Playabets review: One of the best betting sites in South Africa

Playabets is a wholly South African bookie and they prove that Local is Lekker with a whopping first deposit match offer of up to R10000. They also have a Loyalty program that gives you a 5% return on all losses on the following Tuesday.
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R5 000 Welcome bonus

How we've estimated Playabets

Players' Rating
4.8
Bonuses
4.0
Mobile App
5.0
Odds
5.0
Payments methods
5.0
Markets Availability
5.0
Support
5.0

Expert's Thoughts

I have been a member at Playabets for the past few years and their recent transformation with the new site is nothing short of brilliant. As an experienced punter myself, I would recommend them to any punter whether new or old. They cater for all sports punters and also have an extensive range of Live Games available.

Indran Naidoo
Main author/editor

Advantages and disadvantages

  • R5 000 welcome bonus
  • Best odds on all sports
  • Extensive range of live sports betting
  • No Live Streaming

Playabets reviews

If you are looking for a wholly South African betting that is world class,then Playabet is for you. Playabets has its roots deeply enriched with gambling from as far back as the 1970s. They began their operations in the days when horse racing was the only form of legal betting in the country. Playabets had retail betting shops where punters could place their bets before they joined the online betting market in 2014.

The Playabets online site has all the frills and fancies that a local punter would enjoy from excellent promotions to innovative features. This review will showcase all the benefits of joining this great betting site so stick around and be amazed by what Playabets can offer new and existing customers.

Playabets review: our opinion about one of the best bookmakers in South Africa

Key Features

  • Weekly Cash Back Bonus
  • Cash Out
  • Widest range of casino games
  • Live Match Tracker

Playabets has over 50 years of betting experience under their belts and in that time they have built a fantastic reputation with punters. Their online site has been similarly praised by players who are delighted with honesty and integrity. Playabets is one of the oldest betting sites and is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator which is one of the gambling authorities in the country. All players’ information is protected by SSL encryption software and firewalls so your information is perfectly safe.

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Bonus Program

The success of a betting site is largely due to what they can offer punters in terms of promotions and other features. It is safe to say that Playabets popularity is due to their extensive bonus program that has something for every kind of punter as the bonuses are available for sports and casino games. Since there is now a huge following for online casino games, Playabets offer free spins bonuses daily on some selected slots. We will now discuss some of the most awesome promotions in more detail, including the terms and conditions of these offers.

Welcome Bonus

The great news for punters is that Playabets have recently increased their welcome bonus to a whooping R5 000. The first deposit match offer is available for both sports and casino. As with all welcome bonuses, it is important to take note of the following rules;

  • Make your first deposit of a minimum of R50 or more and Playabets will match your deposit up to a maximum of R5000. Once you receive your bonus you will need to rollover your deposit 1 time on bets with odds of 2 (1/1) or greater and your bonus 8 times on odds 2.0 (2/1), only bets placed on pre-match and in play sports will count to the rollover requirements.
  • This offer is available only on your first deposit made.
  • The maximum bonus amount that can be claimed is R5000
  • This offer will be credited to your account automatically provided you have selected to participate in this promotion upon registration.
  • Winnings from bonus money cannot exceed R5000
  • If the stake rollover requirement for this bonus has not been met within 7 days of the first qualifying deposit, any funds held in the bonus balance will be forfeited
  • This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other new customer/ registration offer.
  • This offer is exclusive and cannot be used with any other new offer either a customer or a registration offer.
  • Bonus funds cannot be used on Booming games.

Multibet Bonus Boost

Playabets gives punters an odds boost on all multi bets. This bonus ranges from 2% for a multibet with 2 legs all the way to 125% for a bet with 40+ selections. The odds are automatically calculated for you if each leg meets the minimum odds criteria. Take note of the rules of this bonus below;

  • This bonus is applicable on all sports bets.
  • If any match is void (abandoned, postponed, cancelled) and the amount of events falls into a lower bonus category, then you will be paid in the lower category or the category that relates to the amount of RESULTED events on your ticket. If your BET has 10 events and one event is declared void, then the bonus value on your ticket will be calculated at 10% for 9 events instead and NOT 15% for 10 events.
  • Maximum payout on the total win is R5 000 000.
  • Only events on your ticket with odds 1.35 (7/20) and higher counts towards the amount of matches on the ticket.
  • If your bonus is not automatically shown on your ticket, then you do not qualify for the bonus. There will be NO manual adding of bonuses to accounts or payouts.

Sports Weekly Cashback

Had a bad betting week? Don’t stress as it’s not all doom and gloom as Playabets will now refund you 5% of your net weekly losses on the following Tuesday. There are of course some conditions that you have to be aware of:

  • You will get cash back on your aggregate weekly net loss from your weekly betting activity. The weekly period is from Monday 00:00 to Sunday 23:59 with money back bonuses being credited before 12:00 every Tuesday.
  • The aggregated net loss is calculated as: Winning bets profit-losing stakes. For example, you have winning bets for R7000 and losing bets for R8000. The net loss for the week is R2000. You will get 5% back on R2000 which is R100. Only net losses of over R100 will qualify for this offer.
  • Maximum cash back is R2000 per week and will be credited and to your spot bonus wallet.
  • Money back is only applicable to net losses on sports betting & Live in play with odds of 1.5 or higher.
  • To qualify for this offer, players must make at least one deposit during the qualifying week.
  • The maximum amount that can be converted to cash from your cash back bonus is R5000. Cash back is valid for 7 days and expires if not used within this period.
  • Once you have qualified for your money back bonus, the bonus will automatically be credited to your account each Tuesday and you will receive an SMS to notify you.
  • Bets taken with bonus money do not count towards your weekly losses and do not qualify for this promotion.

Playbets Mobile App

Playabets have designed a betting app that elevates your gambling pleasure to new heights. The app has all the promotions and other features of the main site with one major added benefit which is the super fast speed. If you are a fan of live betting or playing casino games where the odds are rapidly changing, then betting on the Playabets app will be a most rewarding experience.

How to download Playabets App on android?

The download process of the Playabets Android app is quick and easy when you use our guide.
  • Log onto the Playabets site: Go to the Playabets site from your preferred mobile device.
    1
  • Locate the Download app link: You will find the Download App link in the footer of the home page
    2
  • Click on Download Android App
    3
  • Go to your mobile devices setting: Go to Settings Icon on your Android device and allow download from unknown source.
    4
  • Finally Install App: Once the Playabets Android app is downloaded, you can then open it.
    5

How to download the Playabets iOS app

It is rather surprising that Playabets does not have a dedicated mobile app for iOS users. Their site does however say that the iOS version of the app will be launched soon. There is no need to be concerned if you are an iOS user as you can add the Playabets site to your home screen for easy access. Here are the steps to add Playabets to your home screen.
  • Open the Safari app: Open Safari on your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌.
    1
  • Go to the Playabets site: log onto the Playabets site
    2
  • Click on the Share Icon: Click on the Share icon at the bottom of the screen.
    3
  • Add to Home Screen: Scroll down to the list of actions and tap Add to Home Screen.
    4

You will now find the Playabets app on the home screen for easy access.

Line and betting options at Playabets

Playabets is arguably the oldest of all South African betting companies which is one of the reasons that they have such a comprehensive selection of sports and casino games to bet on. They have catered for players that bet on all the major sports by offering excellent odds while all the lesser known sports like snooker and darts are also available on the site. One of the stand out features of the Playabets site is the extensive live betting markets.

Live betting

Playa_Live-betting

Without doubt one of the most exciting changes to online betting in the last decade has been the introduction of live betting. It proved to be an instant hit with punters as they could bet on a match while it played out in real time. Playabets has been one of the premier betting sites when it comes to live betting as they offer hundreds of live betting options on a daily basis. The obvious attraction of live betting is that you can now bet according to how the match situation changes eg. If a key player gets injured or sent off then you can bet on the opposing team to win which was never possible before live in play betting.

Football betting at Playabets

Football betting in playabets

The football betting options at Playabets are endless with hundreds of matches being covered everyday. You can bet on football leagues from every continent with the most in depth betting markets reserved for the European Leagues like the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A. The local PSL is still one of the most popular leagues for betting and Playabets has some of the best odds on this league.

There are also excellent markets and odds for the other local competitions like the Nedbank Cup. It is not only the different football leagues that get great coverage but all the major tournaments like the Champions League, Europa and the English FA Cup also have loads of betting options for every match. Playabet can match any other site with their football odds and they also offer boosted odds on all football multi bets.

Cricket betting

Cricket betting in playabet

Cricket has been one of the most followed sports in the country even during the years of isolation when the greats like Clive Rice and Graeme Pollock were not allowed to play overseas teams. That popularity for the sport continued over the years and when cricket betting was legalised it immediately proved to be popular with cricket fans. Test cricket and One Day cricket took a long time to complete a match but the advent of T20 cricket changed all of this. The shortest format of the game attracted millions of punters as there were odds attached to every delivery in the match. Playabets covers all the major T20 leagues like the SA20, IPL,BBL and the Caribbean Premier League.

Horse Racing betting

Horse Racing betting in playa bet

Playabets have been involved with horse racing for the last 50 years with their retail shops so it’s of no surprise that they offer some of the best odds. South Africa has a huge fraternity of punters that bet on horse racing every day. Playabets has loads of betting markets for races taking place in the country and in other countries as well. They offer some excellent promotions specifically for horse racing when big races like the July handicap are taking place.

Rugby betting

Rugby betting in playa bets

When it comes to rugby betting, Playabets has you covered with great odds and a diverse selection of matches from tournaments across the globe. Rugby betting is only second to football in the country with the success of the Springboks making more fans every year.  Whether you’re into Southern Hemisphere clashes or Northern Hemisphere showdowns, Playabets have got in depth betting markets for you. You’ll find betting options on the most popular tournaments, including the United Rugby Championship (URC), English Premiership, Super Rugby Pasifika and the French Top 14.

All the national tournaments like the Six Nations and Rugby Championship offer Outright winner bets months in advance. This is particularly handy as you can monitor any changes to odds as the start of the tournament approaches.

Casino at Playabets

In recent years online casinos have grown tremendously with more punters favouring betting from the comfort of their homes rather than going to a physical casino. Playabets were quick to pounce on this opportunity and have a range of casino slots and table games that is arguably the best in the county. You can now play any of the traditional games like Roulette and Blackjack or the hugely popular Aviator crash game. In all, there are well in excess of 500 different games available on the Playabets site so there is a game for everyone’s preference. We identified these as some of the most played games at Playabets.

Aviator

Never has an online game made such an impact as Aviator and it continues to be super popular with punters. It is still highly ranked on the Playabets site as the game is easy to play with potential for players to win huge payouts.

Gates of Olympus 1000

The exciting Gates of Olympus 1000 game promises thrill a minute gameplay and the potential for huge wins as you join the search for crowns and golden goblets. The aim of the game is to match eight symbols, this can be across any of the grids. You can win anywhere between 2 and 1000 times your stake.

Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake

The Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake sees your favorite fisherman return with a 5×3 slot with a chance to activate two free spins rounds. The new improved slot offers bigger rewards where the fisherman can hook gold diamonds. There are plenty of chances for free spins bonuses with five Scatter symbols instantly giving you 20 free spins. If you get Four fisherman during the free spins round, you can win the progressive multiplier.

Wisdom of Athena 1000

Wisdom of Athena 1000 is the sequel to the original mythological slot, Wisdom of Athena. Athena reigns over a 6×6 grid with the top row initially locked. Once you match four symbols of the shield, helmet or grid, you are a winner which unblock 15 tumbles in the game. The powerful multipliers go up to 1000 times your stake.

Playabets Registration

In order to qualify for all the great promotions on the Playabets site, all you need to do is register on the site via the main site or on the mobile app. A Lot of thought went into the Playabets registration process as it is now simplified and takes just a few minutes to complete.

After registration, you get access to playabets lotto, lucky numbers and other games
  • Log into the Playabets website: Access the Playabets site from your computer or mobile device.
    1
  • Click on Sign Up: Click the Yellow Sign Up button to start the registration process.
    2
  • Complete your personal details: Enter all your personal details as requested on the registration form.
    3
  • Choose a password : Finally you need to choose a password and input your physical address. Make sure the password is something you keep private.
    4

You are now ready to complete your Playabets login

How to verify your account

FICA verification is required by all betting sites for new players that join their site. This is a government requirement to prevent illegal activities like fraud and money laundering. All you need to do is submit a copy of your ID or passport and a proof of residence that is not older than 3 months. This can be in the form of a bank statement to a utility bill. No withdrawals will be permitted until you pass your FICA registration.

Simply follow these steps to complete your FICA registration on the Playabets site.

  • Firstly, you need to log  into your Playabets account.
  • Click on the Account tab on the home page
  • Click on the Upload Documents Tab from the drop down menu.
  • You can now upload your ID copy and proof of residence on this portal

Verification of your FICA documents typically takes between 2 to 8 hours. It is important to ensure that you submit clear copies of your documents, as unclear or blurry copies may cause delays or issues with the verification process.

Playabets Login

Now that your Playabets sign up is complete, you can use your Playabets login South Africa to begin placing bets. Before you do that, you need to complete your Playabets login. Simply follow these easy steps
  • Visit the Playabets website: Visiting the Playabets website is the first step in accessing your account.
    1
  • Locate the Playabet Login Section: Locate the Playabets online login section in the upper-right corner of the home page.
    2
  • Enter your details: You’ll need to input both your mobile phone number and the password you set up earlier.
    3
  • Verify Your details: When entering your Playabets sign up login details, please verify that they are correct.
    4
  • Login Playabets: Then, click on the “Login” icon to enter your account.
    5

Payments Methods

playabets banking details: how to make deposit in playabets and withdrawal

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the Playabets deposit options. They have all the payment options that are popular with local punters.

Making a deposit at Playabets

Playabets reinforces its reputation as one of the top betting sites by offering a wide variety of convenient deposit options on its platform. With up to 21 different methods available, punters have the choice to use the method that best suits their needs. These options include popular choices such as vouchers and OZOW payments, making it easy and accessible for players to fund their accounts quickly and securely This table below shows the different deposit options along with the processing times for each method.

Payment MethodMinimum DepositSpeed
OZOWR10Instant
1VoucherR5Instant
Card TransactionsR20Immediate to 24 hours
Debit CardsR20Immediate to 24 hours
SID PaymentsR20Instant
OTT VouchersR5Instant
Bidvest PayR20Instant
Checkers and ShopriteR20Instant

The minimum deposit amount is R10 via the betting vouchers while R20 is the minimum deposit amount using the OZOW deposit method. Both these methods are processed immediately with no waiting period.

Requesting a Withdrawal at Playabets

Playabets offers players several convenient withdrawal options on their platform. The fastest method is Instant Cash which allows you to receive your winnings within just 30 minutes. Bank transfers are also available and can take a few hours to process. However, if the request is made over the weekend, it may take up to 24 hours. Below is a list of the available withdrawal methods at Playabets.

Withdrawal MethodMinimum WithdrawalSpeed
EFTR50Between 2-24 hours
FNB EwalletR100Within an hour
STD Bank Instant CashR100Within an hour

How to make a deposit at Playabets?

The most difficult part of making a deposit at Playabets is deciding which option to use. We have formulated a guide to assist you with your withdrawal.
  • Account Login: Complete your Playabets login.
    1
  • Enter LogIn details: Enter your username and password.
    2
  • Deposit Tab: Click on the Green Deposit notice at the top of the page.
    3
  • Deposit method: On the deposit screen it will give you a choice of different methods of deposit
    4
  • Deposit Amount: Choose an amount that you want to deposit.
    5

Remember some deposit methods may take up to 24 hours to reflect in your account.

How to withdraw at Playabets?

The withdrawal process at Playabets has been made simple and user-friendly, ensuring that even new players can complete it with ease. If you’re making your first withdrawal, it’s important to make sure that all wagering requirements related to the welcome bonus have been met. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete your withdrawal at Playabets
  • Login onto the Playabets site: Visit the Playabets site from your mobile or computer
    1
  • Enter username and password: Complete your Playabets login by clicking the login buttоn аt thе tор right соrnеr.
    2
  • Click My Account: Оnсе yоu аrе logged in tо yоur Playabets ассоunt, gо tо My Account icon on the top right of the page
    3
  • Click Withdraw: Сlісk оn thе Withdrawal button from the drop-down menu. Nоtе thаt thе withdraw mеnu оnly арреаrs оnсе yоu аrе logged in.
    4
  • Method of Withdrawal: Сhооsе yоur рrеfеrrеd withdrаwаl mеthоd
    5
  • Enter Amount: Drор dоwn tо thе аmоunt sрасе аnd еntеr thе аmоunt yоu wаnt tо withdraw.
    6

How to make a bet at Playabets

Placing your first bet at Playabets is a formality even if you are new to the site. Simply decide on the sport you want to bet on and follow these instructions.
  • Login onto the Playabets site: Log onto Playabets from your computer or mobile device.
    1
  • Enter username and password: Login into your ассоunt by clicking the login buttоn аt thе tор right соrnеr.
    2
  • Select the sport you want to bet on: Click on the sport that you want to bet on from the list on the left side of the home page.
    3
  • Select the league/competition: Choose the league or competition that you want to bet on.
    4
  • Select your team/s: Select the teams you want to bet on and enter a stake amount.
    5

Website Usability

Playabets has successfully combined a sleek, modern design with user-friendly functionality which creates a platform that’s both visually impressive and easy to navigate. The site has been recently redesigned and has a brighter look but less of the Green and Black theme that Playabets were famous for. Both the desktop and mobile app offer exceptional speed, making them ideal for in-play betting where odds shift quickly. Playabets have continued with their tradition of keeping things simple as first time players will easily navigate on the site. All the casino and sport offerings are accessible directly from the home page.

Playabets Customer Support

The Playabets telephonic customer service was excellent as the agent was well trained and assisted with our query within a minute. The Live Chat facility was a little delayed but our query was eventually dealt with. The best part is that there is 24/7 customer service available on all their communication channels. These are the contact details for Playabets customer service

  • Telephone 087 057 5292
  • Email: support@playabets.co.za
  • Live chat on the site
  • The Whatsapp facility is no longer active

Conclusion

Playabets have certainly used their experience in the gambling industry to great effect in designing a site that will satisfy the needs of all local punters. They offer competitive odds on all major sports and have excellent promotional offers for sports and casino players.It is refreshing to see that Playabets also has a mobile app that is better than most of the other apps on the market. The choice of sports and casino games will keep you mesmerized as there are hundreds of games available on the site. Playabets customer support is also exceptional with the big positive being it is available 24/7. An area that they can improve on is to introduce esports betting as this has become very popular with punters in South africa. Overall we can confidently say the Playabets site is perfect for any punter that wants an unforgettable gaming experience.

FAQ

Yes, Playabets started their operation in 1972 with retail betting shops before joining the online betting world. They are licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator which is one of the provincial gambling authorities.

Log into your account and click on the Account Icon. Click on the Withdraw option from the drop down menu.

You will need to first log onto your Playabets account and make a deposit. Select the sport and then the teams you want to wager on. Enter a stake amount and click on the submit button to place your bet.

You will see how much is in your Bonus account before placing your bet. Select the Bonus Account option when placing your bet.
R5 000 Welcome bonus
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