What are the Best Betting Sites with Welcome Bonus in South Africa?
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 13 Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses
- Hollywoodbets
- Betway
- 10bet
- Lulabet
- Betfred
- Supabets
- Gbets
- Tic Tac Bets
- Easybet
- SoccerShop
- Betshezi
- Playabets
- What is a Welcome Bonus?
- How to Claim a Welcome Bonus
- Welcome Bonus: Our Comparison
- What to Look for in a Welcome Bonus
- Conclusion: Our Top Two Welcome Bonuses
- FAQ
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, and many will require promo codes that will enhance your betting experience. But do not worry. We have identified those with welcome bonuses by conducting thorough research on all bookies in the country.
Our Top 13 Betting Sites with Welcome Bonuses
In this section, we take a closer look at the 13 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
Hollywoodbets offers a Soccer Money Back: Win Up to 10 Times Your Stake Back promotion for new users. This tiered bonus rewards players based on the number of markets and odds of their bets. For 8+ market bets at 5/1 odds or higher, players can receive 2x their stake (up to R1,000). The offer scales up to 10x the stake (up to R5,000) for 15+ markets at 25/1 odds or higher.
Additionally, Hollywoodbets provides a R25 Sign Up Bonus and 50 FREE Spins for new users. This promotion applies only to three-way 90-minute bets. For more details on these offers, check out the Hollywoodbets promo code information.
- Tiered bonus structure based on number of markets and odds
- Additional R25 Sign Up Bonus and 50 FREE Spins
- Applicable only to three-way 90-minute bets
Betway
Betway welcomes new South African players with a 100% first deposit match up to R1,000 as a Free Bet. This offer doubles the initial deposit, providing extra betting power from the start. To qualify, players must make a deposit and place sports bets equal to 3x the value of their first deposit at odds of 3.0 or more.
The maximum Free Bet amount is capped at R1,000, ensuring a fair promotion for all new users. You can check out the full terms and conditions of the bonus on our Betway sign up code page.
- 100% first deposit match up to R1,000
- 3x wagering requirement at odds of 3.0 or more
- Maximum Free Bet amount of R1,000
10bet
10bet offers new users a 100% deposit bonus up to R5,000. This substantial bonus provides an excellent opportunity for players to boost their initial bankroll. To activate this bonus, users must make a minimum deposit of R5.
The rollover requirements differ for sports bets and casino games. Sports bets require a 5x rollover of the deposit plus bonus amount on selections with total odds of at least 2.00. Casino enthusiasts face a 40x rollover requirement for Games and Live Games sections. Other terms and conditions apply, which you can check out on our 10bet bonus code page.
- 100% deposit bonus up to R5,000
- Minimum deposit of R5
- Different rollover requirements for sports and casino games
Lulabet
Lulabet offers new players a straightforward BET R350 & GET R350 welcome bonus. This promotion allows users to double their initial bet, providing an extra R350 to explore the platform’s betting options. To qualify, new users must place a real money bet of at least R350 at odds of 2.76 or higher.
Players must be 18+ and pass the FICA verification process to be eligible for this bonus. Other terms and conditions are associated with the bonus offer, which you can find on our Lulabet bonus code page.
- Bet R350 to get R350 free bet
- Minimum odds of 2.76 required
- FICA verification required
Betfred
Betfred welcomes new customers with a generous R5,000 + 500 FREE SPINS offer. This two-part bonus caters to both sports betting enthusiasts and casino players. The First Deposit Match Bonus matches the value of your initial deposit up to a maximum of R5,000.
Additionally, players receive Free Spins based on the value of their first deposit. This offer applies to first deposits made after August 1, 2024. To discover other additional terms and conditions associated with the offer, check out our Betfred promo code article.
- R5,000 First Deposit Match Bonus
- 500 FREE Spins
- Applicable to deposits made after August 1, 2024
Supabets
Supabets offers new punters a R50 free bet + 100 Free spins + up to R5000 in deposit bonuses as a welcome bonus. To claim this offer, users must sign up and successfully complete the FICA verification process. The bonus must be rolled over 3 times at minimum odds of 2/1 with single bets before withdrawal is possible.
Players should note that the bonus funds expire if not transferred to the main wallet within 15 days. Only single bets qualify for both claiming the bonus and meeting the rollover requirements. For more detailed information about this offer, interested users can refer to the Supabets sign up offer page.
- R50 Free Bet for new players, 100 free spins and up to R5000
- 3x rollover requirement at minimum odds of 2/1
- 15-day expiration period for bonus funds
Gbets
Gbets welcomes new South African bettors with a First Deposit Match Bonus of 100% up to R1,000. This offer provides an excellent opportunity for players to double their initial deposit and explore the platform’s betting options. To qualify, players need to wager six times at minimum odds of 0.70 (7/10).
It’s important to note that the bonus amount excludes the 1x turnover requirement of the deposited funds. The bonus cannot be used on system or multiple bets, focusing on single bets instead. The maximum winnings permissible from this bonus are capped at R10,000. For complete details about this offer, refer to the Gbets promo code terms and conditions.
- 100% match bonus up to R1,000
- 6x wagering requirement at minimum odds of 0.70
- Maximum winnings capped at R10,000
Tic Tac Bets
Tic Tac Bets welcomes new players with a generous 100% deposit Bonus up to R5000 + 50 Free Spins. This two-part offer caters to both sports betting enthusiasts and casino game players. The bonus amount matches the first deposit made, with a maximum deposit of R5,000, plus up to 50 free spins on Pragmatic Games.
To qualify, the minimum first deposit should be R50. For sports and horse racing bets, the minimum odds per bet and bet leg are set at 2.4. Players must wager five times the bonus amount to meet the rollover requirements. The maximum withdrawable amount from this bonus is R20,000. For more details about this offer, refer to the Tic Tac Bets promo code terms and conditions.
- 100% deposit bonus up to R5,000
- 50 Free Spins on Pragmatic Games
- 5x wagering requirement with minimum odds of 2.4
Easybet
Easybet offers new customers a generous 150% First Deposit Match up to R1,500. This welcome bonus provides an excellent opportunity for players to boost their initial bankroll. To qualify, new users must make a first deposit of at least R20. The minimum bonus amount that can be claimed is R30, while the maximum is capped at R1,500.
Players must make a deposit and place bets equal to 4 times the value of their first deposit at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or more. This bonus structure allows for flexibility, catering to both small and larger initial deposits. For complete details about this offer and how to take advantage of the Easybet promo code, consult the standard Terms & Conditions.
- 150% match bonus up to R1,500
- Minimum deposit of R20
- 4x wagering requirement at odds of 2.0 or higher
SoccerShop
SoccerShop welcomes new customers with an attractive offer to Receive up to R7500 in Free Bets on their first deposit. This substantial bonus provides an excellent opportunity for players to explore the platform’s betting options with additional funds. To qualify for this offer, new users must make a minimum deposit of R200.
The Deposit Bonus provides a 100% first deposit match credited in Free Bets, with a maximum bonus of R7500. Players must place bets to the value of 5 times their first deposit of R200 or more at odds of 1/1 or greater. It’s important to note that only bets on Sports & Horse Racing apply toward the bonus requirements. For more information about this offer, refer to the SoccerShop Promo Code terms and conditions.
- Up to R7,500 in Free Bets
- Minimum deposit of R200
- 5x wagering requirement at odds of 1/1 or greater
Betshezi
Betshezi offers new players a R10000 in Bonus funds + R50 Sports Bonus + 100 Bonus Spins as a welcome offer. This bonus provides an excellent opportunity for users to increase their initial deposit and explore the platform’s betting options. To qualify for this bonus, players must deposit a minimum of R50 or more.
The bonus has a wagering turnover requirement of five times. This straightforward bonus structure allows for flexibility, catering to both small and larger initial deposits. For complete details about this offer, consult the Betshezi Promo Code terms and conditions.
- Deposit bonuses up to R10,000
- Minimum deposit of R50
- 5x bonus wagering
Playabets
Playabets welcomes new customers with a sign up bonus of R75 and a 100% First deposit match bonus up to R5000. This offer provides an excellent opportunity for players to double their initial deposit and explore the platform’s betting options. To qualify for this bonus, new users must make a first deposit of a minimum of R50.
Once the bonus is received, players need to meet specific rollover requirements. The deposit must be rolled over once on bets with odds of 2 (1/1) or greater, while the bonus must be rolled over 4 times on odds of 4 (3/1). Only bets placed on pre-match and in-play sports, Horse racing, Dog racing, and Lucky Numbers count towards the rollover requirements. For more information about this offer, refer to the Playabets Promo Code terms and conditions.
- R75 sign up offer and 100% match bonus up to R2,000
- Minimum deposit of R50
- Separate rollover requirements for deposit and bonus amounts
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.
Most operators make these offers available through their betting apps, allowing you to claim your bonus with just a few taps. Always remember to read the terms and conditions carefully, paying special attention to wagering requirements and time limits before accepting any welcome promotion. It is really 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.
Welcome Bonus: Our Comparison
| Operator | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Hollywoodbets | Soccer Money Back: Win Up to 10 Times Your Stake Back |
| Betway | 100% first deposit match up to R1000 as a Free Bet |
| 10bet | Get 100% of the deposit up to a maximum of R5000 |
| Lulabet | BET R350 & GET R350 |
| Betfred | R5,000 + 500 FREE SPINS |
| Supabets | Get a R50 free bet + 100 Free spins + up to R5000 in deposit bonuses |
| Gbets | First Deposit Match Bonus of 100% up to R1,000 |
| TicTacBets | 100% deposit Bonus up to R5000 + 50 Free Spins |
| Easybet | 150% First Deposit Match up to R1,500 |
| SoccerShop | Receive up to R7500 in Free Bets on your first deposit |
| Betshezi | Get up to R10000 in Bonus funds + R50 Sports Bonus + 100 Bonus Spins |
| Playabets | Get R75 sign up bonus + 100% First Deposit Bonus up to R5000 |
The welcome bonuses offered by these best betting sites vary significantly in terms of value and structure. While some operators like Betfred and TicTacBets offer a combination of deposit matches and free spins, others focus solely on matched deposits or free bets. The highest potential value comes from SoccerShop with up to R7500 in free bets, while Easybet offers the highest percentage match at 150%.
Several operators offer free spins as part of their welcome package. Betfred stands out with its AGT Free Spin Accumulator, offering over 200 spins weekly. Hollywoodbets and TicTacBets provide 50 free spins, while Supabets offers 100 spins across different games. Lulabet gives 150 spins for a R300 bet, and SoccerShop offers 100 spins with a promo code.
Among the best betting sites reviewed, no true no-deposit offers were found. Most bonuses require an initial deposit or bet to activate. Supabets comes closest with a R50 Free Bet, but it still requires account registration and FICA verification. This suggests that no-deposit bonuses are not a common practice among these South African betting operators.
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.
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.