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Betway South Africa Review

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37 related articles read

48 hours of testing

17 brand comparisons

10 edits by in-house experts

💻 Betway SAPlay here
🛡 License for SAWestern Cape Gambling and Racing Board
🎁 Welcome bonusR1,000
👉 Bet onlineSA players

Betway is one of South Africa’s best online casino and sports betting platforms. The site features a user-friendly interface with a wide selection of casino games and sports betting opportunities. In the following review, we’ll discuss the Betway offerings.

Betway.co.za Reviews by Our Experts

Lindsey Jones
Lindsey Jones
Tested 10-03-2024

A surprising bookmaker in S.A.

After putting it to the test, I was pleasantly surprised by everything Betway SA had in store for me. Firstly, from the moment I registered, I felt completely safe and secure. Knowing that Betway is licensed by The Western Cape Gambling Board gave me peace of mind. I enjoyed seamless gambling without any hassles.

I claimed my R1000 free bet welcome bonus with ease. Betway offers a wide range of different sports to bet on. The casino section also boasts an impressive game lobby. Drawing from my overall experience at Betway, it ranks high on my list of recommendations and I will be back for more.

Overal Rating:
5/5
More about this expert »
Denise Mathey
Denise Mathey
Tested 22-06-2023

Discover a World of Winning Possibilities at Your Fingertips

As someone who is passionate about betting myself with years of reviewing experience under my belt - I am thrilled to give you my take on the Betway Sportsbook & Casino platform!

With full licensing & regulation from the Western Cape Gambling Board - it provides a sense of assurance that allows for seamless or no-stress wagering. Upon diving into their sports betting section - there was no shortage of events or sports markets to choose from.

Adored by locals, the sports selection includes but isn't limited to cricket, football, tennis & volleyball! Whether you enjoy the spreads, moneyline, or total betting options, it’s all here. It was also great to find carefully allocated odds reflecting each event's likeliness, so be sure not to miss out!

In addition to everything they offer on their casino side, such as blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette, they also have some lesser-known betting options like Pai Gow & craps, which intrigued me.

However, Betway does need some work in certain areas, like their mobile app is quite limited, and the site does not include any prediction tips. Overall, what it lacks, it more than makes up for by ensuring safety, reliability, and trustworthiness as well as great bonus offers altogether.

Overal Rating:
5/5
More about this expert »
Ernest Masuka
Ernest Masuka
Tested 20-05-2023

Top performer but needs to finetune customer support

I’ve evaluated Betway’s product offering in numerous countries in 5+ years of reviewing online gambling sites, so I naturally relished the opportunity to give my expert opinion to fellow South African gamblers.

As an international brand, Betway covers a broader range of sports, esports, and virtual sports betting markets than its wholly-local peers. I found the same to be true in the casino, with loads of slots, table games, and live dealer games. If you’re like many South Africans and love the lottery, hit the Lucky Numbers section and pick out any of the daily draws pulled from all over the world. Plenty of filters mean you won’t struggle to locate different betting options.

I tried the Android mobile app and was pretty impressed. It's as smooth as butter, and I do not doubt the iOS and Huawei versions are as good.

However, customer support is a sticking point with Betway in many countries, and South Africa seems not to be an exception. The FAQs are pretty comprehensive, but I attempted to contact the support team via live chat and gave up when my query was still queued up for a response after 20 minutes.

Overal Rating:
4/5
More about this expert »

Betway.co.za Features

What makes betway special is attention to detail when it comes to betting. You will see that the South African site falls short for nothing when it comes to punting on your favourite products.

Betway SA Quick Facts

Official Website:www.betway.co.za
Licence:Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
Bonuses:Free Bets
Casino Games:Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, and more
Sports Betting:Live match betting, Jika Sports, and more.
Deposit Options:MasterCard, Visa, MoMoney, EFT, SiD, MTN, Ozow and more.
Withdrawal Options:e-Wallet (FNB), Instant Money (Standard Bank), Cash Send (ABSA)
Year Established:2006
Mobile Compatible:iOS and Android
Head Office:Century City, Cape Town, South Africa
 

Site Screenshots

Betway South Africa sbook
Betway South Africa sportsbook
 
Betway South Africa esports
Betway South Africa eSports
 

Betway ZA Pros and Cons

Betway is a well-known brand, not only in South Africa but worldwide. Like any other online casino, Betway comes with some pros and cons. Here’s a summary of what we liked and disliked about Betway South Africa:

Pros

Excellent Reputation in South Africa and Globally

When choosing an online casino, it’s crucial to select a trustworthy entity. With Betway, you can’t go wrong. Betway is 100% safe and holds a valid gambling licence.

Superb User Experience

The Betway official website makes it easy for players to navigate the site. Signup only takes a few minutes and betting on sports, or live casino games, are hassle-free. The site also assists users with an interactive guide that helps players register and place a bet, making it easy for new users to start playing instantly.

Unique Range of Betting Features

Besides offering a wide variety of sports to bet on, Betway also features some exciting extras. These include a fantasy sports betting platform, live match streaming, and worldwide lotto draws with lucky number and more.

Cons

Like most online casinos, Betway has some weaknesses. While we root for Betway, some aspects need improvement. Here’s our take:

Slow Customer Service

Although Betway is a trusted brand, we found its customer service slow. It can take a while for Betway operators to answer or respond to questions. This can be quite alarming, especially for inexperienced users.

Our Thoughts

When weighing the pros and cons, Betway is a trustworthy online casino. Although the betting platform lacks speedy customer care, we found the website’s FAQ section reasonably informative.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Betway community in South Africa is quite large. So, finding answers to questions online is relatively easy. Overall, Betway is a fantastic choice for novice and experienced punters.


Betway South Africa Welcome Bonus

Betway South Africa welcome bonus

When opening an account, you will receive a Betway bonus in the form of a free bet worth R1000. The free bet is a great way to try out betting for first-timers.

How to Claim the R1000 Free Bet

Anyone who signs up with Betway is eligible for the welcome bonus. Although you don’t need a deposit, your account must be verified. If your account isn’t verified automatically, you must upload your FICA documentation.

Once Betway has verified your account, you’ll receive an SMS containing an OTP (one time pin). You must use this OTP to activate the bonus. Here are the steps to activating your free bet bonus:

  1. Open your Betway account and click on “My Account
  2. Select the “voucher” tab
  3. Enter the OTP received via SMS and select “Redeem

Grab this offer

After completing the steps, you will see the bonus by clicking on the “free bet” tab on the Betway landing page. You can now use the bonus and place your first bet.

Free Bet Terms

Before using the bonus, take note of the following terms set by Betway:

  • Only new players of 18 years and older can claim the free bet bonus.
  • Only FICA registered customers are eligible for the bonus.
  • Players can claim all winnings minus the R1000 bonus. For example, If you use the free bet of R1000 on a match with a potential win of R2000, your Betway account will be loaded with R1000.
  • The 100% match bonus has a 3x wagering requirement on odds of 3.00 or higher.

Compare Betway with other bookmakers

Betway
Hollywoodbets
Sportingbet
Bet.co.za
Gbets
Betfred
More Bookmakers
Welcome Bonus
R1,000
Rating
9.5
Bonus Percentage
100%
Minimum Deposit
-
Turnover
3x
Live Betting
Live Streaming
Cashout
Apps
Visit Betway.co.za
18+ T&C apply | www.wcgrb.co.za | Play Responsibly
Welcome Bonus
R25 + 50 FS
Rating
9.5
Bonus Percentage
-
Minimum Deposit
-
Turnover
1x
Live Betting
Live Streaming
Cashout
Apps
Visit HollywoodBets
18+ T&C apply | www.wcgrb.co.za | Play Responsibly
Welcome Bonus
R3,000 + 300 FS
Rating
9.5
Bonus Percentage
-
Minimum Deposit
R50
Turnover
10x
Live Betting
Live Streaming
Cashout
Apps
Visit Sportingbet
18+ T&C apply | www.wcgrb.co.za | Play Responsibly

Without a doubt, this brand is among the top in South Africa. Still, an honest comparison of betway vs hollywoodbets comes to prove that other local brands are just as good. Most betting products are of similar quality. However, betway SA has a slightly higher score due to its promotions.


How to Register a New Betway Account?

Opening a new account with Betway is simple and only takes a few minutes. You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number to start the application. Here are the steps for signing up with Betway:

Betway South Africa signup form
  1. Open the official Betway site and click on the green “Sign Up” button.
  2. Enter your mobile number, full name, surname, email address and create a login password.
  3. Proceed to the next page and choose your ID type. You can use a South African ID or passport.

Sign up at Betway ZA

Once you have completed the form, your account will be ready for use with a Betway login SA. You will receive an email from Betway explaining everything you need to know before betting.

FICA Registration

Betway requires all users to be FICA registered. If your account can’t be verified, Betway will request a copy of your South African ID or passport. Your Betway welcome email will notify you if this is needed.

In case you need to register with FICA, here’s a quick guide on how to do it with Betway:

FICA Registration with Betway:

  • Send a copy of your ID or passport to Betway by email: document to fica@betway.co.za.
  • Take note: If you’re using a Smart Card or Driver’s Licence, copy the front and back and make sure that the information is visible.
Or:
  • Upload your FICA documents to the Betway site.
  • Open your Betway profile and select the “Upload Now” button.

Please note that the FICA verification may take 48 hours. Once complete, you’ll receive a Betway notification email.


Betway Promotions

Betway is a top competitor when it comes to the best promotions. The betting platform offers a unique variety of promotions and keeps them running for extended periods, especially when the demand is high. Here are the promotions listed by Betway:

  • 4 To Score
    Due to popular demand, 4 To Score is one of the promotions that became a permanent fixture. With this promotion, Betway picks four Premier League matches at random. Players can then bet on a player most likely to score the opening goal of each game.
  • Money-Back-Boost
    With this promotion, Betway refunds losses for players who placed bets on six or more sporting events. The more events you bet on, the bigger your refund. You can get as much as 20x back on your bet.
  • Build-A-Bet
    The Built-A-Bet promotion allows players to place multiple bets with different outcomes on one soccer match. These bets can range from halftime or full-time scores, final results and many more. With this promotion, you can choose a maximum of 10 outcomes per game.
  • Data Free
    In South Africa, mobile data prices are notoriously high. Betway solves this problem by allowing players to bet on sporting events without requiring data. Additionally, players can also deposit cash while being offline. Keep in mind that credit card and Ozow payments need data.

How to Bet with Betway

If you’re a sports fan but have never placed a bet before, the process might seem intimidating. Fortunately, Betway offers an easy to use platform where even beginners can place bets. Here are some steps you can follow to successfully make your first wager:

Choose a Sport:

The first step to betting is finding a sport. Fortunately, there are many options available. The Betway landing page offers a separate tab for each sport. You can click on a sport that interests you and move to the next step.

Select a League

After choosing a sport from the Betway site, you will see a list of the most popular leagues or competitions. If you’re not satisfied with the suggested leagues, open the “League” tab and choose your desired league from the list.

Find a Sporting Event

Once you have selected the sport and the league, the next step is to choose a specific event. You can scroll through the events and click on “Apply” once you are satisfied.

Place Your Bets

Now it’s time to make your selections. Choose the odds that best represent the results that you’re expecting. You can also click on the “more Bets” tab to view more betting markets.


Betway South Africa Sportsbook

Betway South Africa offers a comprehensive sports betting platform. With a variety of 24 different sports, we have no doubt that there’s something for everyone.

  • American Football
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Biathlon
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Handball
  • Ice Hockey
  • MMA
  • Motor Sports
  • Netball
  • Rugby
  • Snooker
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Baseball
  • Table Tennis
  • Bandy
  • Winter Sports
  • Athletics
  • Aussie Rules
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Bowls
  • eSports
  • Field Hockey
  • Floorball
  • Formula 1
  • Futsal
  • GAA Football
  • Olympic Games
  • Pesapallo
  • Politics
  • Pool
  • Squash
  • Trotting
  • TV Shows and Movies
  • Water Polo

Betway includes all South African favourites like soccer, cricket, tennis, and rugby. You can also find lesser-known sports like handball and even ice hockey. Here’s an overview of some of the best-known sports in South Africa:

Soccer

Betway South Africa soccer

Soccer is, without a doubt, Betway’s most popular selection. What’s more, you don’t have to limit yourself to only one league. You can bet on the Premier League while also betting on the Spanish LaLiga tournament.

The Sportsbook covers more than 60 soccer leagues and offers a wide variety of betting markets. Here are some well-known soccer bet markets that Betway offers:

  • Both Teams to Score
  • Match Result
  • Highest Scoring Half
  • Correct Score
  • First Team to Score
  • Overs/Unders
  • 2nd Half Match Result
  • Halftime/Fulltime
  • Odd or Even Total
  • European Handicap
  • Double Chance
  • Total Goals

Rugby

Betway understands how much South Africans love their rugby. You can bet on Super Rugby, Currie Cup matches and International test games. You can choose between Rugby League or Rugby Union leagues and place various betting markets, such as the following:

  • Match Result
  • Highest Scoring Half
  • Double Chance
  • Odd or Even Total
  • Halftime/Fulltime
  • 1st Half – Double Chance
  • Half Time Result

Cricket

In South Africa, Betway offers the best cricket betting platform. You can find anything from the Caribbean Premier League to exciting T20 matches. Betway also provides punters with an extensive list of bet types. You can expect to see the following:

  • Player Milestone
  • Match Result
  • Coin Toss
  • Total Run Outs
  • Team with Top Batter
  • Tie
  • Best Bowler

Esports

While video game competitions are growing in popularity, more and more sportsbooks are adding an esports platform. If you’re a fan of esports, you can place bets on well-known games like CounterStrike, StarCraft, League of Legends and many others.


Betway In-Game Betting

Betway South Africa live bets

If you’re a sports fanatic looking for a thrilling experience, in-game betting or live betting is a perfect choice. With Betway, you can place a bet while a match is in play. You can place different bets like which team will win or which player will score next.

Live Streaming

For those who prefer live bets, Betway offers access to a live game streaming platform. There aren’t many sportsbooks that provide a live streaming feature, so Betway players definitely have a great advantage.

The live streaming platform gives you valuable information on gaming odds. In this way, you can place more strategic bets while also enjoying an ongoing match.

To start live streaming a specific event, simply open your Betway account and click on the TV icon. There you will find a list of all live streaming games available. Note that not all sports leagues are available on the live stream platform.

Cash Out

You may cash out your bet before the end of the game. This is because Betway South Africa allows the cashout feature on most of its live and pre-match events.


Betway Highlights

Although hundreds of betting sites are available, Betway offers some unique features that define them from the rest of the online sportsbook pool. In the following section, we’ll discuss some of the top Betway highlights.

Jika Fantasy Betting

Betway South Africa virtuals

Jika is a new addition to the Betway feature list and offers a fantasy world of sports with real prizes to be won. With Jika sports, you can bet on virtually simulated matches. These matches are always happening, so there’s always something to bet on.

Betway offers the following Jika Sports (Virtuals):

  • Soccer
  • Nascar Racing
  • Trotting
  • Horse Racing
  • Equestrian Events
  • Horse Racing Roulette

Casino Games

Aviator on Betway

Among top SA titles like Aviator by Spribe, Betway offers 500+ slots with RTP ranging between 96.11% and 99.75%. All in all, the top titles are the branded Hot Hot Betway game and slots by world-renowned software studios including Habanero, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and more.

Live Casino Games

Betway South Africa casino live

With Betway, you won’t lose out on the experience and excitement that actual casinos offer. Live casino games feature real dealers and require a minimum deposit of R1. You can enjoy blackjack, roulette, or game shows like Mega Ball 100 and Deal or No Deal.

BetGames

Similar to live casino games, Betgames also features an interactive live dealer. Some of the Betgames include Wheel of Fortune, Poker, Dice Duel, Baccarat, and many more. You can access these games any day of the year 24/7 and start betting at R1 per round.

Lucky Numbers

Betway South Africa lucky numbers

The Lucky Numbers platform allows South Africans to bet on lottery markets from around the globe. Besides the South African lottery, you can now try your luck with lotteries in Australia, Italy, Canada, Germany, Russia, Greece and the USA.


Betway Payment Methods

Betway provides users with several deposit and withdrawal options. Making a deposit is fast and hassle-free. Here’s a list of Betway’s deposit and withdrawal options. Among them are the popular for South Africa vouchers.

Payment Method Deposit Minimum Deposit Maximum Time for Deposit 
Visa Logo VisaZAR 10ZAR 1 000 000Instant
MasterCard Logo MasterCardZAR 10ZAR 1 000 000Instant
Ozow Logo OzowZAR 10ZAR 1 000 000Instant
1VOUCHER Logo 1VOUCHERZAR 5ZAR 1500Instant
OTT Vouchers Logo OTT VouchersZAR 10ZAR 5000Instant
Kazang Logo KazangZAR 5ZAR 1000Instant
EasyLoad Logo EasyLoadZAR 5ZAR 1000Instant
Blu Voucher Logo Blu VoucherZAR 2ZAR 1000Instant
SID Logo SIDZAR 10ZAR 1 000 000Instant
MTN Logo MTNZAR 1ZAR 3500Instant
Shoprite Logo ShopriteZAR 20ZAR 3000Instant
First Bank Logo First BankZAR 50ZAR 1 000 0001-3 days
Absa Bank Logo Absa BankZAR 50ZAR 1 000 0001-3 days
Nedbank Logo NedbankZAR 50ZAR 1 000 0001-3 days
USSD Logo USSDZAR 5ZAR 5000Instant
EasyEFT Logo EasyEFTZAR 10ZAR 1 000 000Instant
FNB eWallet Logo FNB eWalletZAR 50ZAR 1 000 000Instant
Payment Method Withdrawal Minimum Withdrawal Maximum Time for Withdrawal 
Visa Logo VisaN/AN/AN/A
MasterCard Logo MasterCardN/AN/AN/A
Ozow Logo OzowN/AN/AN/A
1VOUCHER Logo 1VOUCHERZAR 300ZAR 25 0003-5 days
OTT Vouchers Logo OTT VouchersN/AN/AN/A
Kazang Logo KazangN/AN/AN/A
EasyLoad Logo EasyLoadN/AN/AN/A
Blu Voucher Logo Blu VoucherN/AN/AN/A
SID Logo SIDN/AN/AN/A
MTN Logo MTNN/AN/AN/A
Shoprite Logo ShopriteN/AN/AN/A
First Bank Logo First BankZAR 300ZAR 25 0003-5 days
Absa Bank Logo Absa BankZAR 300ZAR 30003-5 days
Nedbank Logo NedbankZAR 300ZAR 25 0003-5 days
USSD Logo USSDN/AN/AN/A
EasyEFT Logo EasyEFTZAR 50ZAR 1 000 0001-2 Days
FNB eWallet Logo FNB eWalletZAR 300ZAR 25 000Instant

With Betway, you can withdraw at a minimum of R50. The accepted withdrawal methods list is much shorter than the deposit list but still effective.

How to withdraw Betway Winnings:

  1. Open your Betway account and click on “Menu”
  2. Choose the “Withdraw Funds” button
  3. Choose a withdrawal method and enter the required information
  4. Select the “Withdraw Now” button

Betway South Africa on Mobile

Betway South Africa mobile app

Not everyone has access to a computer or laptop. Luckily Betway offers a Betway mobile app for all Android, Huawei and iOS devices. There is also a Betway DataFree App option for less mobile data. In this way, you can keep up with the latest betting odds or enjoy a quick casino game while on the go.


Customer Support & Contacts


Betway.co.za – The Bottom Line

Overall, Betway offers a fantastic gambling experience for both experienced and first-time bettors. We especially like the easy-to-navigate platform and wide selections of sports and betting markets. The live casino games and worldwide lotteries are also a huge bonus. There aren’t any other betting sites in South Africa that offer these features.

So if you’re a sports fan or looking for an exciting casino platform, we highly recommend signing up with Betway. We give it a 9.5/10 rating.

Join Betway South Africa


Betway FAQ Section

Can South African citizens join Betway?

Absolutely. Betway is an internationally recognized betting site that operates in South Africa.

Can I use South African Rands to play with Betway?

Yes, you can. Betway accepts South African Rands and offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options.

Is Betway a legal and trustworthy betting platform?

Betway is fully licenced and regulated. When visiting the Betway official site, you can view the casino licence by clicking on the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or National Gambling Board of South Africa icons.

Do I need to be FICA registered to open a Betway account?

Yes. If opening a Betway account is unsuccessful, you can upload a copy of your South African ID or passport to the Betway website.

Can I use Paypal to deposit cash on Betway?

Unfortunately, you can’t use Paypal as a deposit method when playing with Betway South Africa.

Can I make a deposit with cryptocurrencies?

Sadly, Betway South Africa doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies.

Can I download Betway on my mobile device?

Yes. Betway has a fantastic mobile app that works on all iOS and Android devices.

Who won the R10 million dollars on Betway?

R10,000,000 was won by a South African player who used Betway boost and placed a 20-leg accumulator on soccer betting just R15.

Author: Samuel Karugu
Certified Betting Expert
Samuel Karugu
Samuel first started reviewing betting sites professionally in 2011. He is the perfect match for Silentbet, with his research-driven approach and years of experience comparing SA casinos & bookies honing his gambling expertise.
Co-Author: Ernest Masuka
Ernest Masuka
Ernest Masuka specializes in content writing, specifically online casino gaming and sports betting content. He is an expert on gambling in South Africa.