The Best Sports to Bet on in South Africa (2025)
Dive into the exciting world of sports betting by focusing on the events and games that capture your interest. With sports action available all year, you can strategically bet on major tournaments while gaining insights into the nuances of the games and their strategies.
Here’s our curated list of the 10 best sports for betting, each offering unique opportunities and thrills.
1. Soccer – A Universe of Betting Options
Soccer reigns as the world’s most popular sport, both for fans and bettors alike. While it might feel natural to bet on your favourite team, the key to success lies in thorough research. Many punters falter by overlooking the opposition or betting with their hearts instead of their heads.
The soccer betting market is vast, with top bookmakers offering diverse options, including in-play betting and live streaming. For informed bets, analysing team stats, player performance, and even referee tendencies is essential. Alternatively, in-play betting allows you to adapt based on how the match unfolds, using live stats and visuals to guide your decisions.
Pros
High betting limits
Ideal for live betting
Team-based, reducing individual risks
Cons
Overwhelming market variety
Popular Markets
1X2: Bet on a home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2).
Both Teams To Score (BTTS): Predict whether both teams will score during the match.
Over/Under Goals: Wager on whether the total goals scored will exceed or stay below a set number.
Top Pick for Soccer Betting
Betway is a standout platform offering competitive odds, extensive markets, and exclusive features like Bet Builder and Cash Out. With easy navigation and in-play betting options, it’s a preferred choice for soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
2. Horse Racing – Embrace the Unexpected
Horse racing offers a thrilling mix of unpredictability and fast outcomes, appealing to both casual and seasoned bettors. Beginners often stick to picking race winners, while experienced punters explore multi-race bets and advanced strategies.
Researching factors like weather conditions, horse form, and trainer stats is critical. Successful betting also depends on managing your bankroll and betting only when confident in your analysis.
Pros
Wide range of betting options
High rewards for long-shot bets
Quick results
Cons
Requires in-depth research
Popular Markets
Forecast Bet: Predict the first and second-place finishers in order.
Trixie: A bet combining three selections into four separate bets.
Yankee: A mix of 11 bets across four selections.
Top Pick for Horse Racing Betting
Hollywoodbets is a trusted name in horse racing betting, offering Best Odds Guaranteed on local and international races, live streaming, and insights on race cards. It’s a favourite for bettors seeking value and convenience.
3. Tennis – A Game of Surprises
Tennis, with its one-on-one nature and passionate fans, often delivers unexpected outcomes. Analysing head-to-head stats and surface preferences can help identify underdogs with attractive odds.
Livestreaming allows for dynamic in-play betting, making it easier to respond to momentum shifts during matches. If outright winner bets feel risky, try betting on players reaching the final for more consistent returns.
Pros
Abundant data for analysis
Perfect for in-play betting
Consistent interest in Grand Slams
Cons
Highly unpredictable outcomes
Popular Markets
Match Betting: Predict the winner of a match.
Set Betting: Bet on the exact set score or the winner of a specific set.
Tournament Winner: Place a wager on the overall champion.
Top Pick for Tennis Betting
10bet is renowned for its exceptional tennis betting markets, including competitive odds, diverse pre-match and in-play options, and exclusive promotions tailored for tennis fans.
4. Cricket – A Statistically Rich Experience
Cricket combines team and individual performances, offering diverse betting opportunities. From predicting match outcomes to wagering on top scorers or bowlers, the sport caters to bettors who enjoy analysing intricate details.
Short-format games like T20 leagues deliver quick results, while Test matches allow for more strategic betting over days.
Pros
Extensive markets with attractive odds
Great in-play betting options
Fast results in shorter formats
Cons
Test matches can be lengthy and demanding
Popular Markets
1X2: Bet on a win, draw, or loss.
Top Batsman: Predict the player with the most runs.
Top Bowler: Wager on the highest wicket-taker.
Top Pick for Cricket Betting
Hollywoodbets is the go-to platform for cricket betting, offering competitive odds on domestic and international games, special promotions, and expert insights for informed betting decisions.
5. Rugby – A Powerhouse of Formats
Rugby’s fast-paced action and diverse formats make it an exciting sport for bettors. Whether it’s Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Rugby Sevens, the game offers numerous markets, especially during major tournaments like the Six Nations or the Rugby World Cup.
Pros
Easy-to-follow gameplay
Frequent international events
Broad range of betting options
Cons
Fast pace can complicate stats-based analysis
Popular Markets
Anytime Try Scorer: Bet on a player to score a try.
First Try Scorer: Predict which player will score the opening try.
Half-Time/Full-Time: Combine predictions for half-time and full-time outcomes.
Top Pick for Rugby Betting
Sportingbet offers detailed stats, live updates, and diverse markets. It’s ideal for rugby fans seeking an engaging and data-driven betting experience, with special promotions during major tournaments.
Whichever sport you choose, the key to successful betting is preparation, strategy, and responsible play. Explore your options and make informed decisions to maximise your enjoyment.