Gambling outlook 2017-2021

betting in africa

After 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. This is because digital credit has enabled ease of access to funds which the borrowers then use for their digital gambling. This is inferred in that the average customer profile of sports betting is young people especially men who are also the most active on digital credit platforms (11).

A. Prohibited and restricted activities

By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Currently, Africa is considered to be one of the most promising lucrative markets in the world where the iGaming companies could expand to. When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being.

Cellphone Gaming

The Live Games content is very varied, ranging from Game Show games such as Crazy Time, Megaball to Dream Catcher and the thrilling Lightning games range. For South African gamblers, an extensive range of payment options is absolutely necessary. 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.

The best bookmakers have betika app fair terms with reasonable playthrough requirements, so you can withdraw your winnings instead of getting caught in frustrating endless rollovers. Before accepting any welcome bonus, make sure that the terms are fair and achievable, ensuring they’re aligned with what you’re comfortable with. Traditional casinos are increasingly building online gambling platforms to take advantage of the demand in online betting and gambling.

Stormers vs Cardiff Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

There are some very strict rules in place regarding online betting in South Africa. In the past things were a little difficult because the rules that form part of the National Gambling Act were not altogether clear. Different bookmakers will offer different odds on the same event, so it pays to compare before placing your bet. Some of the most popular include horse racing, soccer, tennis, athletics, cricket, and rugby.

This OTP is usually sent to the account holder’s mobile number, thus making it difficult for fraudsters to transact with stolen credit cards. Ultimately, sports betting in South Africa is like any other, but will boil down to your preference. Given the rapid expansion of the Internet across the continent and its good availability, the football fan base and audience in other sports continues to grow. The main focus of betting is among young people under the age of 25, most of whom, moreover, are unemployed and see betting as an opportunity to get good winnings.

In the last year alone, the continent’s fan base, who regularly follow sports broadcasts, has reached 300 million. And about half of them actively use bookmakers to turn their hobby into a way to earn extra money. Betting and gambling have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of wagering found in ancient civilisations from China to Greece. In South Africa, the story of betting and gambling is a relatively recent one, with the horse racing industry only becoming legal in 1965.

betting in africa

Stolen credit cards:

  • To diversify and enrich its platform, Betway has engaged in strategic collaborations with leading gaming content providers.
  • We currently have over 15 digital platforms in South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana And Nigeria and we reach millions of monthly unique youth visitors every month.
  • This sport has grown by 75% since 2022 and is popular amongst people who are willing and able to risk larger amounts per bet, around R700 per bet.
  • There was huge growth in the popularity of rugby in 2023, growing by almost 100% compared to the two preceding years.
  • Some of the most popular include horse racing, soccer, tennis, athletics, cricket, and rugby.
  • The full list of free bets and welcome bonus offers are listed on this page above.
  • Betting services with in-play betting let users stake wagers on events as they are happening, therefore adding thrill and involvement to the process.

More and more sites followed and now you can enjoy slots also on PalaceBet, YesPlay as well as brand-new LulaBet. Therefore, SA punters can now enjoy slots betting fun on licensed betting sites. BetGames are live lucky draw games that combine traditional fixed odds betting with lottery and live dealers. These innovative games, including Lucky 6, Lucky 7 and Wheel of Fortune play every three to five minutes and offer easy, instant winning opportunities from as little as R1. They are available across most of the best betting sites these days and guarantee a quick, enjoyable betting entertainment.

Hosted by South Cape Net

This, along with the addition of ESPN, have contributed to a spike in betting on US sports,” says Chelin. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through UFC events, offers a distinct betting landscape compared to boxing. MMA fights can end in multiple ways such as knockout, submission, or decision. What makes Betway particularly attractive is the competitive welcome bonus of up to R1,000 for new sign-ups, enhancing the initial betting experience.

  • In instances where non – South African punters are prohibited by Bookmakers from betting, these processes make it more difficult for these players to withdraw money from the platform without being detected.
  • In January, DStv’s parent company officially entered SA’s sports betting market with a new platform, using its tie in with SuperSport, Africa’s largest sports broadcaster, to stand out in an already crowded, but growing, market.
  • The primary responsibility of such organizations is to ensure safety in the industry.
  • Traditionally, gambling operators offered large bonuses with low betting requirements which caused bonus/ promo abuse to be a great target for abuse.
  • The Act made provisions for the regulation of activities relating to gambling and uniform standards were introduced.
  • If a bookmaker can’t take care of new members, how are they going to take care of punters in the long run?
  • Fast withdrawal sites—especially those using e-wallets and cryptocurrencies—make the betting experience far more fulfilling.
  • Unlike investing, gambling is based purely on luck, yet many believe they can develop a winning approach.

Top 10 Cricket Betting Sites in South Africa

Furthermore improving accessibility and convenience for users is having a specific mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones. Anyone looking for somewhere to place their sports bets should look for a licensed online betting site. There are currently nine boards in South Africa who are able to license online betting sites.

Play roulette, blackjack or baccarat against live dealers and enjoy a thrilling betting experience. 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.

Challenges And Opportunities For South African Sports In The 21st Century

For more trusted bookmakers please also see our full bookmaker listing on Best Betting Sites. Despite rising costs of living and economic pressures, gambling has gained popularity, particularly due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet access. Advertising from betting companies further fuels this trend, increasing participation within this demographic. South Africans place more than  R1 trillion in bets annually, with R700 billion spent on sports betting alone.

While the latter might offer you more games content including online slots gameplay on those is currently not legal. Statistics show that 49.4% of South Africans bet on sports from October 2021 to October 2022; around a quarter of these bettors also engage in online betting a few times a week. Given numerous options, bettors should be aware of the vital features that any website should provide. Whether your experience with betting is fresh or seasoned, understanding what to anticipate from the TOP 20 betting sites will guide your decision. Over the years there have been many laws and acts passed to stop online gambling. An increasing number of people now enjoy sports betting online so it looks set to be an industry that will grow from strength to strength.

South African government statistics reveal that more than 50 percent of South African adults place sports bets on an ongoing basis. In spite of different religion, language, age, social status, race, culture or political views, people all over South Africa have 1 mutual thing – they are wild sport fans. If we mix it with 1.3 billion inhabitants of which around 40 percent is under the age of 15, and a median age of only 19.7 years, we will receive a greatly seductive and profitable market for sports SA bookmakers. Fraudsters use stolen credit card details to top up their account, which means using illegitimate money to pocket real wins. In South Africa, banking institutions have uniform online payment systems and have implemented 3D security which requires the entering of a one-time password (“OTP”).

betting in africa

Best Channels for Watching Sports

Recognizing the burgeoning potential of the South African betting industry, Betway strategically tailored its offerings to resonate with local preferences. This approach involved a deep understanding of the nation’s rich sporting culture, particularly its passion for football, cricket, and rugby. By aligning its services with the interests of South African bettors, Betway established a strong foothold in the market. Senzo Tsabedze’s vision and leadership are guiding Afrirent Holdings towards a future of success, innovation, and positive impact in the West African market. With more people betting online, security is a major issue for bettors from South Africa.

List of Online Betting Sites in South Africa

While sports betting has become increasingly normalised, concerns persist regarding its potential negative consequences, such as problem gambling and addiction. Efforts by the Betway app and other conscientious platforms promote responsible gambling behaviour and provide support services for those affected by gambling-related harm, and have become essential components of the evolving landscape. GRIPP Advisory has a vast amount of collective experience in providing advisory services to the gambling industry of South Africa and other African countries. It’s crucial to remember that while online sports betting is legal, online casinos and other forms of interactive gambling remain restricted. 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.

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. 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.

The advent of the internet revolutionised the sports betting industry worldwide, and South Africa was no exception. Predominant online betting platforms such as the Betway app emerged as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This shift allowed bettors to place wagers from the comfort of home using computers or mobile devices.

News Tips

The growth of this sector has been beneficial, although it is essential to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling practices. The National Gambling Act of 1996 and subsequent amendments play a crucial role in this regard. These laws ensure that betting operations are conducted in a controlled manner, with a focus on preventing underage betting and minimizing problem gambling. Licensed operators are required to adhere to these regulations to offer betting services. 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. You can find all the information you need about the most reliable online bookmakers by clicking on the bookie’s logo or ‘Read Review’.

Popular MMA Betting Markets in South Africa

Prior to 1996, all gambling in South Africa was illegal except for betting on horse races. The Constitution then established that gambling and wagering were legally competent, and so it became necessary to coordinate matters on a provincial and national level. The Legal LandscapeThe legality of sports betting in South Africa is a relatively recent development. While horse racing betting has been a constant for decades, the National Gambling Act of 2004 opened the doors for a wider range of sports to be included. In Uganda, the regulatory online gambling act was promulgated as the Lotteries and Gaming Act was released in 2016. 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.

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. Sportingbet accepts more than one million unique bets per day, and on some days even more than two million. Ultimately, in a nation as obsessed with sports as South Africa, sports betting will likely keep growing.

Newsletters

  • In Mark Tipping’s experience, most online betting frauds can only be realised once payment is made to the fraudster.
  • The truth is that the house edge ensures that bookmakers maintain a profit over time.
  • To get you started we offer a variety of articles in our betting strategy and tips section.
  • In South Africa, gambling is heavily regulated by the National Gambling Act, No. 7 of 2004 and the National Gambling Board, as well as provincial gambling regulations.
  • Currently, Africa is considered to be one of the most promising lucrative markets in the world where the iGaming companies could expand to.
  • Challenges such as ensuring responsible gambling, combating illegal betting, and maintaining the integrity of sports remain.
  • At its core, Baccarat is a game of guessing, where players place bets on which hand out of the two being dealt shall win.

If you’re wondering whether sports betting and online gambling is legal in South Africa, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to help you gain a better understanding of the history of sports betting and also clear up any confusion about a number of the rules currently in place. From the very beginning, the country has put rushing limitations on gambling (including sports betting) since 1673.

Betway’s story is a testament to the impact of thoughtful strategy and unwavering dedication in achieving business excellence. They are a quality business with a demonstrable track record of success, and we believe they will add immense value to our business and long-term value creation. It goes without saying, perhaps, that there are very strict controls concerning gambling activities. After all, those positive and negative aspects about gambling (referred to above) must be marshalled quite closely.

Implementation and day to day operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer, ably assisted by support staff. 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. It found that pathological gamblers were five to ten times more likely to have a history of suicide attempts than non-gamblers. The NSPCA reveals shocking evidence of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board allegedly allowing a licensed bookmaker to profit from illegal cockfighting.

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. We highlight the best betting sites that offer you fast loading slots that are especially developed for mobile gameplay. Betway’s ascent in South Africa’s betting industry underscores the importance of strategic planning, cultural alignment, and ethical practices in building a successful brand.

From the ardent MMA fan to the novice newbie, we have everything you need to stay in the loop and enjoy everything the world of MMA has to offer. But Evolution is not the only Live Game provider available on betting site. You have often also access to titles by Ezugi, Authentic Gaming or Pragmatic Play.

Gambling

  • The lack of traditional banking infrastructure in many African countries presents a challenge for the iGaming and betting industry.
  • Therefore, SA punters can now enjoy slots betting fun on licensed betting sites.
  • With a history of success and a strong presence in South Africa, Afrirent Holdings is now setting its sights on the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region.
  • This presents a significant opportunity for iGaming and betting operators to develop mobile-first platforms that cater to the unique needs of African players.
  • The programme has given me   insight and clear understanding of my gambling addiction.
  • Technological innovations have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of sports betting in South Africa.
  • South African bookmakers regularly offer no deposit free bets to new customers and existing ones too.

In-play betting, in particular, allows bettors to wager on outcomes during a live sporting event, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. In recent years, the betting industry in South Africa has evolved greatly, with the introduction of online betting and gaming. This has allowed people to place bets and play casino style games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical racetrack or casino. Online betting and gaming have become increasingly popular in South Africa, as it provides a convenient and accessible way to participate in the betting industry. These days the best online betting sites do not only offer you sports and lotteries to bet on.

Leinster vs Scarlets Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

betting in africa

The proliferation of smartphones further accelerated this trend, enabling bettors to engage in sports betting adaptively. This is our list for ensuring you make the most of any sport bets you place on some of the most popular sports in South Africa.The reality is that online sports betting has changed the way we all engage with our favourite sports. The convenience ease with which we are able to place bets is incredible and anyone can now get involved! Our team has outlined the best online betting sites for you to consider.Note, our suggestions based on a particular sport does not indicate that the sportsbook is exclusively offering those sports. All of our suggested betting sites cover almost every sport and punters are encouraged to use those which they find most comfortable.

SHARE IT: