Discover The Best Betting Apps In South Africa December, 2024

Betway

Brand Overview:

For South African bettors, it doesn’t get much better than Betway! This popular betting site also has a state-of-the-art betting app available for iOS and Android devices. The Betway app operates at the same high standard as the website, and players can be sure that they will get the same, if not better, experience on the app. Our experts were highly impressed.

Key Features:

Making the most of the Betway mobile app is easier than ever with its range of special features. Since Betway is a well-established brand with decades of experience, it is no surprise that they have had time to hone in on what players really want. At Betway, you can access live betting and live streaming, good customer service and live chat functions, as well as a cash-out service and bet builder. 

Bonuses and Promotions:

Often, when signing up to a new betting site, you are greeted with a generous welcome bonus, and once you have claimed it, the perks stop. Luckily, this is not the case with Betway. Whilst the sports welcome bonus is a generous deposit match bonus allowing customers to get 100% of their deposit back as bonus funds, the current offering of existing customer bonuses is commendable, with a mixture of sports and casino bonuses available. 

It is also worth noting, that the bonus terms and conditions at Betway are reasonable, with a fair minimum deposit requirement and acceptable bonus wagering requirements. 

 Pros and Cons: 

✅ Betway accepts ZAR currency

✅ Betway's mobile app is well designed

✅ Wide range of special features available e.g. cash-out

❌ Customer service is not 24/7 

Why is Betway in the Top 5 Best Betting Apps?: 

With Betway being one of the most popular online bookies for South African players, we had to see what they were offering, and it’s safe to say that Betway's mobile app impressed our team of experts. The app is responsive and downloadable in minutes. You can place bets on a range of sports with competitive odds and make deposits using safe and secure payment methods. What’s not to love?

Betfred

Brand Overview:

Next up on the list of best betting apps in South Africa is the Betfred app. Betfred is somewhat of an “all-star” brand for South African players, and for good reason. There is a huge variety of sports and esports markets available, a live betting service, several payment methods to choose from and a wide range of promotions for new and existing customers. At the time of writing, you can’t currently livestream at Betfred, but this can be forgiven due to the array of top features on offer at this site. 

Key Features:

As we mentioned, Betfred has a huge array of special features that make it stand out from the crowd. For example, you can take advantage of Betfred’s in-play and live betting services, meaning you can bet on live events as they happen! Having this level of customization on your bets is a huge bonus. Betfred also has some of the most competitive odds on the market, which is a feature our experts also favoured. 

Whilst it is worth mentioning that live streaming services aren’t yet available at Betfred, the brand supplements this by showing live results, meaning you can get the latest scores and comprehensive statistics!

Bonuses and Promotions

In addition to the generous welcome bonus for South African players, you can take advantage of Betfred’s extensive ongoing promotions list. With additional bonuses like free bets, VIP/loyalty programs, referral bonuses and even a birthday bonus available, it is proof that Betfred values attracting new customers and keeping existing customers happy! 

Pros and Cons: 

✅ Extensive range of sports markets available

✅ Live betting feature

✅ Generous welcome bonus

❌ No live streaming service right now

Why is Betfred in the Top 5 Best Betting Apps?: 

Having thoroughly reviewed Betfred, its app, and all its features, we had no choice but to rank it among the top five best betting apps in South Africa. The Betfred app, which offers an excellent user experience and features all of the highlights of the Betfred website, is one that stands out from the competition. With our favourite features being the in-play betting service and live results, we have no trouble recommending Betfred and its betting app to our readers. 

HollywoodBets 

Brand Overview:

Another extremely popular South African betting brand is HollywoodBets! Established in 2000, the brand has close to 25 years of experience in the industry, evolving its brand and offering to meet the demands of its customer base. HollywoodBets is a reliable brand with competitive odds, many unique features and a wide range of customer service options via email, phone and social media in the unlikely event that something isn’t quite right. 

Key Features:

When it comes to unique features, HollywoodBets has plenty to offer. One of its absolute standout qualities is its horse racing betting service, and the brand is very well known for this. The brand offers fantastic coverage of this sports market, as well as tips and analysis, and it allows you to bet on the most popular South African races and events, such as the Durban July. 

Horse racing is not the only sports market that HollywoodBets cover, in fact, they cover major sports markets like soccer, cricket, eSports and rugby, meaning you should be able to find your favourite sport! 

Bonuses and Promotions:

Much like Betfred, HollywoodBets excels in the bonuses and promotions department. We were mightily impressed with the welcome bonus but even happier with the bonus offering for existing customers. You can take advantage of frequently updated ongoing customer promotions at HollywoodBets, as well as a lucrative referral bonus that rewards players for every friend they refer who successfully completes the registration process. You will be pleased to know that the bonuses and promotions that feature on the betting site are also available on the betting app. 

Pros and Cons: 

✅ Widely recognised and established brand

✅ Live betting feature available

✅ Bet Builder feature also available

❌ Slightly more complicated signup process

Why is HollywoodBets in the Top 5 Best Betting Apps?: 

HollywoodBets is one of the best betting apps in South Africa if you’re looking for a wide range of sports markets. However, if you’re in the market for betting on horse racing, HollywoodBets is the best choice by a country mile. As a team, we were impressed with the HollywoodBets app and all it has to offer, namely, its live betting feature and bet builder function. If we had to find fault with HollywoodBets, we would suggest that it make signing up for its site a little easier. Apart from that, HollywoodBets is one of the best! 

Lulabet

Brand Overview:

Lulabet, whilst being a newer bookmaker on the market, is giving more established brands a run for their money and is gaining some popularity. Operating since 2018, Lulabet has created a good reputation for itself in terms of dependability, odds and bonuses. The site is also starting to attract some loyal customers and with its excellent customer service, Lulabet has earned high ratings compared to other South African bookies. 

Key Features:

Lulabet has excellent coverage of many sports markets, including some less popular ones, and offers competitive odds. Not only that, the brand is known for its bet generator function, allowing punters to customize their bets with ease. Lulabet provides a cashout option that is perfect for those who want the chance to close their bets early and minimise any losses. 

If all that wasn’t enough, Lulabet allow players to bet in-play and live stream their favourite events, creating an extremely immersive betting experience. 

Bonuses and Promotions:

In regards to bonuses and promotions, we wouldn’t suggest that Lulabet is the absolute best, however, they are significantly better than some others we have reviewed. The welcome bonus, whilst still lucrative, is not the biggest in terms of monetary value, but the terms and conditions are fair and still allow you to make the most of your betting experience. If you are an existing customer, the loyalty program may prove to be beneficial. As a member of the Lulabet VIP program, you can access a range of benefits, and we definitely recommend investigating this further. 

Pros and Cons:

✅ Competitive odds and fair terms

✅ Wide range of payment options

✅ Lucrative VIP/Loyalty program

❌ Customer support is not 24/7

Why is Lulabet in the Top 5 Best Betting Apps?: 

The Lulabet mobile app has a comprehensive offering for South African players. The platform, as mentioned above, offers a wide range of sports markets, catering to diverse betting preferences. The app’s user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation makes it easy for players to navigate and place bets. What’s more, Lulabet shows a commitment to responsible gambling and offers a somewhat robust customer support service, contributing to its popularity among South African bettors. 

Supabet

Brand Overview:

Another familiar name in the world of South African betting apps is Supabet. Founded in 2008, Supabets is a household name in both online betting and betting shops in South Africa and other African countries. The brand offers a generous welcome bonus, additional special features and some clever touches to make your journey through the site simple and straightforward. Overall, our thoughts on Supabet are positive. 

Key Features:

Supabet covers a vast array of sports markets, including but not limited to, football, rugby, tennis, cricket and more. Bettors can wager on a variety of markets like match outcomes, handicaps, totals and player props. The platform also offers in-play betting, allowing players to place bets on live events as they unfold and creating a more dynamic betting experience. 

For those who are seeking fast-paced betting action, Supabet also offers virtual sports betting that simulates real-world sporting events. The Supabet app provides players with the convenience of betting on the go, but still with the same high quality of the betting site. 

Bonuses and Promotions:

Supabet frequently offers attractive bonuses and promotions for its customers. This site's bonus offering includes a generous welcome bonus for new users, deposit bonuses, free bets, and even cashback offers. We recommend heading over to Supabet for the most accurate and up-to-date promotional offers. 

Pros and Cons: 

✅ Wide range of sports markets

✅ User-friendly interface and mobile app

✅ Competitive odds

❌ The website design could be updated

Why is Supabet in the Top 5 Best Betting Apps?: 

We have included Supabet in our list of the top 5 best betting apps primarily because of its comprehensive offering, competitive odds, and dependable platform. Supabet has shown its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering frequent promotions and a user-friendly interface. These are just some of the reasons why Supabet is so popular in South Africa and why we, as a team, loved it, too. 

Criteria for Choosing the Best Betting Apps

In this section, our aim is to show you how to review betting apps in the same way that we do. This way, you can ensure that you are using betting apps that are reliable and, most importantly, right for you. 

User Experience

When it comes to choosing a new betting app, we definitely recommend going with your gut feeling. First impressions mean a lot and if you aren’t convinced that the betting app is for you, then try and find an alternative. 

But, if the app passes the first impression test, have a look around. Is it easy to navigate? Does the layout make sense to you? Is the app showing signs of slow responsiveness? Ease of navigation, app layout and app speed are all more important than you might think, and these are all important questions that can make or break your user experience.

Bonuses and Promotions

It is no secret that the best betting apps are all competing for your custom. They do this by using lucrative bonuses and promotions to try and attract you to their site. Many apps offer welcome bonuses that consist of deposit bonuses, where you make a deposit and get rewarded with between 50% and 200% of your deposit as bonus funds. Some betting apps also offer free bets however, these are rare. 

It is important to investigate the offering for existing customers, too. If you claim the welcome bonus, you want to know that you will receive continued rewards thereafter. Most betting apps have a dedicated loyalty or VIP program that rewards you for continued use of their app, which is also worth considering. 

Sports Coverage 

It goes without saying that when signing up for a betting app, you want to be assured that you can bet on the sports you like. It is important for betting apps to offer a wide range of sports and leagues (both local and international) for you to place bets. Most betting apps in South Africa offer a good variety, obviously, some are better than others, but the bare minimum we would expect to see includes football/soccer, rugby, tennis, cricket, UFC and horse racing. Any less than this and we are likely not to recommend the app. 

However, as long as the app you choose offers the sports you like and it fits all the other parameters we set out, then you should be good to go. 

Betting Features

Our team are always fixated on what betting features a betting app offers. We love to see services like live betting, live streaming, cashout options, multiple betting markets and multiple bet types. Live betting and live streaming, in particular, offer players the most flexibility with their bets because you can adjust your bets to suit the event as it unfolds, and live streaming gives you the bonus of watching it in real-time. We also appreciate it when cashout options are available, as this allows you to assess how your bets are doing and minimise the risk of big losses. 

As we mentioned in the sports coverage section, how many betting features on offer at betting apps is entirely down to personal preference. 

Payment Methods

One of the easiest ways to decipher whether a betting app is trustworthy and will be the right fit for you is to look at the list of payment options on offer. We all have inclinations towards a certain betting payment method, and if your chosen betting app doesn’t offer this, it can impact your user experience. 

Generally, we would expect betting apps to offer a variety of mainstream and local payment methods for you to use, including, but not limited to, EFT, credit cards, mobile wallets and Snapscan. Having a variety of payment options to suit your needs is crucial as players need to deposit and withdraw funds whenever they want easily. It is also worth checking out average payout speeds as well to ensure you manage your expectations. 

Security and Licensing

The best betting apps in South Africa will show a real dedication towards player safety. We always check to see whether a betting app has implemented certain safety measures such as data encryption, privacy policies, and licenses from the relevant authorities. 

Encryption technology is there to protect your personal data and financial information, and privacy policies outline how that data is collected, used and stored to safeguard your privacy. Additionally, South African betting apps must obtain licenses from authorities such as the WCGRB (Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board) which shows they are adhering to strict regulations and standards, for a safe and fair betting environment. 

Customer Support

Betting apps in South Africa should offer a variety of customer support options to assist players in the unlikely event that they run into any issues. Common support channels include live chat, email and phone support, but we do like to see some form of social media option, too.

It’s not just the variety of channels available that is important, we also believe that responsiveness is also a deciding factor. Betting apps should strive to respond to any queries efficiently, ensuring players receive assistance promptly. 

How to Download and Use Betting Apps in South Africa

Downloading from an App Store: Many of the popular betting apps in South Africa are available to be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store (for Android devices) and the Apple App Store (for iOS devices). Downloading an app from here is simple, just search for the app and follow the prompts for installation. 

Downloading from the Official Website: Downloading an app from the official website, may be a bit trickier, but is still easy to achieve. Somewhere, typically near the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download the app or a QR code, and once you have downloaded you can follow the installation instructions for your device. 

Creating an Account and Depositing: Once you have successfully installed the betting app of your choice, the next step is to create an account, which will involve providing your personal data and subsequently verifying your identity. Once your account is active, you can begin depositing funds using your preferred payment method. 

Placing Your First Bet: Next up, it’s placing your first bet. If you’re at this point in the process, you will likely know what you want to bet on, so head over to the dedicated section on the app for your chosen sport or event and choose your bet type, for example, to win, to draw, over/under and enter your stake. Make sure to review the bet you’re placing beforehand to avoid mistakes. 

Legalities and Regulations in South Africa

Online sports betting in South Africa is legal as long as you are using betting apps or betting sites that are regulated by a reputable authority. 

This means that each betting app in South Africa must meet specific standards and adhere to strict regulations in order to operate. This includes features to ensure the safety and security of bettors and their personal and financial information. 

The National Gambling Board (NGB) oversees that all of these betting apps and sites adhere to the regulations. These include fair odds, safe and secure payments, the latest industry-standard encryption software, and responsible gambling practices.

It is essential that keen bettors in South Africa use licensed betting apps. This provides a secure environment where payments are protected, access to legal advice can be obtained, responsible gambling tools are in place, including self-help tools and further support, and odds are transparent and fair. Betting with an unlicensed site or betting app risks leaving bettors vulnerable to unfair practices and losses. Sticking to licensed operators helps to ensure South African bettors can enjoy betting legally and responsibly, knowing their environment is safe.

Top Tips for Mobile Betting

There are so many opportunities available to bettors at betting apps in South Africa to ensure they have the best possible experience. 

Take full advantage of live betting and in-play markets thanks to the app being accessed from anywhere. Check on odds wherever and whenever grab some last-minute deals, cash out a bet, and keep up to date with any you have on. Instead of checking, why not take advantage of betting apps' ability to set up push notifications to be sent straight to your phone? Choose what notifications you wish to receive, such as updates on important matches, odds changes, cashout opportunities and more!

Keeping your betting activity safe and secure remains the number one priority. Even though betting apps provide that extra convenience, make sure to perform all of your betting activity through a Wi-Fi network or a secure mobile network to protect your data.

Comparing Desktop vs Mobile Betting in South Africa

Still unsure of the benefits of using betting apps in South Africa on mobile or betting sites on a desktop? We have looked at some of the key benefits below:

- Convenience on mobile: One of the key differences between betting apps on mobile and betting sites on desktop is the increased convenience. Mobile betting allows bettors to access their bets from anywhere, anytime. It provides more opportunities to claim limited-time offers and odds, too!

- User Experience: The user experience will differ depending on whether you are using betting apps or betting sites on a desktop. Desktop betting platforms offer bettors more space on a larger screen with more detail, as users will have more time to spend betting. While mobile betting apps, the main focus is on easy navigation and placing quick bets, quickly checking odds, bets and more.

- Betting Features: Whether betting on desktop or mobile is a choice, it should not mean that bettors must miss out on certain features. That is why betting apps offer the same great experience as betting on a desktop, with the same markets, odds, payment methods and more. In fact, betting apps in South Africa offer even more features than desktops! This includes push notifications and better live betting interfaces due to the increased convenience of betting on the go.

- Data Usage: Mobile betting apps tend to be used a lot by bettors on mobile data. One of the key features is that typically, the apps have been optimized to use less data, whether betting at home or on the go. This is especially beneficial for bettors who may have slower internet speeds or for those who rely solely on mobile data for their betting experience.

LiveScore Insights: Emerging Trends in Mobile Betting Apps

The team at Livescore have been hard at work finding all the latest and emerging trends in the world of online betting to ensure bettors always have the best possible experience. Below, we have shared an insight into some of their findings.

Live Streaming Integration

Many betting apps have now introduced the ability to live-stream sporting events when placing bets on the platforms. With many live in-play betting options already available, the betting experience is further enhanced by being able to watch the live action unfold and place bets alongside it.

eSports Betting

The eSports betting market is one of the fastest growing in the industry, and now, more and more betting apps in South Africa are starting to offer significant coverage of popular games. Opening up a whole new world of betting for customers and keen eSports fans, bettors can expect to find the latest updates, odds and offers across lots of popular titles, including CS, Dota 2 and Fifa. 

AI-Powered Betting Insights

Some of the best betting apps in South Africa are beginning to branch out to provide betting insights powered by artificial intelligence. This includes using AI to provide predictive analysis ahead of a game to help place more accurate bets or even provide a more personalised betting experience. By looking at previous betting activity, AI can pick and choose what it shows and recommends to you whilst using an app. 

Crypto Payments

While not as widely available at betting apps in South Africa as in other countries, there are some occasions when bettors can pay using cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is the most widely accepted cryptocurrency by certain platforms for making deposits and withdrawals. Bettors should check each app’s terms and conditions for information regarding crypto payments.

Gamification Features

Another way to continue enhancing the betting experience at betting apps in South Africa is by adding and incorporating various gamification elements into platforms. This includes features such as challenges for bettors to take part in, as well as leaderboards to encourage friendly competition and enhance user engagement with a betting app.

Conclusion

Betting apps in South Africa continue to gain popularity amongst bettors thanks to the convenience and flexibility offered. With a wide range of sports to bet on, personalised features, and live betting and streaming options, there is something to keep every bettor entertained. 

However, despite all of the betting apps' features and convenience, users must ensure they are using a licensed app for a safe and secure experience. In addition, all betting must be done responsibly, with bettors taking accountability for their actions. Check out the self-help responsible gambling tools available at betting apps and how to apply them should bettors feel they could benefit from them anytime.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it legal to use betting apps in South Africa?

Yes! It is legal to use betting apps in South Africa as long as they are licensed by a reputable authority.

Can I claim welcome bonuses on betting apps?

Bettors can claim welcome bonuses when using betting apps.

Are South African betting apps safe?

All of the betting apps in South Africa recommended in this article are safe to bet at.

What are the differences between mobile betting apps and mobile betting sites?

Mobile betting apps allow customers to remain signed in, picking up where they left off last time, as opposed to betting sites where you must search for the site and log in each time. Betting apps also have exclusive promotions that can be claimed simply for downloading.

Are there any betting apps with free bonus?

Yes! Customers can find free bonus offers available at various betting apps in South Africa.