Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in South Africa 2025

Betway Africa

Brand Overview -

A classic design that draws you in to place some top horse racing bets is Betway. Since 2006, it has masterered making that perfect  first impression adn go on to achieve great things! The customer support is second to none, with plenty of features to explore for new and existing customers.

Key Features

Betway covers many of the local races, including the Durban July., one of the biggest in the country. It offers fantastic live streams to watch all of the latest action from around the world as it happens, with a seamless platform that allows for betting alongside.

Bonuses and Promotions

New customers at Betway are in for a treat as valuable welcome offers regularly await. Receive a deposit match or free bets offer to get the most out of your time at the site. It does not stop there, as existing customers can also benefit from ongoing, daily and weekly promotions such as weekly ‘Pick Your Promo’ offers and tickets to enter into Betway exclusive prize draws.

Mobile Experience

Keen horse racing bettors across the country can access Betway’s iconic platform from anywhere thanks to it’s great mobile compatibility and exclusive mobile app. Available to Android, iPhone and Huawei users, download the Betway app and keep up to date with your bets and place new bets on the go!

Payment Methods 

To perform transactions at Betway, customers have an incredible selection of payment options to choose from. We have included just some of the accepted methods here: Visa/Mastercard debit and credit cards, Ozow, OTT Vouchers, Kazang, 1 ForYOU Voucher, FNB ATM, FNB EFT, USSD, and ABSA EFT, 

Pros

• Competitive horse racing betting odds

• Plenty of betting markets

• Good range of promotions

Cons

• Website layout could be improved

Betfred ZA

Brand Overview

Established in 1967, Betfred has been in and around the horse racing betting market for a very long time. An experienced and trusted betting platform, it is the go to betting site for many South Africans and recognised by everyone.

Key Features

Home to some fantastic odds on the latest local races, bettors at Betfred should always be able to find a great deal. With lots of popular betting markets and exclusive deals to get the best odds, Betfred customers will know they have made the right choice of site to sign up to. Not only are there local races covered, but some of the biggest event worldwide are too!

Bonuses and Promotions

Betfred offers plenty of valuable bonuses for all bettors to claim to enhance their betting experience. This includes first deposit sign up bonuses and free bets, cashout opportunities, price boosts, refer a friend, and multi-bet bonuses.

Mobile Experience

The Betfred website is completely optimised for use on mobile devices, allowing bettors to access their accounts from anywhere. Place bets on the go, deposit and withdraw, live stream races and check for the latest updates on Betfred mobile.

Payment Methods

Betfred accepts one of the largest ranges of payment methods allowing for most bettors to use their preferred way of payment. Bettors can expect to be able to perform transactions using Visa and Mastercard, Capitec Pay, Ozow, Snapscan, Zapper, 1Voucher, OTT Voucher, and many more.

Pros

• Wide range of betting markets.

• Exclusive horse racing bonuses.

• Experienced betting platform.

Cons

• No loyalty program.

Netbet

Brand Overview

NetBet is a trusted horse racing betting site that has been going since 2001. Offering an attractive platform with a black and grey coloir scheme, its exuberates experience and trust to bettors. Alongisde this, it offers a huge selection of sports to bet on with plenty of markets.

Key Features

Netbet features all of the latest horse race events, from races in the UK, Australia, USA and more. Its extensive racing coverage, alongwith live streaming, a great range of bonuses and a strong reputation continues to attract new and existing customers to place their horse racing bets at the site.

Bonuses and Promotions

A hugely generous bookmaker when it comes to bonuses and promotions, bettors at Netbet can always expect to find various offers up for grabs on the latest races. With free bets sign up offers, acca boosts, double chance, and boosted odds across local and international events, there should be something for everyone.

Mobile Experience

Netbet has a fully optimised mobile betting site offering the same great betting experience on phone and on your desktop. It also has its own dedicated mobile app available to download on iOS and Android which is responsive and able to be access from anywhere.

Payment Methods

There are several accepted payment methods for bettors and Netbet. Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, Google Pay, bank transfer, and more. Deposits are instant, while withdrawals can take anywhere from 24 hours to seven days depending on the method.

Pros

• Range of betting markets..

• User-friendly platform.

• Strong reputation.

Cons

• Minimum deposit amounts are high

Sportingbet

Brand Overview

Operating since 2008, Sportingbet quickly took the sports betting world by storm in South Africa. Still continuing to be a success, the betting site brings a modern feel to it with one of the most appealing appearances. Accompanied by competitive odds and some great offers to cater to all different types of bettors.

Key Features

Featuring the latest local and international racing events, Sportingbet has something for every kind of horse racing betting enthusiast. From the next races taking place live, to the following day, and in the future, place your bets on whatever you like! Claim a best odds guaranteed (BOG) selection to ensure you get the best result possible for your bet,

Bonuses and Promotions

Sportingbet is currently running a fantastic Triple Welcome Bonus offer for new customers who sign up where the first three deposits will be matched by the site. Alongside this, bettors can expect to find BOG offers, build a bet boosts and multiboost offers.

Mobile Experience

The Sportingbet mobile app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices and offers a seamless betting experience just like the desktop site. The site is also fully compatible with mobile browsers and offers all of the same functionalities and features just on a smaller screen.

Payment Methods

Sportingbet supports several different deposit and withdrawal options for its customers, providing almost everyone with a preferred method of payment available to use. Bettors can make deposits and withdrawals using Visa, Mastercard, Flash 1Voucher, Ozow, FNB E-Wallet, Instant EFT and others.

Pros

• Easy to use website.

• Generous bonus offers.

• Selection of live betting odds on local and international races.

Cons

• Site design is very simplistic.

HollywoodBets ZA

Brand Overview

Founded in 2000, HollywoodBets is one of the best horse racing betting sites in the country. Popular among South African bettors, it offers a great platform for both beginners and more advanced bettors, with a really easy-to-navigate platform on an eye-catching purple backdrop.

Key Features

The site has the strongest selection of horse racing betting options available to customers, with coverage ranging from local races to the biggest international events worldwide. Thanks to the site's live streaming capabilities, you can stream all the races live, and you can take advantage of a huge selection of odds and exclusive horse betting promotions.

Bonuses and Promotions

There are several offers and promotions available to horse racing bettors at HollywoodBets, including one of the best sign up bonuses on the market. There is also a refer a friend bonus offer, and horse racing specific promotions including the Irish Objection Promotion where bettors can have their stake refunded in full should you back a winning horse that is objected against.

Mobile Experience

HollywoodBets provides a good mobile betting experience with a completely compatible website for iOS and Android devices. With exclusive horse betting promotions and mobile-compatible payment methods, it offers the same responsive and fun platform with increased convenience.

Payment Methods

HollywoodBets supports one of the largest payment options. Whether it is making deposits or withdrawals, bettors can expect fast transactions via local and trusted methods of payment, including Apple Pay, Cryptocurrency, Zapper, Ozow, PayFast, and many more recognised South African payment methods.

Pros

• Plenty of horse racing promotions.

• Recognised horse racing betting site.

• Easy to navigate.

Cons

• The interface could be improved.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Horse Racing Betting Site

Licensing and Regulation

A key thing to look for before choosing an online horse racing betting site is that it is a licensed operator in the country. 

South African authorities such as the National Gambling Board (NGB) regulate betting sites in the country to ensure a safe and fair betting experience. Using a licensed betting site means it must adhere to strict standards in order to operate, which include fair play audits, secure payments, and the promotion of responsible gambling. For South African bettors, opting to bet at an NGB-approved betting site ensures a safe, secure and transparent environment.

Range of Horse Racing Events

The top horse racing betting sites will cover various racing events. These should include local, national, and international events throughout the horse racing calendar.

Covering local events such as the Durban July and major international events in the UK like the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival offer keen horse racing enthusiasts more opportunities to have a well-rounded horse racing betting experience. Local events mean bettors can engage with familiar events that support the community, while international events bring enhanced betting opportunities with competitive odds and different race styles. Having a variety enhances the engagement of customers and ensures there is something for everyone.

Odds and Markets

A horse betting site with competitive odds and a strong range of betting markets is the difference between a standard betting site and one of the best betting sites. Competitive odds maximise the potential returns on a bet if it is successful. This is what determines the value bettors will get for their money. 

More markets mean more options and potential payout opportunities. The best horse racing betting sites will have win, place, and trifecta betting markets as standard. A diverse market selection also allows bettors to apply different strategies and try out different betting types. This flexibility enables both new and experienced bettors to enjoy their betting experience. 

User Experience

For the best user experience at any online horse racing betting site, everything must be easy to find and user-friendly. Whether you are locating the race you want to wager on, finding the latest promotions, or viewing the latest odds, it should all be a smooth experience.

It is also important for these top horse racing betting sites to offer a mobile-compatible platform to further enhance the user experience. This will increase the customer's convenience and allow betting on the go. 

Live streaming is an extremely valuable feature that boosts a site's user experience, as it provides betting and watching all in one place! It allows bettors to keep up to date with the latest action and odds without missing any of the live action and is often the deciding factor in bettors signing up to any one site.

Payment Methods

For a safe and secure betting experience, it is essential that horse racing betting sites South Africa accept a variety of payment methods.

This should include popular South African payment options such as EFT, credit/debit cards, vouchers, and e-wallets. All of these methods allow bettors to deposit and withdraw funds quickly and easily, and having such a range ensures there should be a preferred method available to everyone. EFT and local e-wallets will provide familiar and trusted payments, while credit/debit cards are great for on-the-go betting. All of these payment methods help to support a more user-friendly platform for bettors.

Promotions and Bonuses

Many 

How to Sign Up to a Horse Racing Betting Site

Ready to start your online horse racing betting? We have put together the following guide below to help you through the process of selecting the best site for you, signing up and placing your first bet!

1. To get started, head to sign up page of your chosen horse racing betting site.

2. Enter your details including your full name, phone number, email address, address, ID number, and date of birth.

3. Once completed, in accordance with the FICA regulations, you must upload a valid ID to verify your account and proof of address.

4. Once the necessary documents have been uploaded, your account will be verified.

5. After the sign-up and verification process is complete, you are ready to make your first deposit! Go to the ‘deposit’ section in your account and select a payment method.

6. Enter the amount you wish to deposit, checking it meets any minimum requirements.

7. Now, claim any welcome bonus offers by entering a promo code if required or by placing your first bet! Check for any wagering requirements and eligible bets.

South African Horse Racing Overview

Horse racing in South Africa has a rich heritage that dates back to the 18th century. Ever since, it has been one of the most popular sports in the country, holding events that draw both national and international crowds. 

One of the most iconic venues is the Greyville Racecourse in Durban. It hosts the annual Durban July Handicap, one of the country's premier horse racing spectacles. First run in 1897, it has become one of the most fashionable and entertaining events on the calendar, attracting a huge local audience and audiences from around the world. It also provides a major boost to the local economy. 

A couple of other big racing events in South Africa include the Johannesburg Summer Cup at Turffontein Racecourse and the Cape Town Met (Metropolitan Stakes) at Kenilworth Racecourse. The Summer Cup is one of the oldest races, while the Metropolitan Stakes is recognized for its glitz and glamour and high-class racing.

Holding these major events will have a significant impact on horse racing betting appeals to bettors in the country. Races receiving international attention are more likely to have competitive odds and more unique betting opportunities due to the large amount of interaction and coverage. 

Types of Horse Race Bets

Win Bet 

Betting to win is one of the simplest forms of horse racing betting out there. If the horse you bet on wins its race, you win your bet. If the horse you bet on comes anywhere from second to last, you lose. 

Place Bet

Place betting involves betting on a horse to finish the race in one of the top positions, typically first or second. The number of places available in a race is dependent on the number of horses running, meaning if a larger number of horses compete, your bet may cover the top three or four positions. 

Show Bet

A show bet, in simple terms, is a bet on a horse to finish first, second or third place. This type of bet is generally a safer option, as you have three possible outcomes that result in a win. The downside is that the odds are often less favourable. 

Each-way Bet

Betting on an “each-way” bet means combining your bet to include both a win and a place bet on the same horse. If the horse you bet on wins, both the win section of the bet and the place section of the bet will pay out. If the horse places, you’ll be paid out for the place section, and the win section will be lost. If you stake R100 on a place bet, it will actually cost you R200. 

Exacta Bet (Forecast)

An exacta (or forecast) bet is a bet that predicts the first and second-place result of a race. This bet type is better suited to those who are experienced and knowledgeable about horse racing, form, ground type etc.

Trifecta Bet

Similar to an exacta bet, a trifecta bet is a bet that predicts the first, second and third-place horses of a race. To win, your bet must match the exact order of the race result and often comes with higher payouts due to it’s difficult nature. 

Superfecta Bet

A superfecta bet, arguably the most difficult bet to get right, is a bet where the bettor predicts the first, second, third and fourth-place horses in a race. This horce racing bet is high-risk, high-reward and is very easy to get wrong. 

Quinella Bet

Finally, a quinella bet is one in which the bettor predicts the first two horses to finish, regardless of their order. The difference between this and an exacta bet is that the bettor is not required to specify the exact order of the top two horses, making it marginally easier to win. However, as with all bet types, if it is easier to win, the payout is often lower. 

Horse Racing Betting Odds: Fixed Odds vs Tote Betting

If you are a novice in the world of horse racing betting, you may not know that there are different types of betting odds, let alone what the differences between them are. The two most common types of betting odds are fixed odds and tote betting:

• Fixed Odds: When you place a bet at fixed odds, that means the odds are locked in at the time of the wager. Once you have placed the bet, the odds at which you placed the bet do not change or fluctuate. This means that should you win your bet, you know exactly what the payout will be. Bookmakers determine fixed odds based on a number of factors, such as the past performance of the horse, the jockey’s experience and public betting trends. 

• Tote Betting: Tote betting is slightly more complex because the bookmaker will pool together all the bets placed on a particular horse and any winnings are distributed from this pool. Based on the unpredictability of this type of bet, there are constant odds fluctuations and how much the odds fluctuate is based on the total amount bet on the horse. Tote betting can sometimes give higher payouts but it is all based on the circumstance of the bet at the time. 

Here is a closer look at the key differences between fixed odds and tote betting: 

Fixed Odds:

• Odds Type: Locked in at time of bet

• Payout: Known at time of wager

• Risk Level: Lower variability, predictable

• Bet Types: Common for straight bets (win or place)

• Popularity: Common among traditional sportsbooks

Tote Betting:

• Odds Type: Fluctuate until betting closes

• Payout: Calculated from total pool after race

• Risk Level: Higher variability, potential for larger payouts

• Bet Types: Ideal for exotic bets (trifecta, exacta)

• Popularity: Popular on tote betting platforms

Bonuses and Promotions for Horse Racing Betting 

Welcome Bonuses 

Most horse betting sites in South Africa offer welcome bonuses to customers when they register for the first time. These incentives allow users to explore what is available at a betting site without too much risk.

Horse racing betting sites welcome bonuses can be in the form of either free bets or a matched deposit offer. Free bets are given to customers, with no need for any prior deposit or money to be handed over, allowing bettors to enjoy some risk-free betting as they explore the site. Deposit match offers require bettors to make a monetary deposit into their accounts first, then the site will match this up to a certain amount or percentage. This provides more opportunities to place bets worry-free as you are not required to spend more. 

Horse Racing-Specific Promotions

Some platforms will provide exclusive promotions that are tailored specifically to horse racing, adding that extra bit of value for enthusiasts. 

Horse racing betting specific promotions can include enhanced odds when it comes to major events on the calendar, such as the Durban July, boosting the potential payouts on popular horses. There can also often be cashback offers on certain races ti refund a percentage of if your losses if your bets do not win. These race-specific promotions make betting on horse racing that bit more exciting and will attract keen horse racing punters to a site.

Loyalty Programs

Exclusive to some of South Africa’s top online horse racing betting sites are loyalty and rewards programs. Built to benefit regular bettors, these reward frequent customers with extra benefits for returning.

For example, regular bettors can earn points for each bet that they place, these can then be redeemed at a later date for anything from free bets, cash bonuses, or other exclusive offers. There are also horse racing betting sites that promote tiered loyalty programs, where bettors will move up the different tiers and earn rewards in doing so. The higher the tier, the better the reward. These types of programs enhance the betting experience and encourage bettors to keep coming back and maintain customer loyalty.

Live Streaming and In-Play Betting on Horse Racing

Live streaming, a feature quickly becoming one of the most popular at betting sites, allows users to watch their favourite sports in real-time while placing and tracking bets alongside.

Live streaming is one of the most valuable features for horse racing enthusiasts, as it allows them to track their bets while watching the live action, enjoying a more immersive and often exciting experience. Thankfully, most of the top horse racing betting sites in South Africa, including Betway, HollywoodBets, and Sportingbet, offer live streaming services to customers across local and international races so that South African bettors can get the most out of their time at their chosen site.

Often accompanying live streaming is the ability to place in-play bets alongside. This is particularly prevalent across sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket, however, it is less so in horse racing. This is due to the fast-paced and short nature of the races. Often only lasting for a few minutes, it makes it almost impossible for horse betting sites to provide live odds and for bettors to analyse odds and place bets as well. The majority of horse racing bets are placed before a race begins.

Mobile Horse Racing Betting in South Africa

The growth in popularity of mobile horse racing betting in South Africa comes as no surprise. The sheer convenience and accessibility of placing bets from wherever you are, whenever you want, is enough of an appeal to casual and regular bettors. Many of the leading horse racing betting sites South Africa is home to provide mobile-compatible platforms as well as dedicated mobile apps specially designed for mobile horse racing betting. In particular, HollywoodBets and Betway stand out for the mobile betting experience had by keen punters.

The top mobile-compatible betting sites offer customers some unique features specific to mobile betting. For example, bettors can set up push notifications to receive race updates and results. Mobile banking integrations have also been incorporated with popular payment methods, including EFT, credit cards, and e-wallets, assuring bettors of hassle-free and secure transactions.  

To get the most out of your online horse racing mobile betting experience, bettors must keep a few things in mind. Firstly, keep in mind if live streaming races the data usage in order to avoid any charges as streaming uses a large amount of data. Ensuring that when betting, you are always using a secure connection, and in particular, avoiding public wifi’s to protect any sensitive information.  

Security and Safety

By choosing one of the recommended horse racing betting sites above, you can be sure that you are protected and that you will have an enjoyable experience. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) requires horse racing betting sites to follow strict financial regulations to prevent money laundering and fraud and allows access to verified users only. The FIC law also requires platforms to undergo a strict identity verification process, adding an extra layer of protection before deposits and withdrawals are processed. 

The top horse racing betting sites in South Africa must also implement advanced security measures to safeguard users and their information. These online security protocols often include encryption technology, secure login processes, and threat protection systems designed to defend against cyber attacks. Many horse racing betting sites also employ risk management practices, such as two-factor authentication and data encryption, to create further security. These sites maintain an industry-leading reputation for security. 

Additionally, our top-rated horse racing betting sites focus on customer experience enhancement, offering trusted loyalty programs and betting site promotions that engage and retain users while encouraging responsible gambling.  

Customer Support

Strong customer support is one of the most important factors of any horse racing betting site, especially when it comes to resolving any payment, account, or verification issues. These issues can affect customers' ability to place bets and use the site as they wish, so having a reliable support team on hand to assist is vital for a positive betting experience.

A reliable, responsive and friendly team should be on hand to assist, with most betting sites offering support around the clock. Common support options include live chat, email, and phone support, with the fastest responses often being received via live chat, usually within minutes. The 24/7 support provided is crucial for resolving any time-sensitive issues for customers. Also important for horse betting sites are positive reviews and high ratings left by current and previous customers. This will make new bettors want to sign up with a site and know it is trusted and legitimate. 

Responsible Gambling

Just like all forms of sports betting and gambling, horse racing betting should be done responsibly for a fun and enjoyable experience. It is important to remain vigilant and notice signs of betting becoming more than just fun. The top horse race betting sites will all have responsible gambling tools in place for bettors to apply should they need to. Self help tools such as setting deposit limits and time limits to control spending and the amount of time using a site are readily available, as well as further support should bettors need. Organisations such as the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) offer resources and support for bettors and can be contacted via online horse racing sites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in South Africa?

Yes, it is legal to bet on horse racing in South Africa at licenced betting sites.

What is the best payment method for online betting in South Africa?

Debit cards and e-wallets are the best payment methods for online horse racing betting in South Africa.

Can I bet on international horse races from South Africa?

Bettors in South Africa are able to place bets on international horse races.

How do I claim a horse racing sign-up bonus?

To claim a horse racing betting sign-up bonus, register for an account and meet the promotion's requirements, entering any promo code if there is one when prompted.

Is there live streaming available for horse races?

Live streaming is available to bettors at the best horse racing betting sites.