Best Live Betting Sites in South Africa for 2025

Best Live Betting Sites in South Africa

During our research, we discovered that over 100 betting sites operate in South Africa. We checked through each to select the top 6 live sports betting sites. Find our picks below.

Mzansibet

The first of the many live betting sites on the list is Mzansibet. Mzansibet is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board (WCGRB), ensuring a safe, regulated platform. The site uses SSL encryption and requires FICA verification for secure transactions.

The live bet section offers fast odds updates and a variety of markets, including soccer, rugby, cricket, and horse racing. Features such as live stats, cash-out, and price are also available to enhance your betting experience. Mzansibet is mobile-friendly, providing easy access to in-play betting on smartphones and tablets, making it convenient for bettors on the go.

Betway

Betway stands out thanks to its reputation as an international bookmaker. The betting site is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board (WCGRB) through Raging River Trading (Pty) Ltd. It also owns an Mpumalanga Economic Regulator license through Eastern Dawn Sports (Pty) Ltd. With these two licences, Betway provides a secure, regulated platform for South African bettors.

Players get an excellent live bet experience, with fast odds updates and a variety of in-play markets across sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, and tennis. They can also control in-game events, thanks to features like live stats and cash-out. The bookie also offers live streaming for most sports, allowing players to watch their favourite players.

Mobile bettors get a user-friendly mobile site, alongside dedicated apps for Android and iOS. This makes it easy to place bets on the go.

Bettabets

Bettabets holds a license from the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, providing a secure, legal platform for South African bettors. In-play betting here spans several sports, including soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis, and horse racing. 

Like most live sportsbooks, bettors get a host of live bet features. These include fast odds updates, a wide selection of in-play markets, live stats, and cash-out options. While there’s no dedicated mobile app, the browser-based Bettabets site is mobile-friendly. Players can easily access in-play betting on the go.

Betfred

Betfred is also one of the best live sports betting sites in South Africa, with an Mpumalanga Economic Regulator license. Like other bookmakers on this list, you get an extensive live betting feature that includes live scores and cash out. 

You can wager live betting plays on tennis, cricket, horse racing, soccer, rugby, and a host of other sports. Odds update quickly, and you’ll usually find strong in-play markets to try out. While there is no dedicated app, the mobile-optimised site works smoothly for on‑the-go betting.

HollywoodBets

Hollywoodbets is another top bookmaker on our list of live betting sites in South Africa. It operates legally, thanks to licenses from the Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Western Cape regulators. 

You can bet across multiple sports, including soccer, tennis, cricket, horse racing, etc. It supports live betting features like cash out and real-time odds, which can be really helpful to make quick in-play decisions. 

For mobile users, Hollywoodbets provides an Android app. No iOS app, but you can still use the mobile site to make in-play wagers.

10bet

10bet is the last on our list of live betting sites for South Africans. It’s also licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. It shines with fast odds updates and an advanced live match tracker that provides real-time graphical updates during matches. Unfortunately, players do not get live video streaming.

Bettors can play live betting on both mainstream and niche sports, including soccer, tennis, rugby, F1, Ice Hockey, NFL, MLB, etc. You can also access Cash Out (full and partial) features, along with live statistics for better decision-making.

What Are Live Betting Sites?

Unlike pre-match betting, where all bets are locked in before the game starts, live betting allows you to react to the action in real time. Also known as in-play or in-running betting, live betting lets you place wagers on a game as it unfolds. 

With in-play bets, odds change as the game progresses. So, a goal, a red card, or even an injury can instantly shift the odds, creating new betting opportunities. You often need to make decisions quickly based on the game’s momentum.

In South Africa, popular sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, and tennis offer plenty of live betting options. Unpopular sports like Ice Hockey, NFL, MLB, MMA/UFC, Boxing, F1, and eSoccer are sometimes available on live bookmakers. 

Based on our experience, you’ll find a wide range of unique betting markets under the live section. Options include next goal, team to win the remainder of matches, next goalscorer, and more. In-play bets offer a dynamic, engaging way to bet as you follow the action on the field. 

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How We Ranked the Best Live Betting Sites

Wondering how we picked the live betting sites for this guide? We focused on a few key factors to ensure you get the best experience. Here's what we looked for.

Licensing and Regulation

Licensed live sportsbooks are the foundation of safe and fair betting. So, we only included sites licensed by trusted South African gambling authorities. These include the Gauteng Gambling Board, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, Mpumalanga Gambling Board, Limpopo Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.

These licenses ensure that the platform operates legally, in compliance with the necessary rules to protect data and ensure fair betting. A licensed bookmaker also means that you have a proper process in place if anything like a betting dispute or payment issue arises.  

Quality of Live Odds

Live betting is all about reacting to the game. Odds can change by the second based on what’s happening on the field of play. That’s why quick, accurate odds are essential to players. 

Therefore, we looked for live betting sites that update their odds instantly.  We also made sure the live betting sites we picked have a smooth, fast update process. This gives bettors the best chance to take advantage of changing odds as soon as they shift. With real-time odds, players can react quickly and make decisions based on the latest developments. 

Live Streaming Availability

Live streaming brings the action straight to you, so you can see what’s happening, not just guess based on stats. Therefore, we chose live betting sites that offer live streaming to help you make informed decisions on what you’re watching.  

We gave extra points to bookmakers like Hollywoodbets and Betway that cover popular sports like soccer and rugby. They allow you to follow key moments, such as goals, injuries, and red cards. For those without live streaming, we made sure they offer other helpful features, such as live stats and graphical representations, to keep you updated. You can expect the best live streaming betting sites to provide both live streaming and live match trackers. 

Cash-Out Feature

Cash-out lets you settle your bet early before the event finishes. If things are going well, you can lock in a profit. If not, you can cut your losses.

We only selected live betting sites that offer cash-out options, giving you the flexibility to make adjustments during the game. The best sites provide both full cash-out (settling the entire bet) and partial cash-out (allowing you to take part of the payout and leave the rest).

Speed and Usability

In live betting, speed matters because odds change rapidly. The last thing you want is a slow, laggy site when you're trying to place a quick bet. Therefore, we tested how quickly you can place bets and how easy the bookie is to navigate. 

Our shortlist of live betting sites includes only those that load quickly and are easy to use. This ensures you can place instant bets in a few clicks, both on the web and mobile, without any frustration.

App Performance

Do you want to bet on the go? Then you need to consider the best live sports betting sites that provide a mobile web or app. Fortunately, most betting sites now provide mobile apps for iOS and Android.  

During our test, we confirmed that the apps were well optimised for in-play betting, with a clean interface and quick access. The best apps let you bet just as easily on your phone as you would on your computer. Where the live betting sites lack a mobile app for iOS or Android, we ensured there’s a well-optimised mobile site that is still accessible on the go. 

Safety and Responsible Gambling Tools

Your safety is always a priority. Aside from licensing, we only considered sites that offer robust security measures to protect your personal and financial information. This includes features such as SSL encryption, which keeps your data safe and ensures your transactions are secure.

We also looked at live sportsbook operators that offer responsible gambling tools. These tools help you manage your betting habits and ensure you gamble within your limits. Features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion allow you to set boundaries and take breaks when needed.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Live Betting Safely

Ready to begin your live betting journey? Here is how you can bet on live matches in a few steps:  

1. Choose a licensed bookmaker: Pick a bookmaker that’s licensed by South African authorities. All the best live sports betting sites on our list tick the licensing and regulation checkboxes.  

2. Register your account: Sign up by providing your details. The site will ask for personal information to create your account, such as your name, address, and phone number. 

3. Verify your documents: After registration, you'll need to upload documents like your ID and proof of address. FICA verification is vital for keeping your account secure and compliant with local laws.

4. Deposit funds: Add money to your account using payment methods such as EFT, Ozow, or credit cards. Be sure to check the minimum deposit amount and any fees before depositing.

5. Explore the live betting markets: Once your account is funded, head to the live betting section and start placing bets. You’ll usually find the “Live” or “In Play” button in the sports section. Remember that live betting is fast, so always bet responsibly and avoid chasing losses. 

Key Live Betting Features to Look For

When you’re betting on live matches, certain features can make a big difference. Here’s what to look for in live betting sites.

Cash-Out

Cash-out gives you the power to settle your bet early on the best live sports betting sites. You can decide to lock in a profit or cut your losses by cashing out. 

Live betting sites with full and partial cash-out options allow more flexibility, so it’s easier to manage your bets during the game. This feature is especially valuable in fast-changing matches where the momentum can shift quickly.

Fast Markets

Live betting is about reacting quickly. Fast markets let you place quick bets, like who will score next or who’ll get the next yellow card. These markets keep things exciting and give you more chances to bet as the action unfolds.

Live Streaming

Live streaming is a significant advantage if you want to watch the game while you bet. It’s not available everywhere. But live betting sites that offer it let you follow the action and make smarter betting decisions. 

Watching the game live gives you a clear view of the match as odds shift, so that you can make more informed decisions. It creates a more immersive experience and ensures you stay connected to the game while betting.

Instant Odds Updates

Odds change fast in in-play betting. Live betting sites with instant odds updates ensure you're constantly placing bets with the most current information. If the odds aren’t updating quickly, you might miss key moments or opportunities. Therefore, prioritise bookmakers that refresh in real-time, so you can take advantage of odds that reflect the live action. 

Low Latency

Low latency is key to staying in sync with the action. If there’s a delay between the event happening and the data reaching you, it can affect your decisions. Always go with live betting sites that offer low latency, so you can react to live events faster and place bets more quickly.  

Mobile App Support

Betting on the go is a must for many, so mobile app support is a big plus. A good app should be fast, easy to navigate, and offer all the features available on the desktop site. 

You must be able to make deposits, check your balance, place live bets quickly and track bets easily on the move. It’s your ticket to betting anytime, anywhere.

In-Play Statistics

In-play stats provide live data during the match, such as possession and player performance. These stats help you make informed decisions based on current trends while betting. This is even more important in situations where live streaming isn’t available. So, look for the best live sports betting sites that provide up-to-date stats and graphical simulations to stay on top of the game.

Popular Sports for Live Betting in South Africa

Wagering on live matches adds a whole new level of excitement to sports for South African bettors. Here are the most popular sports to bet on on live sport betting sites.

Soccer (Football)

Soccer is the most popular sport on South African live betting sites. Whether it’s local leagues like the PSL or top international matches like the FIFA World Cup, soccer offers plenty of live markets. 

You can bet on markets like the next goal scorer, the number of corners, or even a team’s chance of winning. The constant action and quick changes in the game make soccer ideal for live betting.

Rugby

Rugby is another live betting favourite in South Africa. Big events like Springbok international matches and major tournaments like the United Rugby Championship (URC) give you many betting options. You can bet on in-play markets like tries, penalties, winning margins, or player performances.

Cricket

Cricket is also popular for live betting, especially the T20 World Cup and major leagues like the IPL. You can place live bets on markets like runs in the next over, method of next dismissal, next wicket, next bowler, and total runs.  The game’s momentum can shift quickly, making it a suitable sport for live betting. 

Tennis

Tennis is well-known for its fast pace and variety, making it great for live betting. Markets are usually settled after almost every point. So, you can wager on the next point winner, next game winner, correct score in the set, aces, etc. Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open offer plenty of live betting opportunities, especially as matches get more interesting.

Horse Racing

Horse racing has always been a favourite on the best live sports betting sites. With in-play betting, you can place bets on each race as it happens, choosing markets like which horse will win or place. Major events like the Durban July or Cape Town Met unlock even more options.

Responsible Gambling and Safety Tools

Responsible gambling ensures that betting remains safe and enjoyable. All South African live betting sites on our list are committed to protecting users. Age and identity checks (FICA) are in place to prevent underage gambling. Other responsible gaming tools on these sites include. 

• Deposit Limits: Set caps on your daily, weekly, or monthly deposits.

• Loss Limits: Control how much you can lose over a set period.

• Time Limits/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily lock your account for a short time (24 hours to 7 days).

• Self-Exclusion: Permanently ban yourself from your account for at least six months.

Using these features on live betting sites ensures a safer betting experience. Players who are struggling with problem gambling may also sign up with the National Responsible Gambling Programme. They can reach out by calling 0800 006 008 or visiting https://responsiblegambling.org.za.

Conclusion

While live betting is enjoyable and rewarding, it’s important to do it properly. Start by choosing one or more licensed live betting sites regulated by South African authorities to ensure your safety. You should also understand the in-play markets you are wagering on. There are several of them out there, so take your time to see what works best for you. 

Additionally, look for live betting sites with valuable features such as fast odds, cash-out options, and mobile support. All of these contribute to a smooth, convenient experience. Most importantly, keep your gambling safe. Use tools like deposit and loss limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to stay in control. 

Betting should be fun, so always bet responsibly and within your means. That’s the best way to enjoy live plays while staying in control.