Africa is a massive continent representing one of the world\u2019s fastest-growing regions. With more than 60 million people, South Africa remains the sixth-most populous country.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a nation rich in cultural history and popular golf, cricket, and rugby athletes. The country also hosted the FIFA World Cup back in 2010.<\/p>\n
In 2021, Statista pegged<\/a> the value of the South African Premier Division at \u20ac128.43 million.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/em>.)<\/p>\n Bettors in the country spend approximately USD 13 billion at betting venues annually.<\/p>\n Lacking any online gambling legislation, offshore betting sites continue to thrive.<\/p>\n What are the best offshore sportsbooks? And what are the five most popular sports in South Africa?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n Football (Soccer)<\/strong><\/p>\n Dubbed the \u201cbig three,\u201d football, cricket, and rugby are the most popular sports in South Africa. There are almost 1,000 football teams in the country.<\/p>\n With 16 clubs, the South African Premier Division is the country\u2019s biggest league. Betting fans prefer the English Premier League and the Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n The South African National Team appeared in the World Cup three times. They\u2019ve yet to win the tournament. The team lost 1-0 to Ghana in a controversial World Cup qualifier last year.<\/p>\n Taking half the market share, football remains the country\u2019s top sport to bet on.<\/p>\n Rugby<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Rugby Championship is an international union of four teams. South Africa faces off against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.<\/p>\n The Currie Cup is South Africa\u2019s top domestic rugby tournament. Going back to 1892, this rugby competition is one of the most prestigious in the world.<\/p>\n Fourteen teams get separated into the Premier Division and First Division. The seasons last from June to October each year.<\/p>\n Four South African rugby teams also joined the United Rugby Championship in 2021. The rugby union includes Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.<\/p>\n Get the latest odds for your favorite teams at the best overseas sportsbooks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cricket<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll find plenty of betting options in the cricket category. Trending competitions include the Twenty20 International. The T20I will take place on October 2nd.<\/p>\n The underdog South Africa will face favored India.<\/p>\n India beat South Africa in a recent International Cricket Council match-up. It was the first in a best-of-three T20 competition.<\/p>\n Popular ways to bet on cricket include runs per inning, top batsmen, and series winners.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s betting handle.<\/p>\n Horse Racing<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Three of South Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The country also hosts horse racing events in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Gauteng.<\/p>\n Legal since 1965, betting on horse racing in South Africa includes the online market.<\/p>\n One in ten South Africans gamble<\/a>, with bettors spending an average of R150 per month. Sports betting revenue comprised 51.4% of all gambling revenue in 2020.<\/p>\n Most offshore betting sites offer horse racing as part of their sportsbook.<\/p>\n Tennis<\/strong><\/p>\n After the top popular sports to bet on, you\u2019ll get a mixed bag. Tennis takes in an estimated 5% of all betting around the world. With major international competitions to wager on, it\u2019s a solid choice for the fifth spot.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find year-round betting options culminating in the four Grand Slams.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Dozens of betting options exist across men\u2019s and women\u2019s tennis leagues.<\/p>\n Final Words<\/strong><\/p>\n Cricket, football, and rugby represent the most popular sports in South Africa. The country remains the top nation for sports betting on the continent.<\/p>\n In partnership with Cash N Support, Nielsen Sport SA released a report<\/a> in June 2022. Sports betting in South Africa generated R10.6 billion in gross gaming revenue. (USD 590 million<\/em>.)<\/p>\n Mobile betting helped to double the industry\u2019s total share of GGR in only two years.<\/p>\n Sports betting now accounts for 55% of the gambling market in South Africa.<\/p>\n It shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.<\/p>\n