LPMs), betting (horse racing, sports and fixed odds), bingo and the National Lottery. It provides a diverse selection of betting markets including moneyline bets, over/under rounds, and method of victory. This encourages more South Africans to bet safely, securely and ultimately responsibly. Of particular importance for South Africa has been the rise of mobile sports betting apps.