Online sports betting has grown tremendously all over the world, and South Africa is no exception, which does not come as a surprise given the fact the nation is passionate about different kinds of sports, especially football. In fact, more than half of the country’s adult population engages in web-based sports betting, and the demand is unlikely to drop. If you are curious to know more about the betting market in South Africa, read on.
Rules and Regulations
When it comes to the regulation of online bookies, South Africa has definitely surpassed other markets on the continent. The market is controlled by the gambling laws imposed by the National Gambling Board which has been active since 1966, and the rules in place are friendly both to the operators and the punters. As a result, more and more international business owners choose to set up their platforms all over the country, which creates tough competition when it comes to the local betting market.
Since South Africa is a fertile ground for sports betting, there are also best sportsbook reviews online which make it easier for players to discover new platforms by going through a list of trustworthy sports betting sites and reading relevant information about them.
Market Size
South Africa currently makes up 80% of the continent’s gambling industry, and the country is a significant player in the global sports betting market which is estimated to go above $237 billion by 2027. Besides the nation’s strong passion for sports, the rise of the market was also boosted by increased access to stable internet connections, as well as different devices like tablets and smartphones.
On top of that, customers can now enjoy secure mobile payment options like the local M-Pesa, as well as data costs lower than ever before. Basically, accessing online sportsbooks is incredibly convenient, and punters can easily pick the odds and place bets in no time.
The Rise of Mobile
At the moment, there are more than 23 million people in the country who have access to a smartphone, and the increased penetration of affordable mobile devices has also made a switch when it comes to the way sports bettors pursue their favorite activity.
Since more and more people prefer placing their bets on the go, the operators continuously do their best to offer a flawless mobile interface through their browsers, as well as within the apps. Thanks to that, the bettors can now enjoy all their favorite game options whenever they are, as long as they are connected to the internet.
Most Popular Sports
When it comes to sports that are the top-pick options for punters, South Africa is home to fans of many different categories and disciplines, including basketball, hockey, tennis, horse racing, boxing, cricket, and rugby, but football remains the most popular one, by far.
The nation’s love for football can also be seen if we look at their choices in online bookies. The bettors give lots of attention to different leagues such as Serie A, the English Premier League, La Liga, and many others, and the interest in football actually started to grow significantly after 2010 when the World Cup was hosted in South Africa.
When it comes to leagues from other categories, nothing beats the popularity of the legendary NBA. As a punter, you can bet on many different outcomes including match results, the number of goals scored, or even the score of a particular player.
Bonuses and Promotions
Just like online casino fans, sports bettors recognize the benefits of various bonuses online bookies offer, and they take that into consideration whenever they pick new platforms to join. By claiming different types of freebies like the welcome bonus, cash rewards, and initial deposit match rewards, punters can boost their potential profits, extend their initial bankroll, and try out more game options.
And if they get a chance to enjoy VIP programs, they can even claim some exclusive rewards that are rarely found elsewhere. However, each reward has its own terms and conditions that govern its use, and before you claim any of them, make sure you go through the rules you should be aware of.
Sports betting has been skyrocketing in South Africa for a while now, and thanks to the nation’s love for different sports, the country’s lenient laws and regulations, as well as all the new technological advancements, the growth is only expected to continue. Not only that today’s bettors can enjoy a wide selection of platforms to join, but they can also try out new gaming options and claim exciting bonuses.