If you’re looking for the best betting sites with welcome bonus offers, you’re in the right place. Claiming bonuses as a new player can be a good way to start your betting journey. This review discusses the top betting platforms for new South African bettors and their welcome offers.
- What are the Best Betting Sites with Welcome Bonus in South Africa?
- Our Top 10 Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses
- Hollywoodbets
- Betway
- 10bet
- Fafabet
- Lulabet
- Betfred
- Supabets
- Gbets
- bet.co.za
- What is a Welcome Bonus?
- How to Claim a Welcome Bonus
- What to Look for in a Welcome Bonus
- Conclusion: Our Top Two Welcome Bonuses
- FAQ
What are the Best Betting Sites with Welcome Bonus in South Africa?
Despite the large number of betting sites in South Africa, not all of them offer a welcome bonus. Looking for those with an offer for new bettors can take time and effort. But do not worry. We have identified those with welcome bonuses by conducting thorough research on all bookies in the country.
Our Top 10 Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses
In this section, we take a closer look at the 10 betting sites with welcome bonuses we have identified. We will focus on what the offer involves, how to claim and use it, and everything in between.
Hollywoodbets
The Hollywoodbets Soccer Money Back promo is for new users on the platform. With the offer, bettors can get up to 10 times their stake, depending on the type of bet placed.
Players get 2x their stake (up to R1,000) for 8+ market bets at minimum odds of 5/1. They also get 5x their stake (up to R2,000) for 11+ markets at minimum odds of 10/1. Lastly, they get 10x their stake (up to R5,000) for 15+ markets at minimum odds of 25/1.
This offer is only applicable to three-way 90-minute bets. The player must complete their account registration process to be eligible. If you want to learn more about the offer, check out our Hollywoodbets review.
Betway
Betway is another prominent sports betting website in South Africa. Players who sign up to the platform get a 100% first deposit match of up to R1,000 as a free bet. Players can use the Betway promo code BETTORS during registration. They must also pass the verification process.
To get the bonus, new customers must deposit and wager 3x the deposit amount on minimum odds of 3.0. The maximum free bet the player can get from this offer is R1,000. Ensure you meet the wagering requirement to get the bonus within 30 days of opening an account. You can check out the full terms and conditions of the bonus on our Betway review page.
10bet
10bet is offering its new users a robust welcome package of three parts. The first part is the games bonus which includes a 100% deposit bonus up to R3,000. The second part is the sports bonus a 50% deposit bonus up to R500. The third part is 50 free spins, usable on Queen of Fire.
To unlock the bonus, a player must deposit a minimum of R50 (1 voucher excluded) into their account. They must bet the deposit amount once on games or sports bets. The odds on such bets must be minimum odds of 1.50 odds.
The sports and games free bet must be used within 15 days of receipt to avoid forfeiting the bonus. Only players who have passed verification will be considered for the three bonuses. The bonuses can only be claimed once. Other terms and conditions apply, which you can check out on our 10bet review page.
Fafabet
Fafabet also makes the list as a top South African bookie with a welcome package for new users. It includes a R25 No Deposit bonus, 50 Free Spins, and a match-up of up to R7,000. Only new customers who have passed the verification process will be considered for the offer. They can also use the Fafabet promo code FAFAGOAL during registration.
To qualify, new customers must deposit at least R25 and place bets equal to 4x that deposit. You must place the bet within the same day of creating an account and on minimum odds of 2.0 odds. The match-up bonus is immediately credited as a free bet after this is completed. Other terms and conditions can be found on our Fafabet review page.
Lulabet
New players looking for a competitive welcome bonus may also consider Lulabet. The sports betting website offers an R250 free bet when a new user places a real R250 bet. In other words, a new user must bet R250 on an actual game to get the free bet. The qualifying bet must have a total odds of 1.70 or higher to count.
In addition to being 18+, new users must also pass the FICA verification process after registration to qualify.
Note that players may only use the free bet amount on sports. They must select the bonus by marking the checkbox on the bet slip to use it. The bonus amount is only available for seven days. Other terms and conditions are associated with the bonus offer, which you can find on our Lulabet review page.
Betfred
Next on the list of betting sites with welcome bonuses is Betfred. New customers on this platform can get a R5,000 first deposit match after successfully registering an account. They can use the Betfred promo code FREDMAX when registering an account. After registration, they must deposit money into their account via any preferred payment method. The bookie then matches the amount up to a maximum of R5,000.
Players must roll over the bonus 5x at odds of 1/1 or higher to move it to the main wallet. The player can use the bonus funds to place single and multi-bets. However, in the case of multiple bets, every leg on such a bet must be of minimum odds of 1/4. To discover other additional terms and conditions associated with the offer, check out our Betfred review.
Supabets
Supabets is another entry on our list of betting sites with welcome bonuses. New players on this platform get a free bet worth R50 after signing up and passing FICA verification. However, certain conditions must be met to access the bonus.
The bonus must be rolled over 3x at minimum odds of 2/1 with a single bet to withdraw it. The bonus fund is also expected to be fully transferred to the main wallet within 15 days of receipt, or it may be forfeited. Only single bets qualify when claiming the bonus or rolling over the received bonus amount. To find out more about this bonus offer, check out our Supabets review.
Gbets
Gbets is another bookie offering a welcome bonus to new South African bettors on its platform. The bonus here is a free R25 bet that lasts 48 hours after activation.
New players can use the Gbets promo code GBONUS when registering to qualify for the welcome bonus. On receipt, the player must use it to play a single bet only, either pre-match or live. Such a single bet must be with minimum odds of 1.50.
In case the bet wins, Gbets automatically voids the R25 bonus bet wins. Also, while the bonus bet winnings are withdrawable, a condition is attached. A player must deposit at least R25 and play it through at 1x turnover.
The maximum winnings from the bonus bet is R1,000. Plus, the maximum withdrawal from bets placed with only bonus funds is R10,000. Our Gbets review page explains more about the bonus offer.
bet.co.za
As one of the top South African betting sites, bet.co.za has something for its new users. The bookie offers a 100% extra up to R5,000 on the first deposit of a newly registered player. The minimum first deposit amount to qualify for this offer is R50. The maximum bonus amount claimable from this offer is R5,000.
New players on bet.co.za must use the bet.co.za promo code BCBONUS during registration. You must also verify your email to claim the offer.
The bonus amount must be wagered 6x on sports single bet or multi-bet. For single bets, the minimum odd allowed is 1.70. For multi-bets, the total odds must be 2.20 minimum, with each event at minimum odds of 1.20. If you are interested in knowing more about the offer, check out our bet.co.za review.
All the betting sites reviewed above are duly registered under the National Gambling Board (NGB). They are also licensed by the gaming authorities and comply with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act – FICA. Players have nothing to worry about.
What is a Welcome Bonus?
Online betting sites try to find ways to incentivise new players to join their platforms. One of these ways is the introduction of a welcome bonus. As the name implies, a welcome bonus is a bookie’s way of welcoming a new bettor to their betting site.
Welcome bonuses come in different forms. Irrespective of the form in which it is presented, it helps to boost the staking power of a new bettor. Bettors who are new to the platforms can leverage these bonuses to try out different games and markets.
Specific terms and conditions are always attached to these welcome bonuses set by the bookies. Wagering requirements are also included. New customers must meet these conditions to qualify for or use the bonuses. It is important to read all the requirements attached to a sign up bonus before claiming it.
We have highlighted the different types of welcome bonuses on South African betting sites below:
Welcome bonuses can come in the form of a free bet. In this case, the bookie offers a free bet to players who have successfully registered an account. The free bet amount could usually be small, but you can use it to place a bet on sports and non-sports events on the platform risk-free. This means that if the bet wins, the player keeps the money. If it does not, they lose nothing.
A no-deposit bonus is another type of welcome bonus offered to new customers as a reward for signing up. As the name implies, a no deposit bonus does not require new customers to make a deposit. It may come as free bets, free spins, or cash bonuses. Bettors can use a no-deposit bonus to place real bets on the betting platform providing them.
Matched deposits are common among betting sites with welcome bonuses in South Africa. A matched deposit bonus is offered to new players as a reward for making their first deposit.
Also called the match-up deposit bonus, the bonus matches the value of a customer’s deposit. The match-up is usually up to a certain amount or percentage, depending on the bookie’s preference.
A welcome pack is a robust offer specially designed for new users on a betting site. It usually combines the rewards from free bets and matched deposits into a single package. This is the most advantageous of the bonus offers we have discussed in this section. Some bookies may also offer free spins for casino lovers to explore various games.
How to Claim a Welcome Bonus
Welcome bonuses are specially for new players, meaning customers must claim them during or after registration. We have looked into each bookie mentioned on this page and can confirm that claiming a welcome bonus on any of them is easy. A new player should not have a problem going through the process.
Registration is the first and most crucial requirement to claim any welcome bonus. New customers must successfully create an account to be considered. Bettors interested in claiming a welcome bonus must be 18+ and reside in South Africa.
In cases where the sportsbook offers multiple welcome bonuses, the player may be required to opt for one. Most bookies also require the new customer to pass the FICA verification after signing up to qualify.
We have provided a step-by-step guide to claiming a welcome bonus on an online betting site below:
- Create an account with the betting site of your choice using your personal details. You may also need to enter a promo code during registration to activate the welcome bonus.
- After creating your account, verify it by providing the necessary documents. These include your ID and proof of address.
- Once the account is verified, proceed to make your first deposit using any of the deposit methods available on the site. These may include bank transfers, mobile money, e-wallets, credit cards, or debit cards.
- Ensure your first deposit meets the betting site requirement for the welcome bonus (if any). The minimum deposit amount allowed varies across bookies.
- After a successful deposit, proceed to claim your bonus following the guidelines on the betting site.
These are the general steps to claim the welcome bonus on South African betting sites. Note that slight differences may exist depending on the site and its offer. If you run into an issue along the way, contact the betting site’s customer support.
What to Look for in a Welcome Bonus
Welcome bonuses are one of the reasons new users sign up with a betting platform. However, new bettors must take their time to compare welcome offers across many bookmakers to see which is best for them. This can be a challenge if they do not know what to look for during such comparisons.
Every welcome bonus has certain elements that determine its overall suitability. These include the qualification requirements, wagering requirements, bonus percentage, maximum bonus amount, validity period, compatible bets, etc. We have explained these elements below.
Wagering Requirements
Every welcome bonus comes with a set of wagering requirements. The online betting site expects the player to fulfil these conditions to access the bonus fully. It is the bookie’s way of ensuring users don’t abuse the offer.
Wagering requirements establish how many times players must bet the bonus amount. Sometimes, it may specify how many times players must bet the bonus and the deposit amount. Players must meet these conditions before they can withdraw the bonus or any winnings.
Here is an example. A betting website may offer a 100% first deposit bonus of up to R5,000 plus a 5x wagering requirement. If you deposit R2,000, you get a bonus of R2,000. However, you must stake R2,000 x 5 (R10,000) before you can withdraw the bonus or winnings from it. If the requirement states 1x, you must stake R2,000 x 1 (R2,000) instead.
It is advisable to look out for betting sites with lower wagering requirements attached to their welcome bonus. They are often more favourable, and you can easily fulfil them and withdraw your bonus.
Bonus Percentage
Bonus percentage is another important factor to consider when comparing sign up bonuses. It also contributes significantly to the value of a bonus.
By bonus percentage, we mean the proportion of the deposit the betting site will match as your bonus. For instance, if a bookie promises a 50% bonus on your first deposit, only 50% of your first deposit is your welcome bonus. If the offer states a 100% bonus, your bonus will be the same amount as your deposit.
The higher the bonus percentage, the more valuable the bonus offer is. The more valuable your bonus is, the higher your staking power. That said, it is important to note that a higher bonus percentage may attract stricter wagering requirements. For example, a 100% bonus percentage will most likely require a minimum of 5x wagering.
Overall, we recommend not settling for an offer based on a high bonus percentage alone. Ensure you consider the other elements explained in this section when determining the viability of an offer.
Maximum Bonus Amount
The maximum bonus amount is another major determining factor to consider when assessing bonus offers. It is the highest amount a bookie will offer a new bettor as a bonus, irrespective of their deposit amount.
Let’s explain with an example. Assuming a bookie provides a 100% bonus, up to R5,000, in their welcome package. It means they are willing to match the deposit by 100%. However, the match-up amount will not exceed R5,000, even if the customer deposits more than R5,000. So, if, for example, a customer deposits R10,000, they will still get a R5,000 bonus.
As with bonus percentage, a higher maximum bonus amount translates to a more interesting bonus. A sign up bonus with a higher maximum bonus provides you with more opportunities to bet. However, you may have to deal with stringent additional requirements like a short validity period and high minimum odds.
Compatible Bets
Compatible bets are the bets you can place with the bonus or free bets obtained from your bonus offers. These usually vary across bookies. After all, not all bookies offer the same games. They are also subject to specific conditions, including market restrictions, game contributions, and minimum/maximum odds.
Let’s explain better with an example. A betting platform may require you to wager your bonus 5x on a bet with a minimum of 1.5 odds. If you bet on lower odds, such a bet will not count towards the wagering requirement. Therefore, you have not met the 5x wager requirement, even if you bet 5x the bonus amount.
Another way compatible bets may affect your bonus is the type of bets a bookie allows for a wager. They may allow single bets, multi-bets, or both. Single bets are bets on a single event or outcome. Multi-bets or multiple bets are bets with a combination of two or more games. Always consider the compatible bets in a welcome bonus before claiming the offer.
In addition, some bookies only make their welcome bonuses available for a number of games. For instance, you may only use the bonus on sports games on some bookmakers. This could sometimes leave out casino lovers from the offer.
Overall, a new bettor can significantly boost their staking power with the right welcome package. Conversely, picking up the wrong welcome offer can also weaken their staking power. That is why it is best to collectively consider all the factors above before choosing a welcome offer. Depending on the operator you may also be required to use a promo code to qualify for these offers.
Conclusion: Our Top Two Welcome Bonuses
Our experts have compared some of the best betting sites offering welcome bonuses in this review. But it is practically impossible for a bettor to register with all these betting sites. Making a decision becomes easier if you have to choose between the top two welcome bonuses on our list.
Fafabet’s welcome package is the first on our list of top two welcome bonuses. It combines an R25 no deposit bonus with 50 free spins and a match-up bonus of up to R7,000. We rate this package high because it offers the most value for new users. The R25 no deposit bonus is open to all new players, even without needing a deposit. Similarly, the R7,000 match-up bonus is the highest among all the offers we reviewed.
In addition to sports betting, the package is also designed to meet the needs of casino lovers, with 50 free spins included. The spins can be used on the designated slot games on the betting website. New customers must pass the account verification process to qualify for the offer. They can also use the Fafabet promo code FAFAGOAL during registration.
The second sign up bonus that made our top two list is bet.co.za’s offer. New customers on the betting site get a 100% first deposit bonus, up to R5,000, with the offer. In addition to verifying their email, the player must deposit a minimum of R50 to qualify.
The bet.co.za offer is valuable and easy to claim and use. The terms and conditions are fair, allowing both single and multi-bets. However, the new customer must use the promo code BCBONUS during registration to get the bonus. Whichever you decide to choose between these two top offers, you can rest assured of making a good choice.
FAQ
To round up this review, our experts have taken the time to compile the frequently asked questions about welcome bonuses. We’ve answered these questions in detail to help you as much as possible.
Fafabet has the best welcome bonus among the South African betting sites we reviewed. You get an R25 no deposit bonus with 50 free spins and a match-up bonus of up to R7,000. However, the best sign up bonus is subjective to a player. It depends on the preferences and expectations of a bettor. Feel free to check our list of betting sites with welcome bonuses for more options.
There are many online casinos in South Africa offering a welcome bonus. The value and requirements of these bonuses are usually different for each casino. But these bonuses can increase your staking power. Some of the casinos on our list offering welcome bonuses include 10Bet and Fafabet.
While a welcome bonus can increase your staking power, betting responsibly when using it is essential. You can do this by reading the terms and conditions thoroughly before using the bonus.
You should also use the bonus on sports or events you are familiar with. If you are unsure of a bet or event, consider speaking to people who are more knowledgeable about it. You may also read through the section of the bookie’s website dedicated to responsible gaming.