Free Bets in South Africa: Best Betting Sites & Offers for 2026

Best Free Bets and Betting Offers in South Africa  

While free bets offer more betting opportunities, bookmakers offer them in different ways. For example, some require a small qualifying bet first, while others come as a bonus token after registration. In this section, we take a look at well-known betting sites with free bets. 

Mzansibet - Bet R50, Get R50

Mzanisbet ZA Betting Review

Mzansibet Overview

Mzansibet is a fast-growing South African betting site launched in 2023 and tailored specifically for local players. Licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, it supports ZAR transactions, familiar payment methods, and promotes responsible gambling. The sportsbook is its standout feature, covering everything from PSL fixtures to global events like the EPL, Champions League, rugby, and cricket, with both pre-match and live betting options. Mzansibet also offers a full online casino, including slots, blackjack, and live dealer games—delivering a reliable, locally-focused experience for all types of bettors.

4.9/590 Ratings

Bet R50 Get R50

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Pros and Cons

1. Licensed and regulated in South Africa (WCPGB)
2. Offers free bet on sign-up (usually R50)
3. Covers basic sports betting and some virtuals
4. Localized platform focused on South African market

1. Limited features (no cashout, minimal live betting tools)
2. Slower payouts compared to major brands

18+ T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Mzansibet offers many promotions that are close to free bets, starting with its Sports Welcome Offer. Place your first sports bet of R50 or more at minimum odds of 2.0. Once it settles, you receive a R50 Extra Bet. You can use this bonus on all sports, and your winnings from this Extra Bet have no wagering requirements. 

Beyond the welcome offer, Mzansibet runs ongoing promotions such as weekly PSL Weekly Money Back, Big Four Weekly Extra Bet, and Birthday Extra Bet. Most of these offer cash winnings with no wagering requirements. The bookie offers promotions with simple rules and requirements, making it easy for both new and existing players to claim them.  

Betway - R10 Extra Bet

Betway ZA Betting Review

Betway Overview

Betway in South Africa offers an intuitive platform for a wide variety of markets—from football and cricket to in‑play betting—via desktop or mobile. While specifics of the sign‑up offer weren’t available directly, the brand is globally licensed and accredited for security and fairness. However, player reports warn of poor customer service and issues with withdrawals, including alleged bans for trivial reasons and extended verification delays. Proceed with caution and review user experiences carefully.

4.8/565 Ratings

R10 Extra Bet

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Pros and Cons

1. Generous welcome bonus (up to R1,000) with low wagering (3x @ 1.5)
2. Excellent features: cashout, in-play, bet builder, live streaming
3. Fast payouts (within 24 hours for many banks)
4. Highly secure and internationally trusted brand

1. Some promos require opt-in and can be missed
2. Limited withdrawal methods (mostly EFT)

18+ Please Gamble Responsibly. T&Cs Apply

Signing up on Betway opens you up to several bonuses, including for sports and casino games. The bookie offers you a R10 extra bet immediately after you create your account. You will find this bonus in your bonus account. Based on our experience, you can use the Betway free bets on sports without wagering requirements. Therefore, it allows you to wager without spending your own money.

Additionally, Betway allows you to claim your winnings early on your soccer bets. With the 2 Goals Up Wins offer, you will be credited with your winnings once the team you backed is up two goals at any point during the match. Even if the opponent comes back to win the game, you’ll still get your payout.

Bettabets - R2,500 Match Bonus + 155 Free Spins

Bettabets ZA Betting Review

Bettabets Overview

Launched in 2010, Bettabets is a trusted South African bookmaker licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. It’s popular for its quick registration, mobile accessibility, and wide range of promotions. The platform offers a solid mix of sports betting and casino-style games, including slots, table games, Aviator, Keno, Numbers, and Virtuals. Open to all players aged 18+, Bettabets caters to both casual and experienced punters. User reviews highlight reliable payouts and a straightforward betting experience, making it a strong local option for South African bettors.

4.6/578 Ratings

100% 1st Deposit Match up to R250 + 15 Free Spins

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Pros and Cons

1. Offers free sign-up bonus (R25–R50)
2. Licensed locally (KZN Gambling Board)
3. Offers lotto, bet games, and fixed odds betting
4. Familiar to retail punters

1. Outdated user interface and limited mobile experience
2. No cashout and minimal in-play features

18+ T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly

Bettabets offers a structured welcome bonus instead of a traditional free bet. You can get up to R2,500 in match bonuses, plus 155 free spins, across your first three deposits. 

Simply register using the bonus code and deposit at least R50. This unlocks a 100% match bonus up to R1,000 and 25 free spins. Your second and third deposits of R75 or more unlock additional match bonuses, claimable within seven days of signing up.

These bonus funds carry a 3x wagering requirement with a minimum odds requirement of 2.0. You can use them for sports betting and Betta Numbers. While it is not a free bet, the bonus value is high if you can make multiple deposits in the first week.  

Betfred - Up to R21000 + 750 Free Spins

Betfred ZA Betting Review

Betfred Overview

Betfred is a globally recognised bookmaker with a growing presence in South Africa and offers a user-friendly experience with quick sign-up, mobile compatibility, and a broad sportsbook covering local and international markets—ranging from soccer and rugby to cricket, tennis, and more. Players can also enjoy popular casino-style games like Aviator, Keno, and Lucky Numbers. Betfred SA is known for reliable payouts, competitive odds, and regular promotions, making it a dependable option for South African punters seeking variety and value.

4.7/585 Ratings

Up to R5000 + 500 Free Spins

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Pros and Cons

1. It is also a top casino platform
2. A helpful customer support team
3. Responsible gambling tools
4. Range of sports event markets

1. The large site can be overwhelming to new users
2. Promotions not as frequent as other sites

18+ T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.

While you don’t get a free bet on Betfred, the 777 Winning Welcome bonus is a decent replacement. It gives you up to R21,000 in bonus funds and 750 Free Spins across your first three deposits. 

The bookie matches your first deposit with a 100 bonus of up to R7,000, plus Free Spins based on your deposit amount. You’ll receive a 50 bonus on your second deposit and a 75% bonus on your third deposit of up to R7,000, respectively. The welcome offer is perfect if you plan to make multiple deposits.

Betfred also offers a Refer a Friend bonus, giving you R222 for each successful referral. Please note that the person you refer must’ve made a minimum deposit of R50 or more. 

Hollywoodbets - Free R25 Sign-Up Bonus

Hollywood Bets ZA Betting Review

Hollywood Bets Overview

Hollywood Bets greets new users with a free R25 sign‑up bonus and 50 spins on selected games—no deposit required—making entry smooth and risk‑free. The platform delivers a diverse sports betting selection (from horse racing to football and live‑draws) through a licensed and reputable South African operator. Regular promotions—from seasonal boosts to referral offers—are clear and ongoing, providing sustained value beyond the initial welcome.

5/557 Ratings

Free R25 Sign-Up Bonus

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Pros and Cons

1. Various social media platforms
2. Live chat support
3. Dedicated app for iOS and Android

1. Overcrowded site design
2. Long sign up process

18+ T&Cs Apply

With Hollywoodbets, you can claim a free R25 sign-up bonus after you create an account. You’ll also claim a 50 free spins no deposit bonus, alongside that for casino games. The good part is that you don’t need to make a minimum deposit to activate the bonus. You’ll get it for free after signing up. 

Please note that you must use the R25 sign-up bonus within 24 hours of creating your account. Wager it on sports, lucky numbers, or horse racing with odds of 5/10 (0.5) or greater. However, bets on both outcomes of the same event, like to kick off first, to bat first, or Lucky Numbers (Hi/Lo) don’t qualify for the wagering requirement.

10bet - 25% up to R250

10bet ZA Betting Review

10bet Overview

10bet South Africa delivers a sleek, mobile-optimised betting experience designed for local players. Licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, it offers extensive sports coverage—including PSL, rugby, tennis, cricket, and international leagues—along with in-play betting and boosted odds. The platform also features casino-style games such as Aviator, Lucky Numbers, and virtual sports. With easy registration, secure ZAR payments, and frequent promotions for new and existing users, 10bet SA is quickly becoming a favourite among South African bettors looking for a secure, modern, and feature-rich betting platform.

4.6/562 Ratings

25% up to R250

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Pros and Cons

1. Responsive customer support
2. Generous welcome bonuses
3. Advanced betting features

1. Game variety is low compared to competitors

18+ T&Cs Apply

10bet offers a 25% free bet refund on losing horse racing bets. To qualify, you must place a single or combo bet of R10 or more on horse racing at minimum odds of 1.80. If the bet loses, you receive a free bet worth 25% of your stake, up to R250. 

You must use the free bet fully on one bet or stake within 3 days. Please note that the bonus is applicable to sports and cannot be combined with any other offer.   

10bet also offers you a 100% welcome bonus of up to R3,000. However, you need a minimum deposit of R20 to qualify for this offer after signing up.

How Free Bets Work in South Africa 

Before you start claiming free bets from South African bookies, it’s important that you understand them in-depth. A free bet is simply a betting credit you get from a bookmaker, which lets you place a wager without risking your own money. Most betting sites with free bets include them as part of their welcome offers or separately as ongoing promotions. 

There are a few common types: 

• Bet & Get Offers: You place a qualifying wager (the “Bet”), and if it meets the conditions, you receive a free bet (the “Get”). For example, Bet R50 and get a R50 free bet. However, free bets South Africa usually come with restrictions like minimum odds or eligible sports.

• Free Bet Tokens: These work like vouchers. You use the token to place a bet, but the stake isn’t returned if you win. Only the winnings are credited. Tokens are often tied to specific markets or events. For instance, Mzansibet offers a birthday extra bet with Betfred provides referral bonuses.

• Bonus Bet vs Bonus Cash: Bonus bets are free stakes given to you by a bookmaker. You can use it to wager for free. However, the stake isn’t returned; only the winnings are. On the other hand, bonus cash is like real money given by a sportsbook. You’ll use it to place bets and withdraw both the stake and the winnings after meeting the playthrough requirements.

Please note that free bets South Africa often have minimum odds, eligible markets, and expiry dates that you must adhere to. South African betting regulators require all legal betting sites in South Africa to provide clear terms for bonuses. Therefore, ensure you only claim bonuses with clear conditions.

Step-by-Step – How to Claim a Free Bet  

Claiming free bets on registration is simple if you follow the steps carefully. Here’s how it usually works.

1. Choose a Licensed SA Bookmaker: The first step is to choose a betting site. Ensure the betting sites with free bets you select are duly registered and licensed.  

2. Register & Verify Your Account: Sign up with your personal details and complete your identity verification. A successful verification is necessary for quick and safe deposits and withdrawals.  

3. Place the Qualifying Bet: The next step is to place a qualifying bet. Ensure to check and understand the terms of the offer. This usually includes the minimum deposit and bet amount, the odds you need to bet at, and the eligible sports or markets. 

4. Receive Your Free Bet: Once your qualifying bet settles, the free bet or bonus drops into your free bet or bonus account. Some offers are immediate, others take a short period to process. Also, some bookies offer free bets without needing to place qualifying bets first.

5. Use it on Eligible Markets: Free bets South Africa may be restricted to specific sports, odds, or bet types. Always read the rules to make sure your bet counts.

By following these simple steps, you can claim and use free bets safely and confidently. It’s an effective way to bet without risking extra money.

Free Bet Terms & Conditions Explained 

These offers come with rules that affect how and when you can use them. You need to understand them to get the most out of your offer. There are three major areas to watch out for on betting sites free bets no deposit. These are the wagering requirements, minimum odds, and expiry dates. 

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements, or playthrough conditions, simply mean the number of times you need to bet your free bets before they can be withdrawn. Betting sites with free bets we covered above, often include wagering requirements. 

For example, you’ll get a R222 bonus with Betfred’s referral offer. This offer has a 3x wagering requirement at any odds. Therefore, you need to place a total of R666 before being eligible for withdrawals. This is the bookmakers’ way of ensuring you engage with their platforms instead of just withdrawing your free bet winnings instantly. 

However, it’s also possible to see South African sports-focused free bets with low or no wagering requirements. A good example is the Mzansibet’s free bet offer we covered above. 

Minimum Odds

In addition to wagering requirements, betting sites with free bets in South Africa also set a minimum odds requirement. You’ll find them in the region of 1.5 to 2.0 odds. They do this to prevent you from using extremely safe bets to meet the conditions for withdrawal. 

For instance, Bettabets offer a R2,500 match bonus + 155 Free Spins. To redeem this bonus, use it to place bets with minimum total odds of 2.0 or above. Therefore, odds of 1.99 or below will not qualify. So, to ensure your free bet counts, always choose bets at or slightly above the minimum odds.  

Expiry Dates

Free bets no deposit South Africa are usually not valid forever. In most cases, you have only a few hours, days, or weeks to use them after receiving them. You’ll also find free bets online that restrict certain sports or markets. 

If you don’t use the free bets in time, you lose them. If you don’t use it in the right sport or market, it becomes invalid. So, don’t leave your free bets until the last minute or use them on an ineligible market. Always check the expiry and restrictions carefully.

For example, the 10bet 25% free bets refund of up to R250 has a 3-day validation period. You must use the bonus within 3 days after being issued.

No Deposit Free Bets – Are They Available in South Africa? 

Free bets get even better when you don’t have to make a deposit first before claiming them. These are free bets no deposit you receive for simply signing up or for completing a few tasks. While some bookmakers like Betfred’s referral bonus and Mzansibet’s birthday bonus offer some form of no deposit free bets, it is usually rare in South Africa. Most licensed betting sites with free bets focus on Bet & Get or refund-style promotions instead.

For example, some sites offer low-stakes qualifying bets that give you free bet credits after you place a small bet, rather than giving you a free bet without depositing or betting. True free bets no deposit are almost always linked to casino games, like free spins, rather than sports markets.

That said, if you do see free bets no deposit promotion for sports, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some may appear to be free but require hidden steps or small deposits. Similarly, others may have very short expiry periods or high-odds restrictions.

So, if your preferred sportsbook has free bets no deposit, you should look for those requiring small qualifying bets. These give you almost the same low-risk experience, while still letting you explore betting options safely.

Best Sports to Use Free Bets On  

You can use free bets across many sports. However, you may get better opportunities from some compared to others, depending on your strategy and the type of offer.

Soccer Free Bets

Soccer is one of the most popular sports for free bets South Africa. You can use them on match results, accumulators, or specific leagues, both local and international. 

Match result bets are simple and low-risk, making them ideal if you want to test a new free bet. You only need to choose the team that wins a game. On the other hand, accumulators with two or more selections offer higher potential returns than single-match results bets. However, your accumulator bets carry more risk, making them less safe for exploring soccer free bets. 

Other Sports (Rugby, Cricket, Tennis)

You can also use your free bets South Africa on other sports like rugby, cricket, and tennis. For example, when betting on cricket and rugby, you can use them on local leagues or major tournaments. Your knowledge of teams and recent forms can come in handy here. Tennis is also suited to single-match bets. They are easier to manage and help you meet the minimum odds requirement faster.  

Overall, pick markets you understand and check that the free bet is valid for the chosen sport and odds. Using these bonuses strategically across different sports can extend your playtime and give you a better feel for the platform without extra risk.

Tips to Maximise Your Free Bet Value

Using free bets South Africa wisely can make a big difference in your overall betting experience. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of every offer:

• Check the Terms and Conditions: The first thing you need to do when trying to use a free bet is to understand the associated rules. Go through the terms and conditions. Look for minimum odds, eligible markets, expiry dates, and wagering requirements. This helps prevent mistakes that could void your free bet.

• Use Higher Odds Strategically: You should use free bets South Africa to place bets with slightly higher odds for better results. However, you must be strategic in the process. Go for sports and markets you’re familiar with, so the potential returns can be worth it.  

• Compare Offers: Betting sites with free bets have different offers. Comparing these bonuses across sportsbooks allows you to select offers that give the most value for your betting style, whether that’s sports coverage, odds, or bonus flexibility.

• Avoid Heavy Restrictions: Some free bets are limited to specific markets, sports, or bet types. If you can, go for offers that are applicable across a wide range of sports and markets. This gives you more flexibility in picking bets that maximise your knowledge and experience.

• Plan Your Bets: Free bets South Africa are often limited by expiry or usage rules. Plan which matches or events you want to use your free bet on. That ensures you don’t waste it on bets that won’t meet the terms or expire too quickly.

• Track Winnings Carefully: If a free bet has wagering requirements, keep track of how much you need to bet before cashing out. That way, you can avoid surprises and be confident you’ll get your winnings once you meet the set conditions.  

Summarily, you can use these bonuses smartly by checking terms, choosing suitable markets, and planning your bets. It can significantly increase the value you get from every promotion.

Are Free Bets Safe & Legal in South Africa? 

Free bets are safe and legal when you use licensed South African bookmakers. Once you’re old enough to join a betting platform, you’re qualified to participate in free bet promotions on these bookmakers. 

To stay safe, always check that the bookmaker is licensed locally. This guarantees that your deposits are protected, winnings are paid promptly, and promotions like free bets follow clear rules. Avoid unlicensed sites, as they operate without oversight and may put your money and personal information at risk.

Plus, while free bets South Africa are intended for players over 18, you must also bet responsibly. While these bonuses allow you to wager on more matches, ensure you take caution. Only deposit what you can afford to lose and bet on markets you’re familiar with. If you ever run into issues, always reach out to the customer support of your chosen bookmaker. 

Responsible Gambling 

Whether you’re using free bets or not, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Licensed South African betting sites take this seriously. They use identity verification checks to ensure you’re of legal age before admitting you to their platform. 

Free bets no deposit South Africa reduce financial risk, but they don’t entirely prevent impulsive betting. If you notice signs of problem gambling, help is available. Most bookmakers provide tools to help you manage your activity and stay in control. 

You can use deposit limits, bet limits, loss limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options. You can use these tools individually or in combination, depending on your needs. Remember, staying responsible ensures betting remains safe and enjoyable.

Conclusion  

As a South African bettor, free bets give you a simple but effective way to explore different sports and markets with lower risk. Whether it’s a welcome offer free bet, a refund-style free bet, or a casino-based bonus bet, you need to understand the terms to get the most value. 

Read and understand the minimum odds, expiry, and eligible markets associated with each offer. Also, ensure you choose licensed, reputable betting sites with free bets that offer clear promotion rules and tools to help you maximise your offer. 

Finally, take time to plan your free bets strategically. Ensure you choose the right sports and markets you’re familiar with. Stick to odds you are comfortable wagering. These will give you the best free bet experience as a bettor.