Best Betting Apps in South Africa 2023
Sports bettors in South Africa have never been so empowered to make quick and easy bets, thanks to the popularity of sports betting apps for iOS and Android. If you’re a sports bettor, online bookmakers all now have top-class apps that will super-charge your betting.
But are some apps better than others? We can answer that question – ‘yes!’ – and we can add depth to that answer by detailing which South African betting apps you need on your phone and tablet, and which ones are simply not worth the download.
Top Betting Apps for South Africa 2023
- All
R25 Sign Up Offer
R25 Sign Up Offer
- Price boosts
- Appealing live soccer odds
- Different odds formats
Free Bet Worth up to R25
Free Bet Worth up to R25
- Dedicated Esports betting platform
- Range of ongoing promotions
- Competitive odds
100% games bonus up to R3,000
100% games bonus up to R3,000
- Enhanced odds
- Lots of live betting events
- All sports eligible
100% First Deposit match bonus up to R1,000 for all new customers!
100% First Deposit match bonus up to R1,000 for all new customers!
- Daily price boosts
- Casino games also available
- Easy to use sportsbook
200% Bonus up to $130
200% Bonus up to $130
- 50+ sports covered
- Competitive odds
- Mobile app available
100% Bonus up to R1,000
100% Bonus up to R1,000
- Easy to use sportsbook
- Competitive odds
- Large amount of stats on mobile
100% Bonus up to R10,000
100% Bonus up to R10,000
- Range of appealing promotions
- Large number of sports covered on mobile
- Excellent bookie for in-play betting
100% First Deposit Bonus up to R2,000
100% First Deposit Bonus up to R2,000
- Max payouts of R5 million on all sports bets
- Variety of ongoing promotions
- Top app on all mobile devices
100% up to R1,000
100% up to R1,000
- Excellent bookie for in-play betting
- Mobile app is easy-to-use
- Live chat support
100% up to R1,000
100% up to R1,000
- Android betting app available
- Range of promotions for new and existing customers
- Excellent football coverage
Top Betting Apps in South Africa for 2023
We offer detailed snapshot reviews below of what we consider to be the leading sports betting apps in South Africa, but then who browses the internet to read? Below is our quick, snappy list of top betting apps in South Africa, and the number one ‘wow factor’ of each.
- HollywoodBets – One of the top betting apps for horse racing
- Betway – Global betting brand with popular mobile platform
- 10bet – The leading betting app in South Africa for soccer
- BoyleSports – Irish-based bookmaker goes international
- 1xBet – Among the best betting apps for South Africa
- Bet.co.za– Another great betting app in South Africa for soccer
- Playabets – Best for multibet bonuses
- SportingBet – Leading bookies for a welcome bonus
- SunBet – One of best sites in South Africa for in-play betting
- Gbets.co.za – The top South Africa betting app for statistics
Top Betting Apps in South Africa
1. Hollywoodbets – One of the top betting apps for horse racing (25 ZAR sign up bonus)
Many aspects of South Africa’s past association with the United Kingdom have now faded away, but one thing Britain left behind in the country is a love of horse racing. The ‘sport of kings’ is overseen in South Africa by the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa, and millions of rands are bet on daily horse races in the country each and every year.
If you favour betting on horse racing then you are going to want a decent horse racing-flavoured betting app and we think Hollywoodbets provides just that. Okay, so the design and look of the app is hardly likely to win any awards soon but in terms of races available, processing speed and easy-of-use, the sports betting app from Hollywoodbets is first past the post and by several lengths!
What we like:
- The best betting app for horse racing in South Africa
- R25 sign-up offer, no deposit
- Fantastic form guide
What we don’t:
- Site looks old-fashioned
2. Betway – Global Betting Brand with Popular Mobile Platform (25 ZAR free bet)
As one of the big names in the gambling industry worldwide, it’s only natural that Betway boast one of the best betting apps South Africa has to offer. If you love the Springboks, then you can back them as a risk-free bet of up to 1,000 rand to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup happening in France this year. South Africa are holders of the trophy after lifting it in 2019 for the third time, tying New Zealand for the record.
Through the betway app, which is available for both iOS and Android powered devices, you can also get a first deposit match bonus for sports betting. With soccer and horse racing also so popular, their virtual sports options are worth a look too. Watch out for free bet promos with quick live support on hand if you need it.
What we like:
- Springboks specific bonus
- Matched first deposit deal
- Available on Android & iOS
What we don’t:
- Cash out could be better
3. 10bet – The Leading Betting App in South Africa for Soccer (100% Games Bonus up to ZAR 3,000)
Downloading the 10bet app gives new players access to an epic welcome package that lets you experience their full range of gambling products on mobile. This includes a maximum 3,000 rand 100% matched games bonus, plus a 50% up to 500 rand sports free bet. Soccer markets are front and centre on 10bet with live betting on the latest football action and limited over crickets among others.
As betting apps for South Africa go, 10bet provides some unique promos just like in other regions. This sets them apart from the competition in that their deals are tailored around specific sports events. It’s a refreshing approach to betting offers that others would do well to follow.
What we like:
- Unique promos based on events
- Football betting a real specialism
- Epic welcome package available
What we don’t:
- App colour scheme quite plain
4. BoyleSports – Irish-Based Bookmaker Goes International (100% First Deposit Match up to ZAR 1,000)
South Africa might seem like a far cry from the Emerald Isle of Ireland and the coastal town of Dundalk where BoyleSports are based north of Dublin, but they bring their passion for betting to a worldwide audience through their mobile app. Consistently among the best of its type whatever region of the world you’re in, this Irish bookmaker turned online gambling brand offer a decent first deposit match bonus to new customers.
As you’d expect, both football and horse racing have pride of place on the BoyleSports app. Extra Places on the horses are one of their best-known offers open to all players, and this extends to those betting on the action around the cape. Focusing on popular gambling sports is a no-brainer. With tons of outright markets supporting the latest soccer games, we sure you’ll agree this is one of the betting apps South Africa players can get.
What we like:
- Extra Places on horse racing
- Lots of outright football betting
- Price Boosts available every day
What we don’t:
- App can feel a little cluttered
5. 1xBet – Among the Best Betting Apps for South Africa ($100 Deposit Bonus)
In our view, 1xBet is ‘simply the best’ when it comes to the provision of a betting app for sports bettors in South Africa. Although this all-round wagering company was founded in Russia in 2007, it has safely expanded and now has sites in a vast number of countries including many in Africa including of course, South Africa. It doesn’t matter whether you own an iPhone or an Android-based tablet, this site has live mobile betting apps for both.
This site treats you right from the off, as you can grab yourself a fantastic 200 percent bonus with your first deposit. Rand is an accepted currency on the site but the bonus information is all in US dollars for some reason. The maximum bonus you can attain is $200 in two parts, which is around R2,800. You must wager your bonus cash five times over on acca bets with minimum overall odds of 1.40 (2/5) before you can withdraw.
What we like:
- Globally-recognised brand
- Very good bonus up to $200 (R2,800)
- A decent array of markets
What we don’t:
- Bonus amounts are in USD, not ZAR
6. Bet.co.za – Another Great Betting App in South Africa for Soccer (Up to 1,000 ZAR bonus)
Horse racing betting may be number one in South Africa for sports betting punters, but soccer (alongside cricket) runs it a very close second. Thanks to increasing internet availability, soccer lovers in South Africa can now follow all the leading global leagues, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga. There is also the DStv Premiership, of course, for those who like to follow the 16 teams in the top tier of South African soocer .
The South African betting apps platform, bet.co.za is outstanding in terms of soccer betting, including a soccer-enhanced R1,000 bonus on your first deposit at the site. The coverage of soccer extends across countless league all over the globe, from the mega leagues mentioned above, right down to youth competitions and cups in countries you may never have even heard of! If you love your soccer betting, you’ll adore the bet.co.za app. It’s also one of the best cricket betting apps around.
What we like:
- Biggest range of soccer markets in South Africa
- Decent array of bonuses and bet boosts
- Superb for in-play betting
What we don’t:
- Lack of non-soccer markets
7. Playa Bets – Best App for Multibet Bonuses (Bet 25 ZAR get 50 ZAR)
There are many different bets that you can place at any leading South African sports book. Straight-up bets or singles are perhaps the most popular, but for the dreamers that fantasise about winning a huge amount of money, multibets or accumulators are the number one betting choice. Multibets allow you to string several single bets together and if all your bets come in, then you could suddenly be thinking about never having to go to work again!
Most online bookies encourage you to place multibets, but that’s mainly because the more bets a multibet contains, the more likely it is to lose (and conversely, the more you win if all parts do come in). Playa Bets does this but to increase your chances of winning, the site offers several multibet bonuses. If you like to multibet, then you should really check this site out.
Playa Bet also offers a brilliant mobile app and also is one of the best sports betting apps for eSports coverage of any South African app.
What we like:
- Fab multi-bet bonuses
- eSport coverage of Dota, League of Legends and Starcraft
- Amazing bet builder makes multibetting easy
What we don’t:
- App could be less cluttered
8. Sportingbet – Leading App for a Welcome Bonus (2,000 ZAR sign up bonus)
If you have already downloaded live mobile betting apps to your phone or other mobile device then you will know all about welcome bonuses. They are offered by sports betting companies as an incentive to get you to sign up with them. Unfortunately, most welcome bonuses come complete with fiendish terms and conditions that render them worthless. The bonuses at the sites listed here are among the best available, though.
Of all our favourite sports betting sites and apps, we think that Sportingbet ranks number one for a sports betting welcome bonus. Their promotion is easy to get your head around – a 100 percent first deposit bonus up to a maximum of R2,000 (minimum deposit R10). There are T&Cs of course, but they are very favourable – you only have to wager your bonus and deposit three times over on events with odds of 1.50 (1/2) and above before you can cash it out.
What we like:
- Decent welcome bonus with good T&Cs
- Lots of promos including multibet bonuses
- Virtual sports available
What we don’t:
- More markets needed
9. SunBet – One of the Top Betting Apps in South Africa for In-Play Betting (1,000 ZAR welcome deal)
The increasing availability and usage of the internet has altered countless aspects of our lives and aspects of sports betting too. Before internet betting, there existed no such thing as live betting, in which you can bet on events that are currently in play. In soccer for example, you can bet on the next team or player to score a goal in a specific match, or in golf the score a specific golfer will achieve on his next hole.
Live betting can be thrilling but because of the nature of it, you will need a decent betting app and internet connection in order to place your live bets quickly. The sports betting app offered by the excellent sports betting site, SunBet certainly fits that bill. With one single button press you can find every single live event that’s currently available at the site, and placing your live bets is just as easy.
What we like:
- The best app for in-play betting
- Site supports local sides and competitions
- Decent welcome bonus – 100% max R1,000
What we don’t:
- No live streaming
10. GBets – The Top South Africa Betting App for Statistics (Up to 1,000 ZAR bonus)
A lot of people only place bets on sports for entertainment purposes. Some take it far more seriously than that and try and turn their sports betting into a regular stream of additional income. As many people fail at this as make a success of it, and the main reason they fail is that they don’t study the information about the sports they are betting on well enough. Information is king when it comes to sports betting.
The statistical section at Gbets is phenomenal. You can find all the latest stats and information available about multiple sports, from soccer and cricket right down to US sports such as football, baseball and basketball. The wealth of information available via the ‘statistics’ tab of the app will really power up your sports betting, and multiply your winning chances by several degrees.
What we like:
- Outstanding array of sports information
- Amazing, easy-to-use app
- Good coverage of popular markets
What we don’t:
- No stats on some sports
Key Features of the Best Online Betting Apps South Africa
Sport betting apps really up the convenience when it comes to placing your all-important horse racing, cricket, soccer or even eSport wagers. With the growth in cellular mobile connections reaching 112,700,000 in this country in 2023, plenty of people are using their smartphones for gambling, amongst other things.
They’ve all drawn the same conclusion. Why toil in front of a PC (too much like work) or flop open a laptop when you want to place a bet or two? Unlock your phone and use one of our recommended apps instead. Just for info, here’s a quick guide to the most important features of betting apps, and which of our top ten recommendations has them.
| Sportsbook | In-Play Betting |
Live Streaming | Enhanced Odds |
Minimum Deposit |
| Hollywoodbets |  |
|
|
R10 |
| Betway | |
|
|
R10 |
| 10bet | |
|
|
R5 |
| BoyleSports | |
|
|
R10 |
| 1xbet | |
|
|
R7.50 |
| Bet.co.za | |
|
|
€50 |
| Playa Bets | |
|
|
R20 |
| SportingBet | |
|
|
R10 |
| SunBet | |
|
|
R10 |
| GBets | |
|
|
R20 |
How We Rank the Best South African Sports Betting Apps
Safe Betting Sites was created by sports bettors, for sports bettors. We know the kind of options and functions we want from sports betting apps South Africa people have available, and we rank all the apps that can be downloaded in terms of those aspects.
Below we go through the key ranking points that determine which betting apps hit the upper reaches of our list, and which simply do not make the cut.
Core Criteria:
- Platforms – We try to list sites that have apps available for both iOS and Android, even though Android is by far the more popular mobile operating system in South Africa. Most of the apps listed here have apps for both platforms.
- Security – There’s one gold rule at Safe Betting Sites – we only list sites that have the proper licensing (from a top-tier licensing authority such as Malta or, in South Africa the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, for example) and that have been proven to take the online safety of all their customers extremely seriously.
- Coverage – Sports betting in South Africa tends to be dominated by horse racing, cricket and soccer. We champion betting apps that go beyond these two popular activities. We also like apps where you can bet on eSports and non-sporting events.
- Odds – Bookmakers are not known for tremendous variations in their odds, but this has been a factor ever since bookies genuinely ‘made books’ at racecourses. When evaluating a site, we check that their odds are at least fair.
- Bonuses – Many South African bookies do offer very nice welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. While a site with smaller bonus offers does not instantly get excluded from our approved list, good bonus deals are always a sweetener.
- Ease-of-use – Convenience is a key attribute of a sports betting app, so any bookmaker on your phone that has an app that constantly crashes, hangs or is just too god-damned awful to use will be in receipt of a significant number of down votes.
- Customer support – You may never need to contact customer support at a online sports book, but if you do, the support team should respond quickly and with pertinent, useful advice.
How to Use a Betting App
If you are here, then you probably already know how to use a betting app and are trying to find out which betting apps South Africa are the best all-rounders when it comes to taking up disk space on your mobile device. Just in case you are a newbie when it comes to betting apps, here’s a handy ‘how-to’ guide.
Step 1: Pick Your App
We hope that we’ve inspired and informed you enough for you to be able to choose which of our suggested betting apps most suits you. If you are a complete newcomer when it comes to betting apps, we’ve picked out PlayaBets as the one that’s easiest to use.
Step 2: Download it
You may have to visit the site offering the app using the browser on the mobile device you want to download it to. Links to the app should be available – links to Google Play for Android, and the AppStore for Apple. You may be able to download an apk file directly from the site to install if you are on Android.
Step 3: Open an account
You will of course need an account with the betting apps’ provider before you can use the app. You should be able to open an account via the app but if not, you can get your account sorted via the bookie’s main site on any device.
Step 4: Deposit your rand
Usually, you place sports bets in the hope of winning money. In order to win with money, you need to get money into your sports betting account. You can use the app to make deposits, nice and easy. There are a number of payment systems commonly in use via South African sports betting apps, including credit and debit cards, EasyEFT, PayPal, Instant EFT, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz and Bitcoin.
Step 5: Get betting
Once your account is funded you can start placing bets. Usually, once you have found the event you want to bet on, you just press on the price of the outcome you want to back. This should transfer the bet to your virtual bet slip. Set your stake, confirm your bet then hope that your wager is a winning one.
Active Betting Apps in South Africa Sign Up Offers
One of the best thing about finding a new sports betting app in South Africa is that very likely the online bookmakers behind it will offer you a welcome deal that you can grasp once you have completed your sign up. This is basically ‘free money’ that you can use to place wagers at the site and hopefully win a little bonus cash.
Such offers do come with terms and conditions that you always need to be fully aware of. Below you will find three of the best current sign up offers available via betting apps in South Africa.
- All
100% First Deposit Bonus up to R2,000
100% First Deposit Bonus up to R2,000
- Max payouts of R5 million on all sports bets
- Variety of ongoing promotions
- Top app on all mobile devices
200% Bonus up to $130
200% Bonus up to $130
- 50+ sports covered
- Competitive odds
- Mobile app available
Dedicated South Africa Betting Apps v Mobile Browsers
The majority of betting sites in South Africa were constructed at a time when nearly all bets placed at online sportsbooks in the country were done via computers and laptops. This is unlike many other jurisdictions where sportsbooks have been created in recent years that work just as well on mobile devices as they do on PCs and laptops.
The country is catching up though, and many sites have been rebuilt so they do look almost as good as on desktop/laptop when viewed using browser on a phone or tablet. You may ask – why not just visit any of the best betting sites in South Africa 2023 using a mobile browser? Why bother downloading live betting mobile apps at all?
In the simplest terms, using a dedicated app just gives you a more streamlined experience. Mobile browsers can be slow and cumbersome, whereas a dedicated app is designed to do the one purpose it is designed to do – provide you with a top class sports betting experience!
Pros:
- The best mobile betting experience
- They work faster
- Less pop-ups and ads
- Your ISP may know precisely what you are doing if using a browser
- No distractions
Cons:
- You need an app for every sports book you use
- Updates every few weeks or so
- Takes up space on your device
Best South Africa Betting Apps for iPhone and iPad
If you have an iPhone or iPad in South Africa, then you are bucking the trend for phones and tablets in the country, as Android is the more commonly found OS. The good news though for you is that most online sportsbooks in South Africa that have issued a sports betting app have issued one for iOS as well as Android. Below you’ll find our top three picks for the best sporting betting apps for iPhones and iPads:
| Bookmaker | Bonus | Key App features |
| Hollywood Bets | R25 Sign Up Offer |
|
| 1xbet | 200% Bonus up to $130 |
|
| PlayaBets | 100% up to R10,000 |
|
Top Betting Apps for Android Phones in South Africa
If you have an South African mobile device, then the chances are it’s powered by Android. Google’s operating system rules in the country and Android-powered phones and tablets are far more common that iPhones and iPads. Every one of the apps we’ve so far mentioned on this page has an Android app, and below we list three of the very best.
| Bookmaker | Bonus | Key App features |
| Sportingbet | 100% First Deposit Bonus up to R2,000 |
|
| 1xBet | 200% up to $130 |
|
| Hollywoodbets | R25 Sign Up Offer |
|
Best South Africa Betting Apps with Live Betting
Live betting is the most thrilling method of betting in South Africa, as you can bet on events that have already started. If you are following the action and think you can gauge the outcome of some measurable aspect of an event, then grab your device, pop open your favourite sports betting app and place that bet as quickly as possible. Below we list the best three apps where live betting can be done quickly, and with zero fuss.
| Bookmaker | Key App feature | Android | iOS |
| 1xbet | Fantastic live betting platform | |
|
| Bet.co.za | Great for stats | |
|
| SunBet | Live chat support always | |
|
The Best Cricket Betting Apps in South Africa
Cricket is perhaps the most popular sport in South Africa, although both rugby codes and soccer come close. In terms of sports betting, horse racing has always been the more popular betting pastime in the country, but thanks to the increased use of sports betting apps, cricket is now a solid contender. Below we list what we feel to be the three best sports betting apps in South Africa for cricket.
| Bookmaker | Key App feature | Android | iOS |
| Bet.co.za | No. 1 South Africa app for cricket betting | |
|
| 1xbet | One of the easiest to use cricket betting apps | |
|
| Playa Bets | Wide range of cricket markets | |
|
Why Should You Use South Africa Sports Betting Apps?
With internet availability in South Africa in 2023 the best it has ever been, and with more people owning phones and tablets than ever before, there has never been a better time to use South Africa betting apps. For sheer convenience and ease-of-use, mobile betting apps put desktop-based apps in the shade and that’s the place such apps seem destined to stay.
The increased interest in sports betting in South Africa is down to multiple factors, but the increasing use of sports betting apps is one of the most prevalent. If you are a sports betting enthusiast in South Africa and you have a mobile device and you’re are not using sports betting apps we have to ask the question – why on earth not?
Bottom Line on South African Betting Apps
The options for sports bettors in South Africa are the best they have every been. There are countless betting sites available that have an outstanding array of markets, decent promotions and bonus deals and of course, offer state-of-the-art betting apps. You really have never had it so good. Whether you’re looking for cricket betting apps, or apps where you can bet on the Springboks, you’re bound to find an app that suits.
Thanks to our help and expert advice, you now know which are the best sports betting apps available to sports punters in South Africa. Pick the one that most appeals to you and seems the most likely to suit your needs, download and install it and then place your bets! Good luck!
R25 Sign Up Offer
R25 Sign Up Offer
- Price boosts
- Appealing live soccer odds
- Different odds formats
FAQs
How old do I have to be to use a Sports Betting App in South Africa?
You have to be the same age you have to be to place bets anywhere in South Africa, which is 18 at least.
Can I use rands via any sports betting app
Not all of them. You can fund any account using rands, but when you are using the site they will be converted into a currency that the site accepts.
If I am in South Africa and download an app, can I use it when I am not in South Africa?
That depends on the licensing. Licensing in South Africa is not as strict as in other jurisdictions, so you may be okay. You may not be able to fund your account while you are out of the country.
Can I have more than one sports betting app account?
You can, but you can only ever have one sports betting account at a specific sportsbook, whether you are using the sportsbook's desktop site or app.
How safe are my personal details when using a South Africa sports betting app?
As long as you wager at a licensed sportsbook (you should stick to the sportsbook apps listed at this site) then you will be fine. Licensed sportsbooks offer excellent levels of online security.
On an app I am using, soccer is listed as football - why?
Soccer is known as football in some areas of the world, mainly Europe, Asia and South America. Elsewhere, it is more commonly known as soccer.
A vastly experienced sports betting specialist, Peter joined SafeBettingSites in 2021 as a sports editor. Peter has been focusing on the iGaming realm since 2013, and had written millions of words on all aspects of online casino play and sports betting since then. His articles have been featured in numerous high-profile online publications. When not writing, Peter can be found playing his electric guitar. He is such a talented guitarist that his next-door neighbours often join in, adding percussion by banging loudly on the walls.
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