Sportingbet Review: bookmaker with an excellent reputation is now in South Africa

Sportingbet boasts the largest sportsbook in the country and has the widest coverage of live betting with all major and minor sports covered. They offer new players a free bet of up to R2000 when you join their site and have fantastic features like Edit My Bet and Bet Builder.
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Risk Free First Bet of up to R2000

SPORTINGBET REVIEWS

Players' Rating
4.4
Bonuses
5.0
Mobile App
4.0
Odds
4.0
Payments methods
5.0
Markets Availability
5.0
Support
4.0

Expert's Thoughts

Sportingbet is one of those bookies that have an excellent reputation and it is easy to see why as they keep to all their promises. Their welcome bonus is a classical example as they have an innovative welcome offer of a Risk Free First Bet up to R2000. I am impressed no end with their homepage as their layout allows you to access all sports and casino options with just one click. It is very clear to me that they can lay to being South Africa's premier online betting site as they have all their bases covered. Having reviewed multiple betting sites I will definitely recommend Sportingbet to any punter regardless of what their sport or casino preference is.

Indran Naidoo
Main author/editor

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Widest range of sports betting markets
  • Market leading betting features
  • Excellent speed on site
  • Customer service is delayed

SportingBet reviews

Sportingbet have built their reputation on having the largest sportsbook in the country and have often led the way on the online betting market in recent years.

They introduced the first R2000 welcome bonus although this has now been changed to a Risk Free First Bet also up to R2000. They were also the first to offer game changing features like Build A Bet and Edit My Bet.

Sportingbet have added a huge casino option and provide virtual sports with their own dedicated page.

However, there’s no doubt that the huge array of sports markets is their true priority. In sports alone, they offer an incredible array of markets.

With such an overwhelming amount of content, Sportingbet may come across as intimidating to newcomers. This is not the case as the site is super easy to use and navigate. 

Key Features

  • Largest Sportsbook in South Africa
  • Build a Bet feature
  • Fantastic Welcome bonus
  • Edit My Bet feature

Licence and reliability

Sportingbet is one of the oldest betting companies as they started their operation way back in 1998 in Europe and enjoyed great success from their launch.

The Sportingbet brand was brought to South Africa in 2008 and has grown exponentially in this country. They are a firm favourite with local punters and they only enhanced their reputation by sponsoring numerous sporting tournaments in the country.

Sportingbet is fully licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board which guarantees that they are a fully legalised online bookie within this country. 

5 / 5
Our Opinion About Sportingbet Offers

Sportingbet often claim to have the largest sportsbook from all the other online bookies in South Africa and we can assure you their claim is absolutely true.

They have over 70 different sports and hundreds of casino games that you can bet on.

There is also a wide range of Lucky and Betgames available 24/7 with draws taking every few minuites.

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Line and betting options

There is no other bookie that can compete with Sportingbet’s range of betting markets. They not only have the largest sportsbook but they also have in depth betting markets on all sports.

They of course offer great football betting coverage but what sets them apart is the availability of betting options in the minor sports as well.

They also have an extensive selection of casino games and esports that you can bet on if that is your preference.

Live betting

Live-betting-Betway

The online gambling experience has improved substantially. There have been lots of other developments too, many of which have really benefited gamblers in one way or another.

Out of all these developments, there has been one in particular that has proved to be incredibly popular among those who enjoy wagering on sports.

The introduction of live in play betting, or live betting as it is also known, has completely changed the way that many people place their sports wagers. This simple difference has opened up a whole new range of betting opportunities.

Live betting is a great way for punters and sports enthusiasts to try to get an advantage over the bookmakers. And, more importantly for some, it’s extremely fun and can be very profitable.

Football betting

Football-betting-Betway

Sportingbet has certainly not missed a beat when it comes to football betting as they have every conceivable league covered from around the globe.

They have extensive betting markets in all the major European leagues like the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and the French Ligue. All these leagues have hundreds of bets available on a single match.

Sportingbet have the widest betting markets for the local PSL which is always popular with punters.

The cherry on top for football betting at this bookie is the amazing features like Bet Builder and Edit My Bet. This has added an extra element of excitement to football betting.

Sportingbet now allows you the opportunity to change your football bet slip while the matches are still active.

Football betting odds are available for punters well in advance so there is ample time for punters to monitor any drastic changes that may take place as matchday approaches.

This is very helpful to punters as an injury to a key player may be the reason for the odds changing.

Cricket betting

Cricket-betting-Sportingbet

Cricket did not have the best betting markets prior to the explosion of T20 as there was just Test and 50 over matches.The popularity of T20 matches has completely changed the entire framework of betting on cricket.

The popularity of cricket betting has grown tenfold in recent years, with millions of people now wagering on the sport each year.

There are many reasons why betting online on cricket is so popular.

You can bet on cricket matches from all over the world and there is a huge range of markets to bet on, from the result of the match to individual player performances.

You can place bets pre-match or in-play, giving you more flexibility and opportunity to find value bets.

Sportingbet offers bonuses and promotions specifically for cricket betting, which can add value to your bets.

They have excellent promotions especially for the IPL and other T20 leagues like the Big Bash and the CPL.

Rugby betting

Rugby-betting-Sportingbet

The popularity of rugby betting in South Africa is second only to football betting and Sportingbet has acknowledged this as they have rugby matches from all around the world covered.

They have in depth markets for the Northern Hemisphere competitions like the French Top 14, Gallagher Premiership and the international Six Nations tournaments.

Their coverage is also extensive for the New Zealand and Australian Super rugby competitions.

They have saved their widest markets for the United Rugby Championship. This competition is played in Europe and South Africa and features all our local teams therefore the betting interest for rugby punters is through the roof.

Later this year for the first time, the local teams will compete in the Champions Cup and Sportingbet will have extensive betting markets for this tournament as well. 

Horse Racings betting

Horse-Racings-betting-Sportingbet

For many decades in South Africa horse racing was the only form of legal gambling that was permitted and of course there were millions of punters looking to make a few bucks.

Betting was conducted at retail shops but the introduction of online betting companies has changed the way horse racing betting takes place.

Sportingbet allows punters to bet on all the local races and they have races from Australia and Europe extensively covered.

They also offer punters great odds on these races with promotional offers on the major events like the July Handicap.

You can now take all the traditional bets like the Pick 6, Trifecta, Swingers and many more from the comfort of your mobile with the Sportingbet app or mobile version.

Tennis betting

Tennis-betting-Sportingbet

Tennis betting is extremely popular as there are matches taking place all year around, There are multiple tours like the men’s ATP Tour and the women’s WTA where hundreds of matches take place on a daily basis.

If that was not enough Sportingbet also have betting markets for the Challenger Tour which will excite tennis punters.

The Grand Slams remain the pinnacle of the sport and for these tournaments Sportingbet offers Live betting on all matches which is fantastic.  

eSports betting

eSports-betting-Sportingbet

Considering the explosion of popularity that Esports have enjoyed in the last decade, we felt they deserved their own shout out here.

This is especially the case when you consider the massive amount of options that are available at Sportingbet. Options here include CS:GO, Call Of Duty, League of Legends, Rainbow 6 and Rocket League.

Esports generally do not have the same amount of markets as traditional sports though, so they aren’t quite as overwhelming as some of the examples you’d find in markets like football, for instance.

The betting markets will only increase with time as new games and tournaments come into the market. 

Sportingbet Casino

Casino Sportingbet

Sportingbet was one of the first bookies to offer live casino games in the country and they have gone from strength to strength in this regard.

They have consistently offered a unique online gaming experience in the form of new and exciting casino games.

Now Sportingbet offers players the opportunity to bet on slots. South African punters can now bet on numerous exciting slot titles with a trusted online bookie.

Some of the titles that players can look forward to include the ancient Egyptian-themed Loot’En Khamun and Book of Horus, as well as other exciting real money slot games like Aztec Gold and Ring of Dragons.

Enter the world of online slots and explore everything there is to enjoy, from the many unique game features to the best in-game graphics only at Sportingbet.

4 / 5
Our Opinion About Sportingbet Odds

When a bookies offers as many sports to be on like Sportingbet does, it will naturally be impossible to have the best odds on all markets.

We have noticed that they have very competitive odds on the most popular sports and major tournaments while their odds on the smaller sports are not the best.

Sportingbet Registration and login

To sign-up at Sportingbet, all that is required is a few minutes of your time. The registration process is simplified so that you won’t have any problems.

We have helped you by stating the step by step process below.

  1. Go to your browser, on the browser address bar type www.sportingbet.co.za and press “Enter” for  the home page to open.
  2. Join (Registration): Once the Home page opens you go to right hand side corner and click on the ‘Register’ button.
  3. Create an Account: On the home page It will take you to a pop up window (Create an Account) which will ask for your email address. 
  4. Personal Details: This screen will ask you for personal information. ’Name’ You will fill your details under First Name, Middle Name, Last Name
  5. Mobile Number: you will enter your mobile number – Next step after entering your mobile number  is to choose a password and in the next section it will ask you to confirm the same password.
  6. Terms & Condition: You need to tick the three boxes and accept the terms and conditions from the bookie.
  7. Submit: After filling all the details you click on the Register button at the button of the page to complete the registration process.

Bonus program 

The continued entry of new betting companies into the local betting scene is actually good news for punters as there is greater choice for them.

Betting companies are now offering even more bonuses and promotions to attract punters and Sportingbet is no exception.

We will be taking a more detailed look at some of Sportingbet bonuses and promotions. 

Welcome bonus

Welcome bonus Sportingbet

Sportingbet offers new punters a Risk Free Bet of up to R2000. While this is an already great bonus, the simplicity of receiving the bonus is the best part.

It may not be the biggest welcome bonus but it is among the best as you can place the bet on one team or you can use it on multibet.

Football Multi Special

Football Multi Special Sportingbet

One of the most frustrating feelings for any punter is to lose their multi bet by a single leg.

Sportingbet will now refund your stake if you are one leg out with your bet. There must be a minimum of five selections at odds of 1.5 or better in each selection. 

Super Spinner

Super-Spinner-Sportingbet

This is a great offer for punters that enjoy the casino games as Sportingbet offers you a R300 free spin on selected slot games when you bet a minimum of R50.

Please note this offer is only valid on a one time only basis. 

5 / 5
Our Opinion About Sporting Bonuses

Sporting led the way for a long time with the largest welcome bonus of R2 000 but nowadays there may be bigger bonuses but Sportingbet has the easiest wagering requirements of 3x rollover of the bonus.

They also offer a daily free spin on their Wheel of Fortune when you deposit R50.

Sportingbet app

Sportingbet mobile app Sportingbet

A brilliant design and usability can be found as part of the fantastic Sportingbet app, which you can enjoy on either Android or iOS.

This essentially means that whatever device you prefer to bet through, Sportingbet has it covered.

The mobile app is every bit as terrific an experience as the desktop option.

There is no loss of content on the mobile app which is the best part and means the terrific live betting experience is every bit as great as it is on the desktop version.

4 / 5
Our Opinion About Sportingbet Mobile

The Sportingbet app is user friendly, informative and is a replica of the main site so punters will love this new betting gadget.

All their design brilliance from the desktop version is transferred to the app which you can enjoy on either Android or iOS.

All the Sportingbet promotions and features are available on the app.

Payment methods

Payment methods Sportingbet

Sportingbet has a wide range of payment options that you can use to fund your account. These payment methods range from the traditional bank transfers to the more modern OZOW method for people with banking apps. We will now take a closer look at the different payment options:

  • Credit Card: Visa or Mastercard, once you select this option then you must enter the amount that you want to deposit and click on submit, it will show you this message on the screen “Generating deposit request” and will open the credit card detail pop up screen. On this screen you will put your name, surname, card number, expiry month-year and the CVV number and submit. This method takes between 24 to 48 hours to reflect in your account. 
  • 1 Voucher: The second option on deposit request is ‘1 Voucher’ choose this option and then click on submit button, it will show you this message on the screen “Generating deposit request” and will open the ‘one voucher pop up screen here you need to put ‘Voucher Code’ and your mobile number and click the ‘submit button’. This method instantly reflects in your account
  • OTT Voucher: The third option on deposit request is ‘OTT Voucher’ choose this option and then click on submit button, it will show you this message on the screen “Generating deposit request” and will open the ‘one voucher pop up screen here you need to put ‘Voucher Code’ and your mobile number and click the ‘submit button’. This method instantly reflects in your account
  • OZOW: 0Z0W Instant EFT – Once you click on this option; a small pop screen will open which will give you the option of deposit amount, you enter the desired amount and, it will show you this message on the screen “Generating deposit request” and will give you a list of a few South African banks, choose your bank of choice, then the login page of the chosen bank appears. You can put your ID and password and finish the transaction process. This method instantly reflects in your account

How to make a deposit at Sportingbet?

Here is the step-by-step instruction to funding your account:

  1. Log into your Sportingbet account.
  2. Enter “LogIn” details: Enter your username and password.
  3. “Deposit Tab”: Choose the Dark Blue Deposit tab at the top of the page.
  4. “Click Deposit”: Click on the deposit button.
  5. “Deposit method”: On the deposit screen it will give you a choice of different methods of deposit.
  6. “Deposit Amount”: Choose an amount that you want to deposit. 
  7. “Credit Amount”: After the deposit has been made your account will be credited instantly or could take 24 hours to reflect depending on the deposit method that you chose. The Voucher method is hugely popular as it is instant and starts at R10.

How to withdraw at Sportingbet?

Sportingbet has a few different withdrawal options for punters with their Instant Cash and Ewallet options the best as you can receive your cash within hours.

These are the steps to follow the withdraw your winnings: 

  1. “Login”: Visit www.sportingbet.со.zа using your browser.
  2. “Enter username and password”: Login tо yоur ассоunt by clicking the login buttоn аt thе tор right соrnеr.
  3. “Click My Account”: Оnсе yоu аrе logged in tо yоur Sportingbet ассоunt, gо tо My Account icon on the top right of the page.
  4. “Click Cashier”: Сlісk оn thе Cashier button from the drop down menu. Nоtе thаt thе withdraw mеnu оnly арреаrs оnсе yоu аrе logged in.
  5. “Method of Withdrawal”: Сhооsе yоur рrеfеrrеd withdrаwаl mеthоd.
  6. “Enter Amount”: Drор dоwn tо thе аmоunt sрасе аnd еntеr thе аmоunt yоu wаnt tо withdraw. Nоtе thаt this аmоunt must bе within yоur аvаilаblе bаlаnсе.
5 / 5
Our Opinion About Sportingbet Payments

Sportingbet has a very simplified process to fund your account and best of all there are numerous different methods to make a deposit.

Some of these include the traditional bank transfer to the modern ways like using OZOW for players that have a banking app.

The voucher method is always popular as it starts as low as R10 and it is instant.

Website usability

Sportingbet have used their 25 years experience in the gambling industry  to create a betting platform that can rival any other betting site in the country.

The easy navigation is just one of the many great things about the site.

One of the best features is the layout of the site as everything is clearly laid out on the home page.

The very popular live betting markets are across the page so you don’t need to spend time looking for these betting markets.

Since football is naturally the most popular betting sport for punters, all the upcoming high profile games are splashed across a banner for your convenience.

Live betting is a treat at Sportingbet as the speed of the site allows you to keep up to date with the rapidly changing markets.

We can have no complaints  about the site’s usability, just compliments about it. 

Sportingbet Support 

Sportingbet are arguably the oldest of all South African bookies but if there is an area they can improve is their customer service.

They do have 24/7 customer support which is great but there is a delay in their telephonic support which can be frustrating. We suggest using their Live Chat which is fast and efficient.

They also have an Email facility for queries but this could take up to 8 hours before you get a response. You can access their email support by going to their Help page and logging a query.

Sportingbet has a comprehensive FAQ page that can be very helpful. 

4 / 5
Our Opinion About Sportingbet Support

Sportingbet has a 24/7 customer service service for players although the telephonic service was poor as there was a long waiting period. The Live chat was however answered timeously and the query was quickly fixed.

They also have a comprehensive FAQ that is very useful.

FAQ

Yes, Sportingbet is totally legal and have been operating in South Africa since 2008.They are one of the most recognizable and respected brands on the betting market. They are registered with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board which assures their legality.

Log onto your Sportingbet account and select “My Account”. Click on “Cashier” and select the method and the amount you wish to withdraw. In case you experience any difficulties read our step-by-step instructions on “How To Withdraw”.

Log into your Sportingbet account and select the sport you want to bet on. Make your selections and once complete, enter the amount that you want to bet. Click on the “Place Bet” button to confirm your bet.

Yes they have a Cash Out feature on both pre-match bets and Live in play betting. The bets that have the Cash Out feature available are indicated in a bright green colour.

Conclusion

Sportingbet are true to their word that they have the largest sportsbook and are streets ahead of any other bookie in this regard.

The positives for this bookie does not end here as they have fantastic promotional offers and of course they were the first bookie in the country to offer features like Edit My Bet and Bet Builder.

They have built on their already superb reputation by having extensive markets for Live Betting and have one of the most comprehensive casino betting ranges with hundreds of different games.

Sportingbet have not forgotten about mobile users and have an excellent app for your betting needs. The app is easy to download and has great speed and features like the main site.

We encourage any punter to join this great bookie.

Risk Free First Bet of up to R2000
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