How to Bet on Soccer Online
in South Africa

Ever wondered how to bet on soccer online in South Africa? This guide covers everything you need to get started. You will learn how to choose a licensed local bookmaker, create an account, understand odds, and find the most popular betting markets. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your approach, this simple guide is for you.

Part 1

Getting Started

In this part, we’ll help you get started by finding a betting site licensed by a provincial gambling board in South Africa and show you how to sign up.

Step 1

Find a Betting Site

Finding a licensed betting site in South Africa is the most important first step when betting on soccer online. Not every platform is local, so always check that the site holds a valid bookmaker’s licence from a provincial gambling board. Offshore bookmakers are not regulated under South African law, which can put your funds and personal details at risk. We’ve highlighted ten trusted local bookmakers for beginners here, but if you want more options, you can view our full list on our Compare Betting Sites page.

Step 2

Betting Site Sign-Up

Once you’ve found a betting site that suits you, it’s time to sign up. Click or tap the Sign Up button to open the registration form, where you’ll need to provide your ID number, cellphone number, first name, and surname. After that, you’ll be asked for additional details such as your address and email. Once complete, your account will be created.

Keep in mind that before you can deposit or withdraw money, most betting sites will require you to complete FICA verification. This process confirms your identity and helps keep your account secure. All the websites listed above, as well as every betting site featured on Betline, are locally licensed and verified, so you can trust our listings when getting started.

Part 2

Increase Your Chance of Winning

Now that you’ve set up your online betting account, take some time to explore the platform and get familiar with its features. It’s also important to understand key betting terms and tools before placing your first soccer bet online, as well as how to manage your bankroll responsibly. The next steps will walk you through everything you need to know to make informed decisions and improve your chances of winning.

Know the Sport

It’s always smart to have a basic understanding of soccer before placing any bets. You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing how teams perform, which players are in form, and how recent results could influence the next match can help you make better choices. Following match updates and keeping an eye on team news gives you a clearer picture of where the real opportunities might be.

Soccer Research Tips

Search trusted guides: Read reliable soccer betting tips online and compare expert opinions before placing your bets.

Follow betting news: Stay updated on markets, odds changes, and soccer developments that may affect your bets.

Join discussions: Connect with other bettors in forums or on social media to share insights and predictions.

Track team updates: Keep an eye on injuries, form, and recent results to make more informed betting choices.

Watch past matches: Reviewing recent games can help you understand how teams play and where opportunities lie.

Understand Odds

Odds in soccer betting show how much you can win from your bet. They act as a multiplier, meaning the higher the odds, the bigger your potential payout. To find out how much you could earn if you win, multiply your bet amount by the odds to see your possible return.

For example, if you bet R100 on Kaizer Chiefs to win at odds of 1.5, your total payout would be R150 if they win. This includes your R100 stake and R50 profit.

Odds-on bet: Easier to win, but pays out less than your stake. Example: betting on Kaizer Chiefs at 1.5 odds.
Odds-against bet: Harder to win, but offers a bigger payout. Example: betting on Orlando Pirates at higher odds.
Compare odds: Different betting sites offer different odds, so check a few licensed South African bookmakers to get the best value.

Understanding Decimal Odds

In South Africa, betting sites mostly use decimal odds, which are the simplest to understand. The number you see tells you exactly how much you’ll get back for every rand you bet, including your stake. For example, if the odds are 2.00 and you bet R100, you’ll get R200 back if you win. The higher the odds, the bigger your possible payout but also the lower your chances of winning.

Understanding Betting Probability

Every betting odd represents a probability of that outcome happening. Lower odds mean a team is more likely to win, while higher odds mean a bigger risk with a higher reward. In South Africa, you can estimate the chance of winning by dividing 1 by the decimal odds. For example, odds of 2.00 mean a 50% chance of winning. Just remember, these probabilities are not guarantees because even the strongest team can still lose on the day.

Part 3

Soccer Betting Markets Explained

When betting on soccer online in South Africa, you’ll come across different types of betting markets. Each one offers a slightly different way to predict the outcome of a match or event. In this part we’ll see what the most common soccer markets you’ll find on local betting sites.

Match Result (1X2)

This is the most popular soccer bet in South Africa. You can choose whether the home team (1) wins, the away team (2) wins, or if the match ends in a draw (X).

For example, if Kaizer Chiefs play Orlando Pirates, you can bet on Chiefs to win (1), a draw (X), or Pirates to win (2).

This market includes the full 90 minutes of play plus added time but excludes penalties.

Draw No Bet

A Draw No Bet market removes the draw option. You simply back one team to win. If your team wins, you get paid. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.

Mamelodi Sundowns to beat SuperSport United and it ends in a draw, you’ll get your money back.

This option is safer for new bettors because it reduces risk.

Over/Under Goals

This market lets you bet on the total number of goals scored in a match, regardless of which team scores them.

For example, if you bet Over 2.5 Goals, you win if there are 3 or more goals scored in total. If you bet Under 2.5 Goals, you win if the total is 2 goals or fewer.

It’s a good option if you don’t want to pick a winner but still want to be part of the action.

Handicap Betting

Handicap betting evens the playing field by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage before the match begins.

For example, if Orlando Pirates +1.5 means Pirates can lose by one goal and your bet still wins. If you bet on Kaizer Chiefs -1.5, Chiefs need to win by two or more goals for your bet to succeed.

This type of market is popular when one team is heavily favoured to win.

Asian Handicap (Split Bet)

This variation of handicap betting splits your wager across two close outcomes.
For example, a bet of Over 2 / 2.5 Goals means half your bet is placed on “Over 2” and the other half on “Over 2.5.”

If the game finishes with exactly 2 goals, half your bet is refunded and half loses. If there are 3 or more goals, both bets win.

Asian Handicaps are popular with experienced bettors because they allow more flexibility in managing risk.

Part 4

Placing Your Bet

Before placing any soccer bets, decide how much money you can comfortably afford to spend. This amount is called your bankroll, and it should be money you can afford to lose. Set a limit that fits your budget and stick to it.

Once you know your total bankroll, choose how much you want to spend per bet. A safe starting point is to use around one to two percent of your bankroll for each wager. For example, if your bankroll is R1,000, your bet size should be around R10 to R20. This helps you stay in control and avoid losing everything on a single game.

When you’re ready to place your bet, select a match, pick your market, and confirm your stake. Avoid chasing losses or increasing your bet amount after a loss, as that usually leads to poor decisions.

If you find yourself getting tired or frustrated, take a break. The smartest bettors know when to stop and walk away, even after a win. Always treat betting as entertainment, not a source of income, and remember that responsible play keeps it fun and safe.

Responsible Gambling (18+)

Betting and Lotto are for adults only. Play for fun, set limits, and only use money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable or you’re worried about your play, take a break and get support.

You must be 18 or older to gamble in South Africa. If you need help now, call the NRGP on 0800 006 008.

FAQ

How do I start betting on soccer online?

Choose a licensed South African bookmaker, create an account, complete FICA verification, and deposit funds using a secure local payment method. Then pick your market, enter your stake, and confirm your bet.

What are soccer betting odds?

Odds show how much you can win from a bet. They act as a multiplier of your stake. For example, if the odds are 2.00 and you bet R100, your payout will be R200 if you win.

How can I tell which team is favoured to win?

Lower odds usually indicate the favourite, while higher odds show the underdog. You can estimate the chance of winning by dividing 1 by the decimal odds value.

How much should I bet?

Start small. A good rule is to bet one to two percent of your total bankroll per wager. If your bankroll is R1,000, your bet should be around R10 to R20.

What happens if the match ends in a draw?

That depends on the market. In a standard 1X2 bet, you lose if you picked a team to win and it ends in a draw. In a Draw No Bet market, your stake is refunded if the match ends in a draw.

How can I bet safely online?

Only use locally licensed sites, never share your login details, and avoid betting on public Wi-Fi. Set a clear budget, track your bets, and take breaks if you start feeling frustrated.