South Africa is one of the countries in Africa where gambling is widely practiced. With betting, sports fans can now enjoy their favorite sports while potentially making money off it. And as expected, the gambling industry has continued to grow with new customers and betting sites entering the mix daily.
Bettors place wagers on different sports but football is the most popular sport in South Africa. Bettors can bet on various football betting markets like over/under, draw no bet, anytime goalscorer predictions, correct scores, and more. Football is the major contributing factor to the growth of the betting industry in South Africa.
As a beginner, choosing online sports betting sites could be pretty tricky. There are hundreds of bookies in the industry and you need to filter the best of them. Using the wrong bookmaker could be costly. Your bookmaker is just as important as your wagers. In this article with the help of Takebet.co.za specialists, we will share some insights to help you navigate the industry.
Is sports betting legal in South Africa?
Sports betting is legal in South Africa which is one of the reasons for the growing audience of South African bookmakers. Betting sites in South Africa however have to be licensed to carry out their business in South Africa, otherwise, they risk sanctions that could end in total termination.
All gambling activities are regulated by regulatory bodies like the Western Cape Gambling Board. This body is responsible for laying out rules and regulations that all gambling companies in South Africa are to strictly adhere to. Anyone found betting on illegal betting sites would be committing a punishable offense. This could mean confiscation of funds or even jail time.
Where to look for proven betting companies in South Africa?
Many South African players find it difficult to identify proven bookies. The best way to discover these sites is through their online presence. If there are a lot of people testifying to the great service and mode of operation of a betting company, then such a bookie is likely proven.
Likewise, if the reviews on a South African bookmaker are negative, you should probably stay away from such a site. One thing I advise beginners to do is to always compare all the recommendations they get and then settle for the sportsbook that accommodates their needs.
Here are some proven South African bookmakers in no order:
- 1xbet
- Betway South Africa
- HollywoodBets
- Sportingbet
- Bet.co.za
How to choose the best betting site in South Africa?
When choosing a sportsbook, there are some requirements to be met. Here are some of the points to keep in mind when choosing an online sports betting site in South Africa.
Legality
Since all bookmakers need a license to legally operate in South Africa, it is important to vet if a bookmaker is licensed before registering with such a betting site. Keep in mind that if you ignore the legality rule, you are exposing yourself to fines and may lose projected winnings from the bookmaker.
Odds
Odds are multipliers for bets and are an essential part of gambling. In betting, higher odds mean less probability that the event occurs and higher winnings. Most bookies offer competitive odds, some higher than others, and this is what you want to target as a bettor.
However, while high odds can be enticing, always stick to reputable bookies. Some sportsbooks will use high odds to pull in customers but it barely ends well. If the bookies don’t shut down due to a lack of funds, they may make away with customers’ funds. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Bonuses and Promotional Offers
What do punters love more than mouthwatering bonuses? Bonuses do not only help you reduce your risks as a punter but they also boost your chances of being profitable. Several bookmakers use promotional offers like free bet, welcome bonus, and deposit bonus to encourage bettors to place wagers.
Promotional offers are usually random and last for a limited time but bookies usually announce them on socials. You may need to keep an eye on the social media accounts of the bookmaker, you don’t want to miss out on these promotions.
Betting Markets
Betting markets are the types of bets you can place in each category of sports. A bookmaker that offers an extensive range of betting markets will give you the flexibility you need as a punter. Top bookmakers offer betting markets on popular sports like football, horse racing, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, basketball, and more.
You should also be able to bet on major leagues and competitions like the world cup, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, NBA, playoffs, and more.
Customer Support
There is nothing more frustrating than needing professional help and not being able to get it at a crucial time. Just like in football, anything can happen. Always go for a bookie that respects its customers and has continued to display that through its customer service.
User Experience
Is the site easy to navigate? Can you easily place book bets and place wagers? These are some of the questions to keep in mind when choosing a bookmaker.
A lot of sites used to ignore the influence the site’s usability has on punters. Most punters will rather go for a site with an easy-to-navigate interface where you can place your bets seamlessly over technical sites.
Fortunately, most bookmakers now have a dedicated mobile betting app. This makes it easier for people to place bets without having to sign in to the website every time.
Deposit and withdrawal options in South Africa
Deposit and withdrawal options may vary with bookies. However, the most common payment methods are OZOW, Neteller, bank deposits, card deposits, and ipay. You can verify which payment options are available on the bookie’s site.
Conclusion
Sports betting is fun and a lot of bettors enjoy the thrills. While betting presents a money-making opportunity, the risks shouldn’t be ignored. Don’t be more than you can afford to lose nor chase your losses.
I hope you have gained useful insight on how to choose proven bookies / betting sites in South Africa. I wish you a profitable betting experience.
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