Find the best online betting apps for South African players in this detailed guide. Explore their features, markets, and bonuses to determine your perfect match!
What Are the Best Betting Apps in South Africa 2025?
Online betting in South Africa has grown rapidly over the years, owing primarily to increased smartphone penetration, faster internet connection, and the affordability of data plans. Consistent technical advancements have enabled sports betting to transition from traditional forms to seamless, app-based wagering.
International platforms such as 1Win and 1xBet led the way by providing bespoke, localized user experiences. These apps, together with increased understanding of responsible gambling, have attracted millions of new consumers to this type of entertainment
How to Choose the Best Betting App?
Online betting apps are gaining traction in South Africa as smartphones become more accessible. However, with so many options available, selecting the correct app can be challenging. The app you choose will have a huge impact on your betting experience, whether you’re looking for the greatest odds, convenient payment options, or intriguing bonuses.
Here’s a detailed guide that highlights the most important factors to consider while deciding the best betting apps in South Africa.
Sports Coverage and Odds
One of the most important considerations when choosing a betting app is its sports coverage. Popular choices such as 1xBet, Hollywoodbets, and Bet365 provide a diverse range of sports, including cricket, football, basketball, and even niche events such as kabaddi and esports.
But it’s more than just variety. Quality matters—look for apps with high odds to increase your potential winnings. For example, 1xBet is known for routinely offering some of the greatest odds in the industry, making it an app that South African gamers who wish to bet higher returns will enjoy. Similarly, Hollywoodbets app is largely focused on football, offering several markets and competitive odds during high-profile events such as the UEFA Champions League.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
Nothing beats starting your betting experience with a hefty bonus. Many South African betting applications provide substantial welcome incentives to new customers. For example, MostBet gives considerable first deposit incentives, whilst Bet365 offers promo codes to increase your rewards. These benefits frequently take the shape of free bets, cashback rebates, or even Free Spins for casino areas.
Payment Methods
Your chosen betting app must offer convenient payment options widely accepted in South Africa. Hollywoodbets app is a popular option for many bettors since it offers a variety of secure and hassle-free deposit and withdrawal options. Moreover, this bookmaker lets you convert your winnings into cash through various retail outlets.
In addition to traditional methods like bank transfers and credit/debit cards, some apps also allow payments via e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. This adds an extra layer of convenience for users who prefer online transactions.
Top 5 Best Mobile Apps for Sports Betting in South Africa 2025
Sports betting and online casino games have become increasingly popular in South Africa and around the world. With the rise of smartphones, mobile apps have become a convenient way for people to place bets and play casino games on-the-go. Read the following list of the best 5 betting apps for sports betting in South Africa in 2025.
1. Hollywoodbets App
Hollywoodbets is a reputable South African sports betting platform with over 10 years of experience in the industry. It offers users access to a wide range of sporting events, including cricket, soccer, and horse racing. And with its easy-to-use app, Hollywoodbets provides an excellent user experience for bettors on-the-go.
Features of Hollywoodbets App
Hollywoodbets is a popular choice among South African bettors due to its noteworthy features:
- Cash Out Option: install hollywoodbets app offers a cash-out option that lets users settle their bets before the event ends, providing more control over their winnings.
- Live Streaming: Users can also access live-streaming of sporting events directly through the app, adding to the overall user experience.
- Quick Deposits and Withdrawals: Hollywoodbets app offers a variety of secure and fast payment options for convenient transactions. It also offers an exclusive Hollywood Vouchers option for hassle-free withdrawals
2. Parimatch App
Parimatch South Africa has been a popular alternative for bettors looking for a convenient platform to enjoy sports betting and other fascinating features. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just getting started, this guide will walk you through the basic elements of Parimatch South Africa, including sports coverage and bonuses, to help you get the most out of the platform.
Features of Parimatch South Africa
Parimatch South Africa stands out as a versatile online betting platform with numerous user-friendly features:
- Easy Navigation: The app and website have an intuitive interface, ensuring a seamless user experience even for beginners.
- Local Language Support: Parimatch caters to South African users by offering services in their native languages, making it more accessible.
- Welcome Bonus: New users can receive a welcome bonus +150% up to ZAR 1,000, which adds value to their initial deposits.
- Quick Loading Speeds: The platform is designed to provide consistent performance across devices.
3. 1Win App
1Win is a relatively new player in the South African betting market but has already gained a significant following due to its attractive features and user-friendly interface. This platform offers users access to an extensive range of sports, including cricket, football, and tennis, as well as live casino games.
Features of 1Win App
1Win app stands out for its unique features that enhance the overall betting experience:
- Live Betting: With real-time updates and dynamic odds, 1Win allows users to place bets on ongoing events and make more informed decisions.
- Secure Transactions: The platform uses advanced encryption technology to ensure secure transactions for its users.
- Personalization: 1Win offers personalized recommendations based on the user’s betting history, making it easier to discover new events and markets.
4. MostBet App
MostBet is a popular choice for South African bettors, offering a wide range of sports and events to choose from. The app also includes virtual sports and an online casino, providing users with multiple options for entertainment.
Features of MostBet App
MostBet stands out for its unique features that cater to the needs of South African bettors:
- Multilingual Support: MostBet supports various languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu, making it accessible to a broader audience in South Africa.
- Live Betting on Virtual Sports: Users can enjoy live betting on virtual sports such as football, basketball, and horse racing through the app.
- Responsive Customer Support: MostBet offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any queries or concerns they may have.
5. Bet365 App
Bet365 is a globally recognized and trusted betting platform, offering a wide range of sports markets to users in South Africa. This app has a user-friendly interface and provides an excellent overall betting experience.
Features of Bet365 App
Bet365 stands out for its features that make it a top choice among bettors:
- Live Streaming: Users can access live streaming of events through the app, providing them with real-time updates and allowing them to place bets accordingly.
- In-Play Betting: Bet365 offers in-play betting options, giving users the opportunity to place bets on ongoing events and enhance their overall betting experience.
- Multiple Payment Options: The app offers various secure payment methods, including e-wallets and bank transfers, to cater to users’ needs.
How to Download the Mobile App for Sports Betting in South Africa?
Downloading a mobile betting app in South Africa is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps:
- Read the review above: Choose a reputable and licensed sports betting platform from this list of top 5 mobile apps for 2025;
- Choose your device: Most of these apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, so choose the version that matches your device;
- Visit the official website: Go to the official website of your chosen platform and look for the download link for the mobile app;
- Download and install: Click on the download link, and once the app is downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your device;
- Make a deposit: To start betting, you will need to make a deposit using one of the available payment options.
Once your account is funded, you can start placing bets on your favorite sports and events through the app.
Is it Legal to Play Online Casino & Bet on Sports in South Africa?
The South African gambling industry operates within a regulated framework overseen by the National Gambling Board (NGB), ensuring consumer protection and responsible gambling practices. Online sports betting is fully legal, provided operators have the required provincial licenses. This allows South Africans to place bets on licensed platforms with confidence.
However, online casinos and other forms of interactive online gambling, like poker and slots, are currently prohibited under the National Gambling Act of 2004. This Act prohibits all forms of interactive gambling except for sports betting. Despite this, enforcement has been minimal, and many South Africans continue to access offshore online casinos, which technically remain outside the jurisdiction of South African law and thus can be considered legal.
Trends in South Africa’s Betting Market
The gross gambling revenue in South Africa reached ZAR 59.3 billion (approximately $3.37 billion) for the 2023-24 financial year, marking a 25.7% increase from the previous year. Sports betting alone generated ZAR 35.91 billion, accounting for 60.5% of total revenue, with online sports betting contributing ZAR 28.97 billion to this figure. Total wagers placed by consumers soared to ZAR 1.14 trillion, a 40.2% increase compared to the previous year. Sports betting comprised ZAR 761.26 billion of this total, representing 66.6% of all wagers. These statistics indicate a significant growth in the popularity of sports betting in South Africa.
However, online casinos and other forms of interactive online gambling have also seen an increase in popularity. This can be attributed to the convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms, as well as the variety of games available. As a result, there is a growing demand for legalizing and regulating online casinos on one line with sports betting platforms in South Africa to capture potential tax revenue and provide better protection for consumers.
