Africa is a massive continent representing one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. With more than 60 million people, South Africa remains the sixth-most populous country.
It’s a nation rich in cultural history and popular golf, cricket, and rugby athletes. The country also hosted the FIFA World Cup back in 2010.
In 2021, Statista pegged the value of the South African Premier Division at €128.43 million.
Betting in South Africa became legal in 1996 with the passage of the National Gambling Act. The legislation acted as a precursor to a gambling boom.
In the 2000s, a legal gray area developed for offshore betting sites. By 2020, the online gambling industry generated an estimated R8 billion. (Equal to approximately USD 443.44 million.)
Bettors in the country spend approximately USD 13 billion at betting venues annually.
Lacking any online gambling legislation, offshore betting sites continue to thrive.
What are the best offshore sportsbooks? And what are the five most popular sports in South Africa?
Let’s take a closer look.
Football (Soccer)
Dubbed the “big three,” football, cricket, and rugby are the most popular sports in South Africa. There are almost 1,000 football teams in the country.
With 16 clubs, the South African Premier Division is the country’s biggest league. Betting fans prefer the English Premier League and the Africa Cup of Nations.
The South African National Team appeared in the World Cup three times. They’ve yet to win the tournament. The team lost 1-0 to Ghana in a controversial World Cup qualifier last year.
Taking half the market share, football remains the country’s top sport to bet on.
Rugby
The national sport of South Africa is rugby, with the Springboks as the most popular team. They won the Rugby World Cup in 1995, 2007, and 2019.
The Rugby Championship is an international union of four teams. South Africa faces off against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Currie Cup is South Africa’s top domestic rugby tournament. Going back to 1892, this rugby competition is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Fourteen teams get separated into the Premier Division and First Division. The seasons last from June to October each year.
Four South African rugby teams also joined the United Rugby Championship in 2021. The rugby union includes Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
Get the latest odds for your favorite teams at the best overseas sportsbooks.
Cricket
You’ll find plenty of betting options in the cricket category. Trending competitions include the Twenty20 International. The T20I will take place on October 2nd.
The underdog South Africa will face favored India.
India beat South Africa in a recent International Cricket Council match-up. It was the first in a best-of-three T20 competition.
Popular ways to bet on cricket include runs per inning, top batsmen, and series winners.
Gross gaming revenue in South Africa is set to surpass USD 2.3 billion by 2023. Football, rugby, and cricket take the lion share of the country’s betting handle.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is another popular sport for bettors in South Africa. What began in the late 18th century is now a multi-million rand industry.
Three of South Africa’s major cities host horse racing events each year. Cape Town hosts The J&B Met, while Johannesburg hosts The Summer Cup. The Durban July in Durban is the main event.
The country also hosts horse racing events in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Gauteng.
Legal since 1965, betting on horse racing in South Africa includes the online market.
One in ten South Africans gamble, with bettors spending an average of R150 per month. Sports betting revenue comprised 51.4% of all gambling revenue in 2020.
Most offshore betting sites offer horse racing as part of their sportsbook.
Tennis
After the top popular sports to bet on, you’ll get a mixed bag. Tennis takes in an estimated 5% of all betting around the world. With major international competitions to wager on, it’s a solid choice for the fifth spot.
You’ll find year-round betting options culminating in the four Grand Slams.
The Australian Open takes place in January, while the French Open begins in May. Wimbledon starts in June, and the U.S. Open takes place in August and September.
Dozens of betting options exist across men’s and women’s tennis leagues.
Final Words
Cricket, football, and rugby represent the most popular sports in South Africa. The country remains the top nation for sports betting on the continent.
In partnership with Cash N Support, Nielsen Sport SA released a report in June 2022. Sports betting in South Africa generated R10.6 billion in gross gaming revenue. (USD 590 million.)
Mobile betting helped to double the industry’s total share of GGR in only two years.
Sports betting now accounts for 55% of the gambling market in South Africa.
It shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Visit SBS to learn more about sports betting news and reviews.
